Polishing glass component using laser beam with preheating of the component

摘要

A method is claimed for polishing a glass component (10) in which, prior to the application of a laser beam (13) on the component (10) to assure a brutal elevation in the surface temperature, the heart of the component (10) is preheated. The value chosen for the preheating temperature is a value that is at least in the order of that of the softening temperature of the glass used for the component (10) being polished. The component (10) is preferably arranged on a support (14) able to hold it on all points over its lower surface (12). The equipment used to put this method into service is also claimed and consists mainly of a laser system (19) and a furnace (20) for the preheating operation.