Companies combine resources for glass cutting

November 21--Applied Photonics Inc. (Scottsdale, AZ) and Jenoptik Automatisierungstechnik GmbH (Jena, Germany) have signed a cooperation agreement to accelerate the commercialization of break-through laser cutting technology for flat panel display and cell phone manufacturers. Both companies believe that this cooperative effort will help move laser technology into the next generation factories worldwide in a more expedious manner.

Applied Photonics has developed a patented method for making full laser cuts in attached or "laminated" display glass of 0.4 to 0.7 millimeter thickness with laser. The Jenoptik subsidiary contributes in-depth know-how of the engineering and manufacturing to respond to demand of laser machines and laser systems specifically for the flat panel display industry. Both parties intend to distribute their products worldwide with focus on the Asian market.

Under their cooperation, both parties will translate the new laser technology of cutting display glass to production hardware in order to meet the high quality requirements of cleanroom production in the display industry.

Reportedly, the optical and electronic characteristics of glass for flat displays make this material a particular challenge for processing with laser due to the complex interaction of glass and laser energy. In comparison with conventional methods, such as scribing and mechanical breaking, cutting with laser has several advantages: Aside from being faster and cleaner, the full cut also produces edges without microcracks, which makes the panels stronger and eliminates the need to grind the edges after cutting. This makes the laser technology not only a cost-saving method for the flat panel display industry, it also offers higher manufacturing efficiency and improved product quality.

For more information, visit www.appliedphotonics.com.