How does the process of glass drilling with a green laser work?
The laser drilling process begins by precisely focusing a laser beam onto the surface of the glass so that it penetrates downwards and starts the ablation process. As the hole is drilled, the laser beam follows an upward spiraling path, gradually ablating the glass until the center piece falls away, creating a perfectly shaped hole.
Can the green laser only drill circular holes in glass or also other shapes?
Our machines offer unlimited versatility when it comes to hole forming. With customizable software, the same machine can effortlessly drill different geometric shapes. This eliminates the need for time-consuming tool changes or adjustments to other parameters and saves valuable time for our customers.
Can the green laser drill all types of glass?
The green laser’s ability to pierce various types of glass is subject to certain limitations. In particular, the glass must be transparent for the laser to be effective. If the glass is dark in color, it may either be impossible to drill through or require a significantly slower drilling speed.
What is the thinnest and thickest glass thickness that can be drilled?
In general, the range extends from at least 0.4 mm up to 70 mm.
How fast is the green laser?
The answer depends on various factors, such as the thickness of the glass and the area that needs to be processed. We have written a comprehensive blog on this topic. You can find this blog here: https://www.mdi-ap.com/en/revolutionizing-laser-glass-drilling-how-green-laser-technology-is-changing-glass-processing/
What are the advantages of laser drilling over conventional drilling methods for glass?
In contrast to traditional methods, laser drilling offers considerable advantages. It eliminates the need for frequent purchases of spare parts, abrasives and other consumables. In addition, laser drilling is a clean process that results in no water loss and significantly reduced energy consumption, making it extremely efficient for glass drilling.
What types of lasers are commonly used for drilling glass? Are there other laser sources that I can use to drill glass?
MDI mainly uses green lasers for glass drilling, although an IR laser may also be suitable in certain situations. If you have a project and are unsure about the ideal laser solution, please do not hesitate to ask us for help.
Does drilling glass with a laser consume a lot of energy?
Our machines are characterized by high energy efficiency and operate at maximum power with a consumption of around 6.5 KVA.
Can I temper glass that has been drilled with the green laser?
Yes, it is possible to temper glass that has been drilled with a green laser. However, determining the degree of hardness will be the decisive factor. Based on our experience, we recommend drilling samples for customers, which can then be tested in a curing oven to determine the result.
Can I chamfer the edges of the holes?
The short answer is yes, although there are some restrictions to consider. It is possible to chamfer the underside of the hole during the drilling process with a variety of radius options. However, the upper side is very limited. It is only possible to “mute” the edges a little. Also note a longer processing time compared to simply drilling the hole without chamfering.
Is the green laser capable of carrying out other processes in addition to glass drilling?
Absolutely! Our LD machine series offers a wide range of capabilities. In addition to glass drilling, you can use these machines to perform various processes such as drilling different shapes, ablating coatings, chamfering holes and even creating channels both inside and on the glass surface.
What factors influence the drilling speed and quality when using a laser?
Quality is mainly influenced by speed, and the following factors have an effect on speed:
- The glass thickness
- The glass coloring
- The hole/mold size
- Whether the glass is coated or not
Are there any restrictions or limitations when laser drilling glass?
Yes, they do exist. Glass cannot be drilled in the following cases:
- The glass is too dark and the green light cannot penetrate.
- The surface of the glass is structured and deflects 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 is used in the automotive and household goods industry, the architectural and solar glass industry, touch panels and the electronics industry. We are also pleased to note that we are continuously receiving interest from other glass-related sectors.
Is laser drilling of glass a safe process?
The process is highly environmentally friendly thanks to its extremely low energy consumption and zero water consumption. It is also safe for people, provided that safety guidelines are followed.
Are special training courses or certifications required to operate laser drilling machines 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 particular machine. Our highly experienced team is available to provide comprehensive training either on-site or remotely.
