University of Extrication: Putting Gorilla Glass to the Test

Subject: Corning Gorilla Glass

Topic: Corning Gorilla Glass Use in Automobiles

Objective: Understand the application of Corning Gorilla Glass in automobiles

Task: The rescue team shall understand that glass removal tools and techniques currently used are effective for removal of Corning Gorilla Glass when encountered in automobile windows and windshields.

Vehicle rescue personnel have become aware that automakers are beginning to use Corning Gorilla Glass in newer automobiles. Gorilla Glass is a product of Corning Incorporated, a specialty glass and materials science company headquartered in Corning, NY. (Corning Gorilla Glass and Corning Gorilla Glass for Automotive are registered trademarks of Corning Incorporated.) 

Gorilla Glass has also been used as a cover glass on smartphones and other mobile devices. Because it is thin and tough, there is some concern among responders as to how tough this glass might really be and what challenges it could present during a vehicle extrication or fire incident. This article details research conducted to address those concerns.

At the present time, BMW's i8 hybrid uses Gorilla Glass as an acoustic separation panel, a small window between the rear engine and the passenger compartment. Another vehicle using this glass is the 2016 Ford GT supercar. A layer of Gorilla Glass is laminated to an interlayer and a layer of soda lime glass to form a multi-layer automotive glazing. Gorilla Glass renders to glazing thinner than conventional laminate glazing, reducing the overall weight of the window assembly, which is an advantage for the automaker.

Research work was conducted in cooperation with the engineers at the Corning Science & Technology research facility. Corning provided samples of Gorilla Glass mounted in a manner typical for automobile glazing applications. To evaluate the ability to work with this glass in real-world rescue situations, some common fire service hand tools and power tools were used to cut the Gorilla Glass window:a Halligan-type bar, a Beluga Glass Cutter head on a DeWalt cordless drill motor, and a Milwaukee reciprocating saw. 

The testing showed that, in this author’s opinion, all of the current vehicle rescue removal tools and techniques used for windshield laminated glass removal will be able to successfully remove vehicle windows or windshields that contain a layer of Corning Gorilla Glass. Even though Gorilla Glass is tough, traditional extrication tools proved to be sufficient. Based on this experience, it is projected that a Glas-Master windshield saw or even an axe will also be able to cut through Gorilla Glass without any issues and without any delays in the rescue process.