Score, heat, break out, slit, and separate the film – this is the classical process used for LSG cutting. Despite all the advancements and digitalisation of recent years, it is still very time-consuming.
Due to the physical requirements involved, heating up the film is the part of this process that takes the longest. New laser separation technology now offers the potential to significantly shorten the processing cycle and improve edge quality.
Greater productivity thanks to fast warm-up and simultaneous processes
’The ProLam LSR is equipped with the new heating technology and enables twenty percent more productivity,’ reported HEGLA Managing Director Bernhard Hötger. After trying out a number of test setups and systems, the system has now been integrated into the ProLam as an optional extra. The heart of the system is a newly developed laser diode heating unit whose powerful, even, and highly focused laser beam applies heat to the cut contour with a high level of precision. The concentrated energy warms up the film faster, thus speeding up the cutting process. The fact that the diode array is fitted in a fixed position above the glass also helps to save time, as it allows operators to carry out multiple process steps simultaneously based on the appropriate working distance.
Cold edges for higher quality
In addition to reduced cycle times, the process offers advantages in terms of the quality of the cut end product. The heat dissipation from heating lamps always heats up the cut itself and also the area around it. With the new laser technology, however, the surrounding area remains almost completely cold. ’This effect produces the perfect conditions for optimum edge quality,’ HEGLA Managing Director Dr Heinrich Ostendarp explained. ’When the glass is pulled apart, only the heated foil around the cut is stretched out – the rest of the pane laminate is unaffected.’ This systematic improvement counters downstream delamination and visible blurring around the edges.
