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The image shows a cut-out of a TOPAZ LD, a laser system for thin-film processing.

TOPAZ LD – The Benchmark in Laser Decoating

TOPAZ LD is our next-generation laser decoating system designed  for laser edge deletion or large-area, high-precision ablation of  functional layers on glass.

Engineered with cutting-edge components, it delivers unmatched efficiency and accuracy – making it the preferred solution for processing PV modules, architectural glass, and automotive glazing.

Whether you are processing thin-film solar modules, applying solar panel edge treatment, or removing Low-E coatings, TOPAZ LD is your tool of choice for consistent performance and cost-effective operation.

TOPAZ LD – High-performance laser decoating system with compact footprint and scalable architecture for PV, glass, and automotive applications.

Flexible Application – from PV to Automotive

The image shows a pv module in a TOPAZ LD, positioned for laser edge deletion.

Positioning of a PV module in a TOPAZ LD for laser edge deletion


PV Module Edge Deletion

Reliable and precise ablation of conductive layers at the module edges to prevent corrosion and electrical shorts – critical for the long-term stability and efficiency of solar panels.

Architectural Glass Processing

High-throughput ablation of transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) like ITO or FTO for smart-glass or switching applications.

Automotive Glazing

Clean and selective removal of Low-E coatings to define transmission zones for antennas and mobile signal penetration.

How Laser Deletion Works

TOPAZ LD uses a glass-side infrared laser (1030 nm), optimized for precision laser cleaning for PV and other coated glass substrates:

  1. The laser pulse energy is absorbed at the interface between the glass and its coating.
  2. This energy vaporizes the material at the boundary layer.
  3. A plasma cloud forms and lifts off the entire coating.

Compared to film-side processing, this method provides more uniform material removal, free from recondensation of ablation products or energy losses due to scattering.

Why Laser Over Conventional Methods?

Compared to sandblasting or mechanical grinding, the laser-based patterning offers numerous advantages:

Consistent results with wear-free laser processing. Efficient extraction removes residues, making cleaning often unnecessary.
Direct removal of ablation products by the highly efficient extraction system. No need for cleaning the substrate after laser processing, in most cases.
High throughput via flexible laser processing. Beam shaping enables short cycles and high quality; kW lasers boost large-area decoating.
Flexible for many substrates: Different formats can be processed without mechanical changes.
Maximum flexibility in recipe management: Core4 lets you create and adapt recipes with minimal effort.
No damage to glass surface due to noncontact processing.

TOPAZ LD: Engineering Excellence in Every Detail

Conveyor System

  • Designed to meet the needs of glass transport during laser edge deletion
  • Eliminates need for expensive linear grippers
  • Delivers both cost-efficiency and high uptime

Granite Base

  • Ensures long-term mechanical and thermal stability
  • Suppresses vibrations for consistent precision

Process Head

  • Available with up to two heads per machine
  • Built-in 2D marking-on-the-fly scanner for unmatched speed
  • Includes camera-based edge detection for ultra-precise tracking
  • Modular and low-maintenance, with direct fiber laser connection
Process head of a laser glass processing system. Two fiber lasers and four suction hoses are visible.
Process head for ablative laser processing

Material Compatibility and Use Cases

PV Modules

  • Edge deletion for thin-film solar technologies:

    • CdTe laser edge deletion
    • Perovskite
    • CIGS

Architectural Glass

  • Removal of TCOs such as:

    • Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)
    • Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide (FTO)

Automotive Glass

  • Targeted removal of Low-E coatings

  • Defines RF transmission zones using a dry, clean and laser-based method

Grafische Darstellung des TOPAZ LD als Inline-System.
TOPAZ LD as an inline system

System Specifications

CategoryFeatureSpecification
System Size & WeightDimensions (W × D × H)Depending on glass size, standard approx. 6200 mm × 3200 mm × 2600 mm
 WeightDepending on configuration, standard below 10,000 kg
Axes & MotionProcessing AreaFull glass size processed in 80 mm wide increments across the total glass width.
 Feed RateUp to 1000 mm/s
 AccelerationUp to 10 m/s²
 Positioning Accuracy+/- 300 µm
Software & OperationHMITouchscreen-based user interface
 Process LayoutSimple recipe configuration, fully customizable layouts
 Camera VisionIntelligent recognition of fiducials and glass edges

FAQ – Laser Edge Deletion with the TOPAZ LD

Laser edge deletion removes functional layers at the module’s edge to protect against corrosion and shorts.

It ensures long-term performance and stability by eliminating edge-related failure mechanisms.

The laser process is contact-free, more accurate, cleaner, and dramatically reduces wear and waste.

Our system is compatible with CdTe, Perovskite, and CIGS thin-film modules.