Glass Processing
Separate the polymer interlayer precisely through the glass. Futonics thulium fiber lasers use selective absorption around 2 µm for contact-free interlayer cutting, supporting clean contours and automation alongside conventional glass-cutting tools.
Discuss your applicationLaminated safety glass combines glass layers with a polymer interlayer such as PVB or EVA. Conventional tools separate the glass, while the plastic interlayer remains a specific processing challenge.
Because many polymers absorb 2 µm radiation more strongly than glass, the interlayer can be processed selectively through the glass along straight or contoured paths.
Laser-based separation avoids mechanically pulling the film apart and can reduce jagged film edges, uneven borders and additional infrared-heating steps.
Combining proven glass scoring or diamond cutting with laser-based film separation expands automation possibilities, especially for contours and free-form geometries.
Laminated safety glass processing involves two different tasks: separating the glass sheets and separating the polymer between them. Conventional glass tools can cut the glass, while mechanical pulling or infrared heating is used to separate the film. Pulling the film apart can leave uneven borders or draw material out of the edge region.
In the Futonics process, the laser addresses the polymer interlayer through the glass. The glass itself continues to be processed with established scoring or diamond-cutting tools. This distinction is important: the 2 µm application concerns selective film separation, not replacement of every glass-cutting step.
Selective laser separation follows the desired film contour and supports processing beyond straight cutting lines. The combination with conventional glass cutting is relevant to free-form geometries and automated glass-processing systems. PVB, EVA and comparable polymer interlayers must be evaluated within the actual glass construction.
Together with HEGLA GmbH & Co. KG, we developed a contoured laminated-glass cutting machine that was demonstrated at Glasstec in 2016 and 2018. The machine combines conventional glass cutting with laser separation of the polymer interlayer. Images and videos are provided courtesy of HEGLA.
Suitability depends on glass construction, interlayer material, layer thickness, contour, process speed and system concept. Futonics supports application evaluation and selection of a suitable laser module for automated glass-processing systems.
CW
The 400 W Thulium Fiber Laser from Futonics is a single-mode 2 µm fiber laser system for industrial, medical and scientific applications. It provides up to 400 W continuous output power, fixed emission wavelengths between 1908 nm and 2050 nm, excellent beam quality and reliable long-term operation. The compact 19-inch rackmount housing is designed for integration into demanding laser processing, research and OEM systems.
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