From Theory to Practice: The Influence of Laser Frequency on Glass Processing

This article explores the impact of laser frequency on glass processing, from the theoretical to the practical, and explains how different parameters affect cutting precision, edge quality and processing efficiency.The institute also helps industry to quickly master the key points of improving processing quality through practical methods such as laser frequency parameter adjustment and optimization of glass cutting techniques.

Why does laser frequency affect glass processing?

In the case of using laser to process glass, many people may wonder why the frequency parameters are so important. In fact, it is related to the principle of interaction between laser and material.In simple terms, the frequency of a laser determines the number of pulses per unit time, and the higher the frequency, the shorter the interval between pulses.High-frequency lasers are prone to generate excess heat that can cause cracks in the edges of brittle materials like glass. Low-frequency lasers, on the other hand, although they cause less heating, may not be able to cut fast enough.

The practical impact of laser frequency on processing effect.

Precision and edge quality.

Experiments show that the smoothest edges are obtained when the laser frequency is controlled between 20-50kHz.For example, when cutting 3-mm glass at a frequency of 40 kilohertz, you can hardly see the microcracks along the edge, but when the frequency exceeds 80 kilohertz, the sudden rise in local temperature can turn the edge yellow or even cause it to crumble.There is a small trick here: When processing ultrathin glass, you can appropriately reduce the frequency (such as to 15kHz) and increase the scanning speed, thus ensuring precision while avoiding material breakage.

The balance point for processing efficiency.

High-frequency lasers seem to be able to improve processing speed, but in actual operation there are bottlenecks.One factory once tried to cut mobile phone covers at 100 kHz, but the equipment heated up so much that the downtime increased.Later they adjusted the frequency to 60kHz, and using a layered processing strategy, they were able to increase overall efficiency by 30 %.This shows that the threshold frequency for finding suitable materials and thickness is more practical than blindly pursuing high parameters.

How can the frequency parameters be optimized?

Three-step testing.

The first step is to cut the object with a low frequency (10 kHz) to observe the material's reaction. The second step is to gradually increase the frequency, recording the quality of the edge and the depth of the cut each time. The third step is to compare the data and choose a frequency that satisfies both quality requirements and efficiency.One glass factory has raised its production rate from 75 % to 92 % by using this method.

Table of frequencies for different materials.

According to industry experience, ordinary sodium-calcium glass requires 20-40 kHz, and sapphire glass requires an even lower frequency (5-15 kHz).If the pattern is a sculpture, dynamic frequency modulation can be used--low frequency for detailed areas and high frequency for outlines. This can preserve detail while saving time.

Common problems and solutions.

When you get a "wavy" cut, it is usually because the frequency and the speed of movement are out of sync.Try to lower the frequency by 10 % or adjust the overlap rate of the scanning path.If the carbonization occurs during drilling, it may be possible to add cooling time between pulses.Remember, after adjusting a parameter, you have to do destructive testing, using a microscope to check the cross-section structure, and don't just rely on what you can see with the naked eye.

From case studies to practical technique.

Last year a glass processing plant for automobiles ran into a problem. The yield rate for curved windshields was only 80 %.We suggested they abandon their standard parameters and instead use a segmented frequency strategy--using 35kHz in straight sections, and dropping to 25kHz in bends, and installing real-time temperature monitoring.The result was that the monthly pass rate shot up to 95 %, and even the customer was amazed at how smooth the edges felt, as if they had been polished.This tells us that the flexible use of frequency parameters is often more effective than textbook operation.