SCHOTT

Updated: 2026-09-25

Overview

SCHOTT is a German-based global leader in specialty glass and glass-ceramics, founded in 1884 by Otto Schott. The company operates in over 35 countries, serving industries that demand high-performance materials. SCHOTT’s innovations include ultra-thin glass for foldable smartphones, borosilicate glass for labware, and hermetic packaging for medical implants. With a strong R&D focus, SCHOTT holds over 15,000 patents. Its products are critical in sectors like healthcare (e.g., vials for COVID-19 vaccines), renewable energy (solar receivers), and advanced optics (AR/VR lenses). The company combines traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to meet stringent industry standards.

Physical and Chemical Properties

SCHOTT’s materials exhibit exceptional thermal stability (e.g., borosilicate glass resists thermal shock up to 400°C) and chemical inertness, making them ideal for corrosive environments. Their optical glasses offer precise refractive indices, while glass-ceramics like ZERODUR® have near-zero thermal expansion for telescope mirrors. Mechanical properties vary by product line: thin glass (e.g., 30–100 μm) for flexible electronics achieves tensile strengths of 600 MPa, while SCHOTT’s Xensation® glass for smartphones boasts scratch resistance surpassing sapphire. Density ranges from lightweight foamed glass (0.3 g/cm³) to dense lead-oxide shielding glass (6.2 g/cm³).

Main Applications

In pharmaceuticals, SCHOTT’s FIOLAX® borosilicate glass dominates the vial market, ensuring drug stability. The electronics sector relies on SCHOTT’s ultra-thin glass for OLED displays and semiconductor packaging. Solar thermal plants use SCHOTT’s receiver tubes, which withstand 400°C and intense UV exposure. The automotive industry integrates SCHOTT’s lightguides for adaptive headlights, while aerospace applications include cockpit displays with anti-reflective coatings. Medical technology benefits from hermetic glass seals in pacemakers and laser-resistant fibers for minimally invasive surgery.

Safety and Storage

SCHOTT’s glass products are generally non-toxic but require careful handling due to fragility. Broken edges can cause cuts; use gloves and protective eyewear during installation. For sensitive optical components, store in anti-static containers with desiccants to prevent moisture damage. Chemical compatibility should be verified—while borosilicate glass resists acids, hydrofluoric acid can etch surfaces. High-temperature products (e.g., CERAN® cooktop panels) must avoid sudden thermal shocks. Follow SCHOTT’s technical datasheets for specific storage humidity (typically <60% RH) and temperature limits.

B2B Procurement Guide

Procuring SCHOTT products requires clear specifications: dimensional tolerances (e.g., ±0.01 mm for precision optics), optical parameters (transmission spectra), or thermal properties (CTE values). MOQs vary; bulk orders for pharmaceutical vials start at 10,000 units, while custom R&D samples may be available in smaller batches. Lead times range from 2 weeks for standard items to 12+ weeks for customized solutions. Partner with authorized distributors (e.g., VWR for lab glass) or contact SCHOTT directly for OEM projects. Consider certifications like ISO 15378 for pharmaceutical packaging or DIN standards for industrial glass.