Green Laser Cutting
Laser glass processing is increasingly utilized as various consumer electronics, such as televisions, mobile/smart phones, and GPS devices gain in popularity. Motivating factors include reduced cost through increased yield and device enhancement through laser-enabled processes.
Lasers are used to process different glass types, ranging from low-cost soda lime glass to a variety of higher-quality borosilicate glasses. Cutting requirements include basic straight line cutting/singulation as well as simple and complex geometric shapes. Process challenges include throughput, reduction of melt, and prevention of microcrack formation.
By using ultra-short pulse lasers, the thin glass can be cut quickly and precisely, so that no further post processing is needed. When glass is machined with ultra-short pulse lasers, however, the material cannot be cut through at once. The material is ablated layer by layer until it is cut through by repeated scanning of the cutting contour. Depending on the material thickness, several cutting lines have to be positioned in parallel and on top to be able to cut through the material completely.
Laser cutting machines can cut the desired size and shape.