Patent ID: 8814633
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: B24B

Abstract:
1. A method for grinding or polishing an edge of a glass substrate, the method comprising: providing an air bearing slide system configured to slide along a predetermined axis on a thin film of pressurized air that provides a zero friction load bearing interface; coupling a grinding unit to the air bearing slide system, the grinding unit being configured to remove a predetermined amount of material from the edge when in an aligned position with respect to the glass substrate; controlling a movement of the air bearing slide system by a linear actuation motor such that the grinding unit is moved from a non-aligned position with respect to the glass substrate to the aligned position with respect to the glass substrate; applying by the linear actuation motor a force on the air bearing slide system such that the grinding unit applies a predetermined force in a direction that is normal to the edge of the glass substrate, the predetermined force being directly proportional to the predetermined amount and less than a normal force resulting in glass substrate breakage; and moving the glass substrate in a tangential direction relative to the grinding unit which is held stationary in the tangential direction while the predetermined amount of material is removed from the edge of the glass substrate.