In the last decade the demand for new functions in building glass products has grown dramatically to realize smart window applications. The realization of these new functions leads to the development of glass processing technologies using laser radiation. By means of laser radiation it is possible to change a broad range of properties of the window glass product. Those laser structures can be seen by the naked eye as well as to be invisible. The new generation of laser scanning technologies speed up the existing laser processes dramatically. This gives the possibility to connect laser processes with existing IGU production processes and reduces manufacturing costs and production time. Furthermore, an optimization of the production sequence of IGU’s is the consequent result of usage these new technologies. For this laser induced processes examples of laser applications will be presented as well as the process tool. In addition, this technology can also be used to recycle old IGUs. Cleaning and stripping processes on dismantled IGU panes lead to a new use of glass that has already been used.
Thomas Rainer
Laser Glass Processing – Next Generation
Company: Hegla boraident GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
About the speaker:
Dr. Thomas Rainer is Head of Operation & Development of the HEGLA boraident GmbH & Co KG. After studying at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg he specialized in the field of laser and glass material science. His specialty is laser-induced formation and modification of nano particles in glass materials. From 2000 up to 2017 he was the managing director of boraident GmbH. In 2017 boraident would a part of HEGLA Group, one of the leading machine building companies for glass processing and he was Head of Operation and Resarch.