Partial processing
What is partial processing?
Volframi has developed a targeted processing method that allows, e.g., the application of various sputtered coatings to a defined area of glass without the need to coat the entire glass. This restricts the size of the area but allows more complex processes and the use of source materials applied by/in the electronics industry.
Since in targeted sputtering processing only the defined area of glass to be coated in process, the tool no longer needs to cover the entire glass. As a result, the tool is considerably smaller, which has a direct impact on the operating and purchasing costs of the tool. As the tool cost remains moderate, the process is accessible to companies of all sizes. The small size of the tool also means that the source materials are small, and the consumption of gasses and electricity is moderate.
The processing method enables the glass processing industry to produce a completely new range of products integrated into the glass, which the electronics industry has traditionally produced.
Coatings can be made, for example, as blanket coatings or patterned mesoscale coatings with shadow masks.
Partial processing and method imports from other industries
Targeted processing method creates new opportunities for the glass industry - GPD 2023
The electronics and glass processing industries have traditionally used similar processes. Due to the large substrate sizes in the glass processing industry, considerably big equipment has been necessary. With the increased equipment size, the cost of the equipment has also risen, resulting in the glass being coated mainly by glass manufacturers.
Innovative companies have had to develop their solutions around these available coatings. This has partly limited product development as coatings have been available only for a limited range of glass sizes and source materials.
The theme of GPD 2023 is “Way to Grow” – a theme that is as multifaceted as the event itself. As a participant, “Way to Grow” offers you a path that takes you to the next level.
Participate and learn more about the possibilities of partial processing method at
GPD 2023 14 – 16 June 2023. Nokia Arena, Tampere, Finland
GPD 2021-2022
Volframi at Theme Park by GPD 2021-2022
Volframi participated in GPD’s Theme Park, where is shared some of the Glass Performance Days participants´ downloadable material, such as technical papers submitted by presenters or other interested experts on the subjects.
Glass Performance Days – Theme Park December edition 2022
Presenters of the week
Volframi: “Rethinking of sputtering process – partial coating technology”
You can download the article here
Thin film coatings
Rethinking of sputtering process – partial coating technology
Coatings are an emerging technology for the fast-growing glass market. Various thin film deposition technologies have been used for decades in the glass processing industry to improve the properties of glass or to add new functionalities.
Volframi rethought the process to enable an easier, cheaper and more feasible method to process partial coatings on large substrates, which in turn allows various new innovative products for the smart glass market in the construction, transportation, and power generation industries.
What´s new?
In the new coating method, the vacuum chamber size does not depend on the size of substrates, i.e. a small chamber can be used to create targeted thin film coatings on very large substrates. The deposition process itself is based on the well-known PVD processes like magnetron sputtering. The coatings can be created on a substrate without coating the entire surface, which is very advantageous when creating mechatronic features, such as control switches on a large glass pane. There are no limitations on the size of the pane and the same tool is suitable for all pane sizes. The new method reduces the total process time and target material usage and also minimizes process steps. Furthermore, the tool footprint is small. The new partial coating method makes coating of small areas more feasible by reducing investment and processing costs. The benefits mentioned above tackle the biggest barriers for the use of sputtering process in mechatronics of smart glass products.
This text has been published in part in the context of the Glass Performance Day 2021.
Check out the video of the targeted glass processing
Video by Videotiiviste Oy, www.videotiiviste.fi
