LASER LINETECHNOLOGY
Laser glass strengthening
Laser processes to improve the mechanical strength of glass and explore new opportunities in thin glass, lightweight products and continuous manufacturing.
How it works
We treat glass with a laser line instead of heating the whole piece in a tempering furnace. The result is an alternative to conventional thermal tempering that uses less energy and, above all, leaves the glass in a different state: it can still be worked afterwards.
- 1.2 – 12 mmglass thickness range
- 2020patent for laser processing of high-strength glass
What it gives the material
| Property | What changes in the part | Where it matters |
|---|---|---|
| It can be cut and drilled after treatment | With conventional tempering, once the glass is tempered it cannot be worked. Here it can, and that changes the manufacturing order. | — |
| Greater hardness and strength | Strength equal to or above conventional tempering. | — |
| Better light transmission | Relevant wherever optical performance counts. | Solar Energy & Glass |
| Functional surface nanostructure | The surface can be structured to add functions. | Automotive & Mobility |
| Lower energy consumption | Compared with the traditional tempering method. | — |
What changes for you
- Opens the thin-glass market, below the thicknesses conventional tempering accepts.
- Less energy per part and lower associated emissions.
- Allows the process to be reordered: temper first, machine afterwards.
Development status
Proof of concept reported; end products require application-specific validation.
Where it applies
Each application needs specific validation. Qualification or commercial availability of the final product is not implied.
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