The edge processing of special-shaped photovoltaic module glass is a key link to ensure its performance and service life. Due to the irregularity of the glass shape, the edge processing needs to take into account the structural strength, light transmission efficiency and installation adaptability. Each process must be finely operated according to the particularity of the special-shaped contour, so that the edge can withstand external impact in a complex application environment without affecting the power generation efficiency of the photovoltaic module.
Cleaning and inspection before processing are basic work. After the special-shaped photovoltaic module glass is cut and formed, debris, dust or cutting oil often remain on the edge. If these impurities are not removed, the accuracy and effect of subsequent processing will be affected. The staff must first wipe the edge with a dust-free cloth and a special cleaner, and then use an optical instrument to check whether there are defects such as microcracks and edge collapse on the edge, because the edge curvature of the special-shaped structure varies a lot, and minor damage may expand in subsequent use, causing glass breakage. Only when the edge surface is clean and the structure is intact can the next processing step be entered.
The grinding process needs to be customized according to the contour of the special-shaped glass. Unlike conventional rectangular glass, the edges of special-shaped glass may include arcs, folds, sharp corners and other forms. When grinding, you need to use grinding equipment with adjustable angles, and use different grinding forces and speeds for different parts. For example, when processing arc edges, the CNC system needs to control the grinding head to move along the curved trajectory to ensure uniform grinding force and avoid local over-grinding that causes edge thinning; when processing sharp corners, the grinding speed should be reduced to prevent stress concentration from causing edge cracking. The entire process requires operators to adjust the equipment parameters and glass shape in real time to make the edge contour highly consistent with the design drawings.
Polishing is intended to improve the smoothness and impact resistance of the edge. Although the edge has formed a basic shape after grinding, there are still fine scratches on the surface. These scratches may not only become stress concentration points, but also affect the light transmittance of the glass. When polishing, fine polishing powder and soft polishing wheels are used to polish the edge for multiple cycles to reduce the surface roughness. For the complex corners of special-shaped glass, a combination of manual polishing and mechanical polishing may be required. Manual operation can accurately handle parts that are difficult for machines to reach, ensuring that each arc and each corner is smooth and flat. The polished edge not only feels smooth, but also reduces the adhesion of dust and moisture, reducing the risk of corrosion in later use.
Chamfering is a key step in enhancing edge strength. If the edge of special-shaped photovoltaic module glass is kept at a right angle, it is easy to break when impacted by external force. The chamfering process will grind the sharp right angle into a certain angle of bevel or arc surface to disperse the stress concentration on the edge. The angle and curvature of the chamfer need to be determined according to the thickness of the glass and the use scenario. For example, for special-shaped photovoltaic modules installed outdoors, the edge may require a larger chamfer curvature to resist the impact of wind and rain. During the chamfering process, the equipment will cut the edge according to the preset parameters, and continuously use the goniometer to detect the chamfer size to ensure that the edge chamfer of the same component is consistent, avoiding uneven force during installation due to size differences.
Targeted treatment of special-shaped edges is indispensable. If the special-shaped glass has special structures such as hollowing and grooves, the edge processing needs to adopt customized processes. For example, for the edge of glass with hollow patterns, traditional grinding equipment is difficult to penetrate into the narrow area, and micro-grinding tools or laser technology are required for fine processing. Laser processing can accurately control the heat-affected zone of the edge to prevent new cracks in the glass due to high temperature; for the edge of the groove, attention should be paid to the transition between the bottom of the groove and the side wall, where impurities are easily accumulated or stress concentration is formed. It is necessary to eliminate potential hidden dangers through multiple fine polishing, so that the edge of the special structure also has good mechanical properties and light transmission properties.
The sealing and protection treatment of the edge provides guarantee for long-term use. The edge of the processed special-shaped glass needs to be coated with special sealant. The sealant can fill the tiny pores on the edge to prevent moisture and corrosive gases from penetrating, and it can also form a buffer layer between the glass and the frame to reduce vibration damage during installation and use. For components exposed outdoors, the edges may also need to be pasted with protective strips or coated. The protective strips can resist the erosion of wind, sand and rain, and the coating can enhance the edge's UV resistance and delay glass aging. After all the processing is completed, the edges need to be tested for impact resistance and transmittance to ensure that the edge processing does not affect the core performance of the glass, so that the special-shaped photovoltaic module glass can work stably in various environments.
