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Method of cutting glass with a laser and an article made therewith

  • US 4,467,168 A
  • Filed: 04/01/1981
  • Issued: 08/21/1984
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/01/1981
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Method of cutting glass having a predetermined thickness with laser means having a laser beam output, said method comprisingsuperposing the glass in predetermined spaced relationship with respect to a support means;

  • directing laser means so that a laser beam generated thereby is incident upon said glass, said laser means having a predetermined energy output;

    focusing said laser beam to a focal point proximate the surface of said glass to locally heat said glass proximate said focal point;

    vaporizing a first thickness of said glass proximate said laser focal point, said first thickness being less than the total glass thickness;

    simultaneously with said vaporizing, heating the remaining thickness of said glass proximate said laser focal point, said remaining thickness being heated above its annealing temperature;

    directing a jet of gas so that it is incident upon the proximity of said laser focal point, said jet cooperating with said beam to remove said vaporized and said heated glass proximate said laser focal point to create a hole through said glass; and

    effecting movement between said glass and said laser focal point and gas jet along a predetermined path at a predetermined rate, maintaining said focal point at or about the surface of said glass during any movement, thereby defining a cut through the entire thickness of said glass.

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