Glass masking method using lasers

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for masking glazing panels while leaving a peripheral region free of masking material. The method can include providing a masking material and applying the masking material to at least one major surface of the glazing panel. The glazing panel can be either a single glass pane or a multi-pane insulating glass unit. After application to at least one major surface, a laser can be used to describe a closed path on the major surface, thereby cutting or scoring the masking material through to the glass major surface. The path demarcates a central, masked region from a peripheral masked region of the glazing panel. In one method, the laser cuts a muntin bar pattern having several central regions. The laser power can be selected and/or adjusted such that the masking material is burned through, without damage to the underlying glass material and any coatings on the glass material. After cutting through the masking material to define the peripheral masked region, the peripheral masked region can be peeled or stripped off from the masked glazing panel. The remaining panel thus has a protective mask about the central region while leaving the peripheral region unprotected. The resultant masked glazing panel may be assembled into a window unit by mounting window frame members about the four sides of the glazing panel. The window frame members may thus have a tight and durable fit directly to the glass in the peripheral region, while the central region of the glazing panel remains protected by the masking material.

1 .- 18 . (canceled)  
     
     
         19 . A glazing subassembly, comprising: 
 a glass panel including a central region disposed within a peripheral region; and    a masking material covering the central region and including a plurality of closed paths formed by cuts therethrough.    
     
     
         20 . The subassembly of  claim 19 , wherein each of the plurality of closed paths encloses a separate sub-region, the sub-regions space apart from one another.  
     
     
         21 . The subassembly of  claim 19 , wherein each of the plurality of closed paths form a rectangular shape.  
     
     
         22 . The subassembly of  claim 19 , wherein one of the plurality of closed paths surrounds a remainder of the plurality of closed paths.  
     
     
         23 . A glazing subassembly, comprising: 
 a glass panel including a central region disposed within a peripheral region; and    a plurality of masked sub-regions disposed within the central region and spaced apart from one another.    
     
     
         24 . The subassembly of  claim 23 , further comprising a muntin bar disposed over the central region and extending between at least two of the plurality of masked sub-regions.  
     
     
         25 . The subassembly of  claim 23 , wherein the sub-regions have a rectangular shape.  
     
     
         26 . The subassembly of  claim 23 , further comprising a frame holding the peripheral region of the glass panel.