Guardian Glass, LLC

Guardian Europe S.a.r.l.

Ralf Greiner

Mario Olbrich

Uwe Kriltz

Matthew S Walp

Sabine Knolle

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 relate to heating a ceramic paint applied to a portion of a coated article in order to at least partially 'eat through' the underlying coating, with any remaining materials being removable by washing, and associated articles. In certain example embodiments, the coatings are multilayer sputter-deposited coatings formed on a glass or other substrate. The heat may be provided in connection with conventional heat treatment (e.g., thermal tempering) and/or heat bending processes that otherwise would be performed on the coated article.

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Muldestausee, Germany

Ralf Greiner