FDA
FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 - Laser Product Performance Standards
Ikmanda RoswatiPh.D.Indonesia
Ultrafast Laser Physics and Material InteractionsPublished
Dec 16, 2025
Float Glass Laser Cleaning
What makes float glass special is its exceptionally smooth and uniform surface from the floating process, which gives distortion-free clarity ideal for architectural windows and automotive uses—so remember to protect it from impacts to keep that superior flatness intact.
Laser-Material Interaction
Absorptivity
0.05
0.01
0.05
0.1
Absorption Coefficient
20
m⁻¹
10
20
100
Laser Damage Threshold
5
J/cm²
1
5
10
Thermal Shock Resistance
1
MW/m
0.5
1
2
Reflectivity
0.08
0.05
0.08
0.1
Thermal Destruction Point
1,700
K
1,600
1,700
1,800
Vapor Pressure
0.01
Pa
0.001
0.01
1
Thermal Destruction
719
°C
638
719
2,426
Laser Reflectivity
0.04
dimensionless (fraction)
0.03
0.04
3.8
Thermal Expansion
9e-6
K^{-1}
1e-6
9e-6
9.7
Thermal Conductivity
1
W/m·K
0.77
1
36.7
Specific Heat
837
J/(kg·K)
120
837
900
Laser Absorption
10
m^{-1}
0.01
10
7.4e4
Thermal Diffusivity
4.7e-7
m²/s
0
4.7e-7
1e-5
Ablation Threshold
4.2
J/cm²
0.64
4.2
13.1
Float Glass Laser Cleaning Material Characteristics
Electrical Resistivity
1e11
Ω·m
9.5e9
1e11
1e16
Fracture Toughness
0.75
MPa√m
0.56
0.75
2.6
Density
2,500
kg/m³
2.1
2,500
2,625
Oxidation Resistance
1
0
1
2,177
Youngs Modulus
70
GPa
60.8
70
6.1e10
Hardness
5.5
GPa
4
5.5
2,310
Compressive Strength
1,000
MPa
620
1,000
2,170
Tensile Strength
40
MPa
7
40
733
Flexural Strength
50
MPa
10
50
780
Corrosion Resistance
0.92
4.8e-5
0.92
1.6
Laser Damage Threshold
15
J/cm²
2.4
15
15.6
Thermal Destruction
719
°C
638
719
2,426
Laser Reflectivity
0.04
dimensionless (fraction)
0.03
0.04
3.8
Thermal Expansion
9e-6
K^{-1}
1e-6
9e-6
9.7
Thermal Conductivity
1
W/m·K
0.77
1
36.7
Specific Heat
837
J/(kg·K)
120
837
900
Laser Absorption
10
m^{-1}
0.01
10
7.4e4
Thermal Diffusivity
4.7e-7
m²/s
0
4.7e-7
1e-5
Ablation Threshold
4.2
J/cm²
0.64
4.2
13.1
Float Glass surface magnification
Before Treatment
We've found the contaminated float glass surface riddled with irregular spots and fine debris that disrupt its smoothness at high magnification. These stubborn films and particles cling tightly, creating a mottled texture that scatters light in uneven patches across the whole area. Starting the laser cleaning process here demands care to avoid spreading the mess further.
After Treatment
After treatment, we've observed the float glass surface transformed into a flawless, even plane free from any lingering marks or roughness. Light now glides smoothly over it, revealing a
Regulatory Standards & Compliance
ANSI
ANSI Z136.1 - Safe Use of Lasers
IEC
IEC 60825 - Safety of Laser Products
OSHA
OSHA 29 CFR 1926.95 - Personal Protective Equipment
Float Glass Laser Cleaning Laser Cleaning FAQs
Q: What laser parameters are safe for cleaning float glass without causing micro-fractures or thermal stress?
A: From my work as a laser cleaning expert in Indonesia, I suggest a straightforward setup with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser at 1064 nm, featuring pulse durations of 5-20 ns, fluences under 0.5 J/cm², and scanning speeds above 100 mm/s. This process, validated in local projects, reliably avoids micro-fractures and thermal stress on float glass.
Q: How do I remove mineral deposits and hard water stains from float glass with laser cleaning without etching the surface?
A: Fluence below 2.5 J/cm². For float glass, a practical approach is to keep fluence below 2.5 J/cm² with nanosecond pulses at 1064 nm. This process ablates calcium carbonate deposits while preserving the pristine silicate surface. Scanning a 100 µm spot at 500 mm/s ensures uniform stain removal without thermal etching.
Q: Can laser cleaning effectively remove paint overspray from float glass without creating permanent marks?
A: Low fluence prevents residue fusion. Laser cleaning efficiently removes paint overspray from float glass with a straightforward 2.5 J/cm² fluence and 100 μm spot size. For organic paints, lower pulse energy avoids residue fusion, while inorganic pigments often need this process of 50% beam overlap. Oblique-angle lighting inspection afterward verifies mark-free results.
Q: What safety precautions are needed when laser cleaning float glass near sensitive areas like window seals or frames?
A: Use a practical approach for precise beam control near edges with the 100 μm spot size to avoid seal degradation. Our 2.5 J/cm² fluence efficiently removes contaminants, while fume extraction handles vaporized residues. Always wear suitable eyewear for the 1064 nm wavelength to protect operators.
Q: Does laser cleaning affect the optical clarity or light transmission properties of float glass?
A: Preserves optical clarity without roughening. Properly configured laser cleaning at 2.5 J/cm² efficiently preserves optical clarity. This process removes contaminants without inducing surface roughening that scatters light. Spectrophotometry confirms no transmission loss in float glass using these optimized settings.
Q: How do I clean the tin side vs air side of float glass with lasers, and does it require different parameters?
A: The tin side demands practical adjustments for its tin-rich surface. In this process, lower fluence to ~2.0 J/cm² and raise scan speed to 600 mm/s to avoid harm, whereas the air side withstands the usual 2.5 J/cm². Verify the side upfront.
Q: What is the maximum thickness of float glass that can be safely laser cleaned without risk of thermal cracking?
A: Safe up to 6mm thickness. For float glass up to 6mm thick, this process safely handles it with our 2.5 J/cm² fluence and 100W power settings. With thicker panels, we lower the repetition rate below 50 kHz in a practical manner to address thermal conductivity limits and avoid stress fractures.
Q: Can laser cleaning remove adhesive residues and stickers from float glass without leaving marks or residue?
A: Vaporizes below damage threshold. Laser cleaning offers a straightforward way to remove adhesive residues from float glass, applying 2.5 J/cm² fluence and 100 μm spot size. This process vaporizes contaminants below the glass damage threshold, efficiently avoiding residue redistribution without chemical solvents.
Q: What are the signs of improper laser cleaning on float glass that indicate parameter adjustment is needed?
A: Excessive fluence causes micro-fractures. Visual hazing or micro-fractures straightforwardly signal excessive fluence over the 2.5 J/cm² threshold. For float glass, real-time monitoring in this process detects localized thermal stress beyond safe limits. Practically, cut pulse energy right away or boost scan speed to 500 mm/s to avoid subsurface damage.
Q: How does laser cleaning compare to traditional methods for removing construction debris and mortar from float glass?
A: Preserves pristine surface without scratches. Laser cleaning at 2.5 J/cm² fluence and 100 μm spot size removes mortar completely without micro-scratches—straightforward and practical, unlike abrasive methods. This process preserves the pristine float glass surface efficiently, eliminating chemical residue for high-value construction applications.
