Guardian Industries Corporation

Guardian Glass, LLC

Guardian Europe S.a.r.l.

Matthew S Walp

Martin D Bracamonte

Mario Olbrich

Barry B Corden

Ralf Greiner

Certain example embodiments relate to the use of a ceramic frit that dissolves an already-applied thin film coating (disposed via a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process such as sputtering, or other suitable process). In certain example embodiments, the ceramic frit is aggressive in chemically removing the coating on which it is disposed, e.g., when exposed to high temperatures. The frit advantageously fuses well with the glass, provides aesthetically desired colorations, and/or enables components (e.g., insulated glass (IG) unit spacers) to be reliably mounted thereon, in certain example embodiments. Associated coated articles, IG units, methods, etc., are also contemplated herein.

Window units made using ceramic frit that dissolves physical vapor deposition (PVD) deposited coatings, and/or associated methods

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to coated articles including substrates that support printed patterns and thin film layer stacks that can have the patterns and the layer stacks formed thereon and then be cut, heat treated, and optionally built into an insulated glass unit, laminated to another substrate, and/or used in another product. In certain example embodiments, this is made possible by bonding to the glass the frit material used in forming the pattern, re-annealing the glass following the bonding, disposing the thin film layer stack on the re-annealed substrate supporting the bonded pattern, and then cutting and heat treating. The frit advantageously does not re-melt during heat treatment because the melting temperature is higher than the temperature used in heat treatment, and/or as a result of secondary recrystallization of the frit material. Associated methods also are provided.

Heat treatable article with printed coating thereon, and/or method of making the same

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to coated articles including substrates that support printed patterns and thin film layer stacks that can have the patterns and the layer stacks formed thereon and then be cut, heat treated, and optionally built into an insulated glass unit, laminated to another substrate, and/or used in another product. In certain example embodiments, this is made possible by bonding to the glass the frit material used in forming the pattern, re-annealing the glass following the bonding, disposing the thin film layer stack on the re-annealed substrate supporting the bonded pattern, and then cutting and heat treating. The frit advantageously does not re-melt during heat treatment because the melting temperature is higher than the temperature used in heat treatment. Associated methods also are provided.

Heat treatable article with screen and/or inkjet printed coating thereon, and/or method of making the same

Certain example embodiments relate to substrates or assemblies having laser-fused frits, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a pattern is formed or written on a stock glass sheet by laser fusing frit material to the glass sheet. An optional thin film coating is disposed on and supported by the stock glass sheet. The stock glass sheet with the pattern and the optional thin film coating is cut prior to heat treatment (e.g., heat strengthening and/or thermal tempering). A YAG or other type of laser source may be used to directly or indirectly heat the frit material, which may be wet applied to the substrate. In certain instances, the laser firing of the frit raises the temperature of the glass substrate to no more than 100 degrees C. and, preferably, the temperature is kept even lower.

Substrates or assemblies having indirectly laser-fused frits, and/or method of making the same

Certain example embodiments relate to substrates or assemblies having laser-fused fits, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, a pattern is formed or written on a stock glass sheet by laser fusing frit material to the glass sheet. An optional thin film coating is disposed on and supported by the stock glass sheet. The stock glass sheet with the pattern and the optional thin film coating is cut prior to heat treatment (e.g., heat strengthening and/or thermal tempering). A YAG or other type of laser source may be used to directly or indirectly heat the frit material, which may be wet applied to the substrate. In certain instances, the laser firing of the frit raises the temperature of the glass substrate to no more than 100 degrees C. and, preferably, the temperature is kept even lower.

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Royal Oak, MI, United States of America

Matthew S Walp