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Abstract

A method and apparatus for trimming the edges of a float glass ribbon whose thickness can vary between 0.4 mm and 24 mm in which a specific depth crack is generated for the respective thickness. The depth of the crack is actively influenced by energy introduced by means of a laser which is controlled as a function of the surface temperature of the float glass ribbon and by a subsequent cooling whose acting period is variable. To ensure a permanently reliable process, the severing crack and the thickness of the float glass ribbon are detected in order to initiate a new initial crack immediately in the event that the severing crack should break up and so that a cutting unit comprising the scribing device, the beam-shaping optics and the cooling nozzles is always at a constant vertical distance from the surface of the float glass ribbon. The method and apparatus are distinguished particularly by the fact that only a low laser power is required.

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First Claim