Florida, United States [RenewableEnergyWorld.com]
Advanced Solar Photonics (ASP) has unveiled a new laser-based glass cutting system for the solar photovoltaic industry. The system produces micro-cracks in the subsurface layer of the glass and not thermal-fracturing of the glass.
"The processed glass is four to five times mechanically stronger and has defect free edges without additional edge processing."
-- Edgardo Rodriguez, VP - Sales, Advanced Solar Photonics
The company says that the non-contact process splits glass and other non-metallic brittle materials on the molecular level with no material loss, and no chips or other debris associated with conventional scribe and break technology.
It’s so-called Zero Width Laser Cutting Technology can be used, "‘for precise glass separation at production speeds not previously possible and with edge characteristics not attainable by any other process to date. The processed glass is four to five times mechanically stronger and has defect free edges without additional edge processing," said Edgardo Rodriguez, vice president of sales for Advanced Solar Photonics.