Experimental Study on Flat-Glass Heating and Edge-Sealing Using Multiple Microwave Sources

Abstract

There has been a recent surge of interest in vacuum insulating glass (VIG) due to its excellent thermal insulation performance. Vacuum glazing is necessary for high-performance sealing solders and various applications in sealing technology. This paper describes experimental studies into heating and edge-sealing of flat glass using microwaves. Electric–thermal coupled analysis using ANSYS was employed and heating and edge-sealing experiments were conducted on flat glass. In order to ensure a uniform electric field distribution in the microwave chamber, the electric field and temperature distributions were analyzed according to waveguide patterns. In addition, the electric field and temperature distribution were analyzed with the inclusion of carbon susceptor plates. Based on the electric simulation results by waveguide pattern, a microwave heating chamber was fabricated, and a basic experiment was conducted on both heating and edge-sealing of the glass. The cross-section of the sealed glass confirmed that it was sealed without cracks or breakage.