Laser separation of chemically strengthened glass

A laser method for separating the strengthened glass and the effect of this process on edge quality and strength are reported. We have shown, for the first time to our knowledge, that developed laser based cutting technique enables clean full separation of the strengthened glass sheets having high level of ion exchange without spontaneous cracking or shattering. Nearly “flaw-free” edge was achieved after optimization of the laser cutting parameters and after defining of an optimum range of the central tension inside the glass. As a result, high strength of the edge of >500 MPa is demonstrated for the first time.