The glass panel unit is a predetermined part separated from a completed assembly obtained by subjecting a temporary assembly to a predetermined process. In the temporary assembly, the inside space (500) enclosed by the first and second glass substrates and the frame is divided into the first space and the second space with the partition and the gas adsorbent is inside the first space. The predetermined process includes: converting the first space into the evacuated space by evacuating the first space through the gas passage, the second space, and the outlet; and changing a shape of the partition to close the gas passage to form the seal enclosing the evacuated space. The predetermined part includes: a first and second glass panels being parts of the first and second glass substrates; the seal; the evacuated space; and the gas adsorbent.

A glass panel unit manufacturing method includes a bonding step, a pressure reducing step, and a sealing step. The bonding step includes bonding together a first substrate including a wired glass pane and a second substrate including a non-wired glass pane with a first sealant in a frame shape to create an inner space. The pressure reducing step includes producing a reduced pressure in the inner space through an exhaust port that the first substrate has. The sealing step includes irradiating the second sealant with an infrared ray externally incident through the second substrate to seal the exhaust port up with the second sealant that has melted.

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, infrared (IR) heating elements are controllable to emit IR radiation at a peak wavelength in the near infrared (NIR) and/or short wave infrared (SWIR) band(s), and the peak wavelength may be varied by adjusting the voltage applied to the IR heating elements. The peak wavelength may be selected so as to preferentially heat the frit material used to form a VIG edge seal while reducing the amount of heat provided to substrates of the VIG unit. In certain example embodiments, the substrates of the VIG unit do not reach a temperature of 325 degrees C. for more than 1 minute.

Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to edge sealing techniques for vacuum insulating glass (VIG) units. More particularly, certain example embodiments relate to techniques for providing localized heating to edge seals of units, and/or unitized ovens for accomplishing the same. In certain example embodiments, a unit is pre-heated to one or more intermediate temperatures, localized heating via at least one substantially two-dimensional array of heat sources is provided proximate to the peripheral edges of the unit so as to melt fits placed thereon, and cooled. In certain non-limiting implementations, the pre-heating and/or cooling may be provided in one or more steps. An oven for accomplishing the same may include multiple zones for performing the above-noted steps, each zone optionally including one or more chambers. Accordingly, in certain example embodiments, a temperature gradient proximate to the edges of the unit is created, thereby reducing the chances of breakage and/or at least some de-tempering of the substrates.

The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a laminated vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (1), wherein the method comprises: providing a lamination assembly (10) comprising a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) comprising at least two glass sheets (11a, 11b) separated by a plurality of support structures (12) distributed in a gap (13) between the glass sheets (11a, 11b), and a lamination layer (2) arranged between one of the glass sheets (11a, 11b) of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) and a further sheet (3). The further sheet (3) may be subjected to a first heating temperature (T1) by means of a first heating arrangement (9a), and the glass sheet (11a) of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) facing away from the further sheet (3) may be subjected to a second heating temperature (T2) by means of a second heating arrangement (9b), wherein the first heating temperature (T1) is higher than the second heating temperature (T2). The disclosure additionally relates to a system (100) for providing laminated vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units (1), and use of such a system.

The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a laminated vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (1), wherein the method comprises: providing a lamination assembly (10) comprising a vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) comprising at least two glass sheets (11a, 11b) separated by a plurality of support structures (12) distributed in a gap (13) between the glass sheets (11a, 11b), and a lamination layer (2) arranged between one of the glass sheets (11a, 11b) of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) and a further sheet (3). The further sheet (3) may be subjected to a first heating temperature (T1) by means of a first heating arrangement (9a), and the glass sheet (11a) of the vacuum insulated glass (VIG) unit (11) facing away from the further sheet (3) may be subjected to a second heating temperature (T2) by means of a second heating arrangement (9b), wherein the first heating temperature (T1) is higher than the second heating temperature (T2). The disclosure additionally relates to a system (100) for providing laminated vacuum insulated glass (VIG) units (1), and use of such a system.

A laminated pane has at least two panes running, for example, parallel to one another, in which case the panes are joined together in an edge area of the laminated pane, at least in sections, with the help of a transparent mass and/or one that becomes transparent after hardening, preferably in form of glue.

Certain example embodiments relate to vacuum insulating glass units having edge seals based on solder alloys that, when reactively reflowed, wet metallic coatings pre-coated on the glass substrates' perimeters, and/or associated methods. The alloys may be based on materials that form a seal at temperatures that will not de-temper glass and/or decompose a laminate, and/or remain hermetic and lack porous structures in their bulks. Example alloys may be based on inter-metallics of Sn and one or more additional materials selected from post-transition metals or metalloids; Zintl anions (e.g., In, Bi, etc.) from Group 13, 14, 15 or 16; and transition metals (e.g., Cu, Ag, Ni, etc.); and excludes Pb. Thin film coatings in certain example embodiments work with the solder material to form robust and durable hermetic interfaces. Because low temperatures are used, certain example embodiments can use compliant and visco-elastic spacer technology based on lamellar structures and/or the like.

A low-cost high-performance Vacuum Insulated Glass is produced with three glass panes and bonding fiber mesh structures embedded between the glass panes. Each mesh structure is configured with elongated bonding fiber elements arranged in a grid configuration. The bonding fiber elements are formed with a fiber core covered with a low melting temperature material. The low melting temperature material melts upon heating and creates numerous vacuum sealed cells between the glass panes. The fiber core does not melt, and remains intact bonded to the glass panes, thus creating a support mechanism for supporting the glass panes at a spaced apart relationship.

Certain example embodiments relate to improved seals for glass articles. Certain example embodiments relate to a composition used for sealing an insulted glass unit. In certain example embodiments the composition includes vanadium oxide, barium oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one additional additive. For instance, another additive that is a different metal oxide or different metal chloride may be provided. In certain example embodiments, a vacuum insulated glass unit includes first and second glass substrates that are sealed together with a seal that includes the above-described composition.