How does the process of drilling glass by green laser work?
The laser drilling process starts by precisely focusing a laser beam onto the surface of the glass, allowing it to penetrate through to the bottom and initiate the ablation process. As the hole is drilled, the laser beam follows an upward spiral path, gradually ablating the glass until the central piece detaches, resulting in a perfectly formed hole.
Can the green laser only drill circular holes into glass or also other shapes?
Our machines offer unlimited versat
ility when it comes to hole shapes. With adjustable software, the same machine can effortlessly drill various geometric shapes. This eliminates the need for time-consuming tool changes or adjustments to other parameters, saving valuable time for our customers.
Can the green laser drill all kinds of glass?
Ideally the glass should be transparent. Dark colored glass is difficult to be drilled or with slow speed only.
What is the thinnest and thickest glass which can be drilled?
The thinnest glass which can be drilled is 0.4 mm and the tickest is 70 mm. If you have a use case which exceeds these parameters please contact us so we can find a solution for you.
How fast is the green laser?
The answer depends on various factors such as glass thickness and the area which needs to be processed. We have written an extensive Blog on this topic.
What are the advantages of laser drilling over traditional drilling methods for glass?
Unlike traditional methods, laser drilling offers significant advantages. It eliminates the need for frequent purchases of spare parts, abrasives, and other consumables. Additionally, laser drilling is a cleaner process, resulting in zero water waste and significantly reduced energy consumption, making it highly efficient for glass drilling.
What types of lasers are commonly used for drilling glass? Are there other laser sources with which I can drill glass?
We commonly use green laser. In some cases a IR laser may also work.
Does drilling glass with a laser require a lot of energy?
Our machines excel in energy efficiency, operating at maximum output with a consumption of approximately 6.5 KVA.
Can I temper glass which has been drilled by the green laser?
In general yes, but it is wise to run some tests before engaging in serial production.
Can I chamfer the edges of the holes?
The short answer is yes, even though there are some limitations involved. It is possible to chamfer the bottom side of the hole with a wide range of radius possibilities, during the drilling process. However, the upper side is strongly limited. It is only possible to somewhat „blunt“ the edges. Also, consider a longer processing time than just drilling the hole without chamfering.
Is the green laser capable of performing processes other than glass drilling?
Absolutely! Our LD machine series offers a wide range of capabilities. In addition to glass drilling, you can utilize these machines to perform various processes such as drilling different shapes, ablating coatings, chamfering holes, and even creating channels both inside and on top of the glass surface.
What are the factors that affect the drilling speed and quality when using a laser?
The quality is mainly affected by the speed, and the following factors affect the speed:
- The glass thickness
- The glass coloring
- The hole/shape size
- If the glass is coated or not
Are there any limitations or constraints when it comes to laser drilling of glass?
Yes, there are some. In the following instances glass can not be drilled:
- The glass is too dark and green light can not penetrate.
- The surface of the glass is structured and distracts the laser.
- The surface is wet or has too much dust on it.
- The glass is tempered.
What are the typical applications of laser-drilled glass?
Laser-drilled glass can be found in the automotive and white goods industry, architectural and solar glass, touch panels, and the electronic industry. Additionally, we are pleased to note that we consistently receive interest from other sectors associated with glass.
Is laser drilling of glass a safe process?
The process is highly environmentally friendly, thanks to its extremely low energy consumption and zero water usage. Moreover, it is also safe for humans, provided that safety guidelines are being practiced.
What are the potential risks or precautions to consider when using lasers for drilling glass?
There is no immediate risk as long as the laser is operated within the safety cabin. However, if you need to enter the cabin or operate the machine with the safety lid open, we highly recommend wearing safety goggles to prevent potential hazards to your eyes.
Are there any specific maintenance requirements for laser drilling equipment?
As a general guideline, it is recommended to perform maintenance from our side after 5,000 hours of operation to ensure the machine’s optimal working condition. Additionally, it is advisable to replace certain spare parts, such as optics and filters, approximately every 10,000 hours.
What are the costs associated with laser drilling of glass compared to other drilling methods?
Regarding the operating cost of the machine, it amounts to approximately $5 per hour. This cost covers yearly maintenance, spare parts, and electricity consumption. Roughly one-third of the cost is attributed to electricity consumption, which amounts to 6.5 KVA, while the remaining portion is allocated to maintenance and repairs.
Are there any specific training or certifications required to operate laser drilling equipment for glass?
No specific certifications are required to operate a laser drilling machine. However, it is essential to have a basic understanding of the process and familiarity with our specific machine. Our highly experienced team is available to provide comprehensive training either onsite or remotely.
