Nippon Electric Glass (NEG) has developed Sonarion™, an ultra-thin glass material engineered for speaker diaphragms, the critical component at the heart of acoustic devices.

With a thickness ranging from 25µm to 200µm, Sonarion™ ranks among the thinnest glass materials in the world, while still meeting the demanding mechanical and acoustic requirements of modern audio systems. Its proprietary glass composition enables a unique combination of lightweight structure and high strength, allowing it to endure intense vibration amplitudes and sound pressure levels without compromising performance.

The name “Sonarion™” blends sonar (sound) with Orion, the luminous winter constellation, symbolising clarity, brilliance, and a deep, expansive soundscape.

NEG developed this innovation in collaboration with Glass Acoustic Innovations Technology (GAIT), a Taiwanese specialist in ultra-thin glass processing. By applying advanced 3D forming and specialised chemical strengthening treatments, the material achieves optimised acoustic characteristics.

Compared to traditional diaphragm materials such as paper or metal, Sonarion™ delivers faster sound response, reduced distortion, and minimal colouration due to its low self-resonance and high internal damping. Its chemically strengthened surface also enhances durability, enabling resistance to heavy bass vibrations and environmental changes such as temperature and humidity.