Core Technologies: Functional Design

AGC's shared core technologies have been accumulated and deepened over many years. They include highly sophisticated materials technology, functional design technology that yields enhanced functionality through convergence with materials technology, and production technology that enables stable production of high-quality products. Through our efforts to meet customers' expectations and our experience of utilizing various materials, we have also accumulated technologies for designing parts by assembling various materials. We use these technologies to bring out the full potential of materials.

Surface functional design

By using precisely controlled films and structures to create surfaces on glass or plastic films, we can provide a variety of surface functions. One example of this type of products is heat-reflective glass, which reduces the interior air conditioning load by reflecting infrared rays. The infrared rays are reflected by a thin metallic film, but the creation of the film alone is not enough to provide the required functionality. Other features, including a dielectric multilayer film, are also needed to maintain the essential transparency and durability of the glass. Another recent example of products with surface functions is the glass metasurface lens, a thin layer structure that allows 5G waves to pass more easily from outside into the interior. In addition to the creation of materials or combinations of materials, our surface function design technology also enables us to add new functions to surfaces. We anticipate applications in the Strategic Business areas of electronics and mobility.

A metasurface lens

Electrochemistry

AGC has used electrochemical technology accumulated over more than 70 years to build its brine electrolysis business. In recent years, we have also developed essential materials for fuel cells, rechargeable batteries, electrolytic cells, and other electrochemical products. We are developing technologies for use with a wide spectrum of both organic and inorganic materials, including the design, synthesis, and analysis of electrolyte and electrode materials, and membrane design and formation. We specialize in particular in molecular design technology, crystal structure analysis, and materials informatics. Additionally, we are deepening our knowledge of battery and electrolyte evaluation technology in order to develop more practical materials. Today and in the future, we aim to contribute to the solution of energy problems, climate change, and environmental problems through the development of these materials.

Hydrogen station (image)

Composites of different materials

The ability to combine multiple different materials rather than using single materials is becoming increasingly important as customers seek ever more advanced and complex functions. AGC possesses advanced technology for integrating materials by blending, separating, combining, joining and laminating different substances, such as glass, ceramics, metal, and resin. By combining composite material designs that meet environmental requirements with our original manufacturing technologies, we are overcoming difficult challenges relating to durability, productivity, and other aspects, allowing us to expand into areas ranging from materials and parts for next-generation telecommunications equipment to cover glass for vehicle-mounted displays, and next-generation double glazing products.

Complex-shaped cover glass for vehicle-mounted displays

Circuit and antenna design

AGC's long history as a developer of glass antennas began with the commercialization of antennas for mounting on vehicle rear windows to improve AM and FM radio reception. With the advent of 5G technology, we are on the threshold of a world in which all things and people will be interconnected. However, there are issues relating to the high frequencies used for 5G communication, including transmission losses, the difficulty of receiving signals behind buildings and other large structures, and the inability of the signals to pass through some materials and parts. AGC is developing technologies to overcome these issues, such as transparent glass antennas that are ideal for turning glass windows into communication windows, and flexible antennas that can be installed anywhere. The key concepts for these products are the reduction of signal loss, ease of installation, and stylish designs. We are using our circuit and antenna design technologies to offer products that will help to build a new era in mobility and electronics.

A synthetic fused silica glass antenna
A flexible antenna