Optimization of Glass Edge Sealing Process Using Microwaves for Fabrication of Vacuum Glazing

Abstract

Among the various methods used for glass edge sealing, this study uses microwaves to seal glass edges. Through basic experiments, the main process conditions for edge sealing of glass were derived, and the experimental plan and analysis were carried out using the Box-Behnken method of response-surface analysis based on 3 factors and 3 levels. The step height which influences sealing was set as a response variable. If the step height becomes too large, the glass can be damaged, and if the step height is too small, the edge sealing will not be performed. Accordingly, process optimization that edge sealing is possible while minimizing the step height was carried out. A predictable regression equation was derived for the step height of edge sealing and the main-effect analysis was performed for the step height. Using the response-optimization tool, we derived the optimum process condition that minimized the step height of the edge sealing and verified that it matched the error value of 4.1% compared with the target value of the step height measurement result confirmed through the verification experiment.