LaserVIG

The project aims to advance the production of vacuum insulating glass (VIG), a next generation technology that combines glass layers with high thermal insulation. Unlike conventional triple-glass windows, which are thick, heavy, and often unsuitable for renovations or historic buildings, vacuum insulating glass achieves excellent insulation by creating a vacuum between two glass panes, reducing heat transfer by more than 50 percent compared to standard glazing. Achieving this level of performance requires precision manufacturing, as the glass edges must be hermetically sealed. This challenge can be solved by the use of advanced laser soldering technique which uses a laser to join two layers of glass together with the vacuum between them. It is impüortant for this process to ensure a reliable seal at industrial scales while maintaining energy efficiency, process speed, and product quality. This project seeks to optimize the laser soldering process and develop scalable solutions that can translate laboratory results into industrial production, making highly insulating windows more accessible and sustainable.

At BIMAQ, the project focuses on monitoring and controlling the laser soldering process to ensure both reliability and production efficiency. For this purpose, optical imaging and thermography will be used to evaluate critical process parameters at the solder interface, such as temperature distribution, and wetting behavior, which directly impact the quality solder. Once these parameters are measured and analyzed, the next step is to optimize the soldering process through advanced control strategies that adjust the laser settings in real time. By linking sensor feedback to laser operation, the system aims to achieve a robust, repeatable, and scalable production process, enabling efficient and reliable manufacturing of vacuum insulated glass at an industrial scale.