Structuring glass surfaces using laser irradiation

The picture shows a glass surface processed using laser. The different laser and scanner parameters create various degrees of delustering.
Pictures: Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.


The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. (LZH) uses laser irradiation to structure glass surfaces.

Delustering of large flat glass objects is currently carried out mainly using etching or sand blasting processes. During these processes, the glass surface is roughed up either chemically using hydrofluoric acid or mechanically by blasting it with suitable granulated materials. The glass appears matte in these areas. Handling, preparation and disposal of the materials required for the treatment often tie up considerable resources during production. Single-use cover foils are used for the delustering of localized partial areas or decors, and these foils must be specifically produced for each individual application.

Laser beam vaporises glass surface

Instead, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. uses laser irradiation. In this procedure, the laser beam is redirected onto the glass pane via a scanner mirror, and it vaporizes the surface of the material in small, locally confined areas. This produces micro-structures on the glass. Depending on the structural density, the glass surface appears to the human eye anywhere from partially transparent to completely opaque. With the aid of this system, patterns of any shape can be depicted on the surface of the object at very high speed.

In general, all kinds of glass, including tempered glass, can be used for this process. Decorative elements can be processed by the scanner software as images or constructional drawings and transferred directly to the glass surface without expensive foils. Another application of this procedure is the remelting of already structured surfaces. For example, conventionally matted surfaces can be remelted without local limitation using the laser, so the processed area appears more transparent.

Laser technology at glasstec 2008

At glasstec 2008, the Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V. presents the various possibilities of the laser processing of glass. Interested visitors may inspect various glass specimens processed using laser technology at the LZH stand (hall 11, stand A 42).

Further topics of the LZH presentations are:

-Delustering and structuring of glass surfaces
- Micro-processing of glass
- Stress-induced drilling of glass objects
- Joining, forming and separation of tube glass
- Glass-metal connections

The following applications are presented in the area of photovoltaics:

- Edge isolation
- Structuring of thin layers
- Further processing options (drilling etc.)