New application for lasers in insulation glass production

Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.
Laser technology enables even complex forms and shapes to be easily cut out of glass.

Laser technology is finding an increasing number of new application areas in glass manufacture and processing. For some time now lasers have already been reliably performing their task in the areas of glass cutting and marking. A new feature now is their use in coating removal (edge deletion) on Low-E glass in insulation glass production.

The new development by the Italian glass machine manufacturer Intermac caused a stir in autumn 2007 among mechanical engineers and glass processors. This was because glass coating removal using laser technology offers several advantages compared to the grinding discs previously used for this procedure.

According to Intermac, the new technology performs coating removal in an absolutely dust-free process. This means prevention of glass pane contamination and improved product quality. As the laser is exclusively focused on removing the coating, the glass is neither interfered with nor heated. Micro abrasions and stress on the surface of the panes are thus effectively prevented.

Extensive coordination process

For two years the Intermac engineers have been working on the development of the new LCR (Laser Coating Removal) process and have conducted a whole series of tests before reaching their objective – the construction of a coating removal laser exactly coordinated to the cutting table’s characteristics. The development process had to overcome many obstacles, because the laser technology had to be coordinated with the cutting table’s extremely dynamic axis movements. In addition, the manufacturers’ high requirements placed on coating removal had to be met, a value added achieved and the costs of the unit kept within an acceptable level.

The prototype of the new laser coating removal unit was then finally fitted to the tried-and-tested Genius 37 CT cutting table series from Intermac. In order to check the coating removal quality, the renowned Istituto Giordano was commissioned with conducting a series of tests on the sealant’s adhesion to the glass, the insulation as well as the light, heat and weather-resistant characteristics of the glass. The certified tests on Low-E glass produced impressive results, Intermac reported. The performance and efficiency of the LCR system is currently 60 metres a minute. The mechanical engineering company assumes however that the unit still has further potential to offer in this area.

According to Intermac, the patent-applied-for laser coating removal system LCR is not only to be used on new systems. Owners of the Genius series Intermac cutting tables already installed can also retrofit them with the innovative laser technology.

Laser technology at glasstec 2008

In 2004 and 2008 the latest developments from the area of laser technology were already on display at the world’s largest glass trade fair. glasstec 2008 will continue this tradition from 21 to 25 October and once again devote a main theme area to this innovative future technology, as the application spectrum for laser technology in glass processing and finishing is yet to be fully exploited. In addition to separation, reshaping and engraving, glass drilling by laser beam is also opening up interesting perspectives for the glass industry.