Organization Name: Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Project introduction:

Large-scale glass is essential for solar photovoltaics, high-end architecture, aircraft windows, etc. Its market capacity is expected to exceed 300 billion. With the increasing need for size, thickness and toughness, conventional mechanical drilling is confronted with the problem of incontinuous cutting force, leading to vibration or even crack, resulting in a low percentage of the pass and high tool wear.

Short-pulse laser is characterized by its non-contact manufacturing, zero cutting force, and low heat damage, which make it the ideal method to cut holes in large-scale glasses. Therefore, we propose the kerf formation strategies, including concentric circles, inner spirals, and large spirals, and form highly stable parameters. Then we establish a sound emission detection network method based on 3D arrays and explore the relationship between parameters, sound wave, and quality to realize the on-the-fly defect identification and parameter modification. In addition, we develop key equipment, including multi-finger flexible clamps, high-speed shuttle transport, and adaptive surface coating devices to invent the hole cutting intelligent equipment for large-scale glass. Finally, we integrate 12 processes, including edge grinding, hole cutting, silk-screening, coating, tempering, and combine the MES control system to develop two 24-hour cold end production lines for large-scale glass, with a production capacity of over 420, 000 pieces per month.

We have developed three series of five hole-cutting equipment by short-pulse laser for large-scale glass. More than 60 sets are implemented in top companies such as Nan Bo, Pang Bo, Xin Fu Xing, and exported to "BRICS+" countries such as Turkey. Two production lines are also formed. We have published 8 SCI papers and applied for 21 invention patents based on our work. In addition, our work is also awarded by Second Prize of Hubei Provincial Science and Technology Progress in 2021 and the Excellent Prize of the 22nd China Hi-Tech Fair.

The implementation of the project will promote the high-quality development of the hole cutting technique and equipment for large-scale glass, and benefit the cooperation among "BRICS+" countries.