Glass cutting

Flat glass is predominantly cut by scribing and breaking. However, this
process produces splinters of glass fragments and micro-cracks along the
separation line, which reduce the bending strength of glass substrates
significantly.

The patented MLBA process is based on the volume absorption through
multiple reflection of laser radiation in the glass, using diode-pumped cw-
YAG-lasers at the fundamental wavelength. By heating the glass using laser
radiation, a defined tension profile can be induced in the glass. On the basis
of a starting crack, the glass is separated by guiding the crack through
product. This non-contact procedure produces premium quality edges,
which provides increased firmness of the product. This procedure is
applicable for coated glass, too, and several glasses can be separated in
one processing step, without breaking. Thus, MLBA offers a worldwide
singular advantage.