Patent Publication Number: US-2020276683-A1

Title: Methods and apparatus for glass laminate edge finishing and glass laminates formed thereby

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates to glass laminates and, more particularly, methods and apparatus for glass laminate edge finishing. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Glass laminates may be used as components in the fabrication of various appliances, automobile components, architectural structures, and electronic devices. For example, glass laminates may be incorporated as covering materials for various products such as walls, cabinets, backsplashes, appliances, or televisions. However, it may be difficult to cut and/or finish glass laminates without causing fractures in the glass layer and while maintaining sufficient edge strength to enable use of the glass laminates without causing fractures in the glass layer. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for glass laminate edge finishing and glass laminates formed thereby. 
     Disclosed herein is an apparatus for finishing a cut edge of a glass laminate. 
     Solution to Problem 
     The apparatus comprises a support, a rail, a carrier, and a finishing tool. The support comprises a surface and an edge. The rail is disposed adjacent to the support and extends substantially parallel to the edge of the support. The carrier is coupled to the rail. The finishing tool is coupled to the carrier and comprises an abrasive surface positioned adjacent to the edge of the support. The carrier is translatable along the rail to translate the abrasive surface of the finishing tool relative to the edge of the support. 
     Also disclosed herein is a method comprising securing a glass laminate to a surface of a support. The glass laminate comprises a glass sheet laminated to a non-glass substrate. A cut edge of the glass laminate is contacted with an abrasive surface of a finishing tool coupled to a carrier. The abrasive surface is oriented to apply a force to the glass sheet in a direction toward the non-glass substrate during the contacting. The carrier is translated along a rail extending substantially parallel to an edge of the support to move the abrasive surface along the cut edge of the glass laminate and transform the cut edge into a finished edge. 
     Also disclosed herein is a glass laminate comprising a flexible glass sheet laminated to a non-glass substrate and an edge strength of at least about 100 MPa. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of a glass laminate  100 . 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded schematic cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of the glass laminate of  FIG. 1  in which the non-glass substrate comprises a plurality of polymer impregnated papers. 
         FIGS. 3-5  are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of an apparatus for finishing a cut edge of a glass laminate. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of an engagement between a carrier and a rail of an apparatus for finishing a cut edge of a glass laminate taken along a plane perpendicular to the rail axis. 
         FIG. 7  is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of an engagement between a carrier and a rail of an apparatus for finishing a cut edge of a glass laminate taken along a plane perpendicular to the rail axis. 
         FIGS. 8-11  are partial perspective views of a carrier of the apparatus of  FIGS. 3-5  with a finishing tool coupled thereto. 
         FIGS. 12 and 13  are schematic side and top views, respectively, of exemplary embodiments of a finishing tool positioned adjacent a support. 
         FIG. 14  is a partial schematic side view of exemplary embodiments of a finishing tool. 
         FIGS. 15 and 16  are schematic side and top views, respectively, of a glass laminate during various stages of exemplary embodiments of a finishing process. 
         FIG. 17  is a side perspective view of a glass laminate following exemplary embodiments of a finishing process. 
         FIG. 18  is a Weibull plot comparing the edge strength of unfinished glass laminates produced as described in Comparative Example 1 and finished glass laminates produced as described in Comparative Example 2 and Example 1. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. 
     Numerical values, including endpoints of ranges, can be expressed herein as approximations preceded by the term “about,” “approximately,” or the like. In such cases, other embodiments include the particular numerical values. Regardless of whether a numerical value is expressed as an approximation, two embodiments are included in this disclosure: one expressed as an approximation, and another not expressed as an approximation. It will be further understood that an endpoint of each range is significant both in relation to another endpoint, and independently of another endpoint. 
     In various embodiments, an apparatus for finishing a cut edge of a glass laminate comprises a support, a rail, a carrier, and a finishing tool. The support comprises a surface and an edge. The rail is disposed adjacent to the support and extends substantially parallel to the edge of the support. The carrier is coupled to the rail. The finishing tool is coupled to the carrier and comprises an abrasive surface positioned adjacent to the edge of the support. The carrier is translatable along the rail to translate the abrasive surface of the finishing tool relative to the edge of the support. Surprisingly, finishing the edge of a glass laminate using the apparatus described herein can enable a finished glass laminate with improved edge strength, even compared to an alternative finishing process using the same finishing tool. 
     In various embodiments, a method comprises securing a glass laminate comprising a glass sheet laminated to a non-glass substrate to a surface of a support. A cut edge of the glass laminate is contacted with an abrasive surface of a finishing tool coupled to a carrier. The abrasive surface is oriented to apply a force to the glass sheet in a direction toward the non-glass substrate during the contacting. The carrier is translated along a rail extending substantially parallel to an edge of the support to move the abrasive surface along the cut edge of the glass laminate and transform the cut edge into a finished edge. 
     Surprisingly, finishing the edge of a glass laminate using the apparatus and methods described herein can enable a finished glass laminate with improved edge strength, even compared to an alternative finishing process using the same finishing tool. For example, in various embodiments, a glass laminate comprises a flexible glass sheet laminated to a non-glass substrate and an edge strength of at least about 100 MPa. Additionally, or alternatively, the glass laminate demonstrates an increase in edge strength of at least about 100% compared to an unfinished glass laminate having the same configuration. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of a glass laminate  100 . Glass laminate  100  comprises a glass sheet  102  laminated to a non-glass substrate  104 . Glass sheet  102  comprises a first surface  103 A and a second surface  103 B opposite the first surface. Non-glass substrate  104  comprises a first surface  105 A and a second surface  105 B opposite the first surface. In some embodiments, glass sheet  102  is laminated to first surface  105 A of non-glass substrate  104 . For example, second surface  103 B of glass sheet  102  is disposed adjacent (e.g., directly adjacent or with an intervening adhesive material) first surface  105 A of non-glass substrate  104 . In some embodiments, glass sheet  102  is laminated to non-glass substrate  104  with an adhesive  106  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, glass sheet  102  is bonded to non-glass substrate  104  with adhesive  106 . In other embodiments, the adhesive is omitted such that the glass sheet is laminated directly to the non-glass substrate. For example, the glass sheet can be laminated directly to a non-glass substrate comprising a polymer, binder, or resin as described herein. Thus, the glass sheet is bonded to the non-glass substrate with the polymer, binder, or resin of the non-glass substrate. 
     In various embodiments, glass sheet  102  is formed from or comprises a glass material, a ceramic material, a glass-ceramic material, or a combination thereof. For example, glass sheet  102  is a flexible glass sheet commercially available under the trade name Corning® Willow® Glass (Corning Incorporated, Corning, N.Y., USA) or a chemically strengthened glass sheet commercially available under the trade name Corning® Gorilla® Glass (Corning Incorporated, Corning, N.Y., USA). Glass sheet  102  can be formed using a suitable forming process such as, for example, a downdraw process (e.g., a fusion draw process or a slot draw process), a float process, an updraw process, or a rolling process. Glass sheets produced using a fusion draw process generally have surfaces with superior flatness and smoothness when compared to glass sheets produced by other methods. The fusion draw process is described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,338,696 and 3,682,609, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     In some embodiments, glass sheet  102  comprises anti-microbial properties. For example, glass sheet  102  comprises a sufficient silver ion concentration at the surface of the glass sheet to exhibit anti-microbial properties (e.g., in the range from greater than 0 to 0.047 μg/cm 2 ) as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0034435, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Additionally, or alternatively, glass sheet  102  is coated with a glaze comprising silver, or otherwise doped with silver ions, to exhibit anti-microbial properties as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0081542, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, glass sheet  102  comprises about 50 mol % SiO 2 , about 25 mol % CaO, and about 25 mol % Na 2 O to exhibit anti-microbial properties. 
     In some embodiments, a thickness of glass sheet  102  (e.g., a distance between first surface  103 A and second surface  103 B) is at least about 0.01 mm, at least about 0.02 mm, at least about 0.03 mm, at least about 0.04 mm, at least about 0.05 mm, at least about 0.06 mm, at least about 0.07 mm, at least about 0.08 mm, at least about 0.09 mm, at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.2 mm, at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, or at least about 0.5 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, a thickness of glass sheet  102  is at most about 3 mm, at most about 2 mm, at most about 1 mm, at most about 0.7 mm, at most about 0.5 mm, at most about 0.3 mm, at most about 0.2 mm, or at most about 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, glass sheet  102  is a flexible glass sheet. For example, the thickness of glass sheet  102  is at most about 0.3 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, glass sheet  102  is a strengthened glass sheet (e.g., a thermally tempered or chemically strengthened glass sheet). For example, the thickness of glass sheet  102  is about 0.4 mm to about 3 mm. 
     In various embodiments, non-glass substrate  104  is formed from or comprises primarily non-glass materials. For example, non-glass substrate  104  comprises wood-based materials (e.g., wood, chipboard, particleboard, fiberboard, hardboard, cardboard, and/or paper), polymeric materials, and/or metal materials. In some embodiments, non-glass substrate  104  comprises glass, glass-ceramic, and/or ceramic materials as secondary constituents (e.g., fillers). However, in such embodiments, non-glass substrate  104  is free of glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic sheets (e.g., solid or substantially solid sheets as opposed to fibrous mats or weaves). 
     In some embodiments, non-glass substrate  104  is formed from or comprises one or more layers of polymer-impregnated paper. For example,  FIG. 2  is an exploded schematic cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of glass laminate  100  in which non-glass substrate  104  comprises a plurality of polymer impregnated papers. In some embodiments, the plurality of polymer impregnated papers is a high pressure laminate (HPL) material, a low pressure laminate (LPL) material, or a continuous pressure laminate (CPL) material. For example, the plurality of polymer impregnated papers comprises one or more core papers  108 , one or more decorative papers  110 , and/or one or more surface papers  112 . In some embodiments, core papers  108  are kraft papers impregnated with a phenolic resin. Core papers  108  form a core  114  of non-glass substrate  104 , which can comprise a majority of a thickness of the non-glass substrate as shown in  FIG. 2 . Additionally, or alternatively, a decorative paper  110  is disposed on an outer surface of core  114  of non-glass substrate  104 . In some embodiments, decorative paper  110  comprises a pair of decorative papers, and one of the pair of decorative papers is disposed on each of opposing outer surfaces of core  114  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In some embodiments, decorative papers  110  comprise a decoration that is visible through glass sheet  102  or at a non-glass surface of glass laminate  100  opposite the glass sheet. For example, the decoration comprises a solid color, a decorative pattern, or an image (e.g., printed on outer surfaces of the decorative papers). In some embodiments, decorative papers  110  are kraft papers impregnated with a phenolic resin and/or a melamine resin. Additionally, or alternatively, a surface paper  112  is disposed on an outer surface of decorative paper  110 . In some embodiments, surface paper  112  comprises a pair of surface papers, and one of the pair of surface papers is disposed on an outer surface of each of the pair of decorative papers as shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, each of the pair of decorative papers  110  is disposed between the respective surface paper  112  and core  114 . In some embodiments, surface papers  112  are tissue or kraft papers impregnated with a melamine resin. Surface papers  112  can be sufficiently thin that the underlying decorative papers  110  are visible through the surface papers, but sufficiently resilient to protect the underlying decorative papers. The plurality of polymer impregnated papers can be pressed at elevated temperature and pressure to cure the polymer and form the non-glass substrate. 
     Surface papers  112  impregnated with melamine resin can provide a damage-resistant surface that can help to protect the underlying decorative papers  110 . Thus, in embodiments in which the decorative paper is impregnated with a melamine resin, the respective surface layer can be omitted. Additionally, or alternatively, the surface layer that would otherwise be disposed between the glass sheet and the core of the non-glass substrate can be omitted because the glass sheet can serve as the protective layer for the underlying decorative paper. Thus, in some embodiments, the glass laminate comprises a surface layer disposed at the non-glass surface of the non-glass substrate remote from the glass sheet and is free of a surface layer disposed at the glass surface of the non-glass substrate closest to the glass sheet. 
     In some embodiments, the non-glass substrate comprises a functional layer in addition to the polymer impregnated papers. For example, the functional layer comprises one or more moisture barrier layers embedded within the polymer impregnated papers to prevent moisture from penetrating into the non-glass substrate. The moisture barrier layers can be formed from or comprise a metal, a polymer, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, a thickness of non-glass substrate  104  (e.g., a distance between first surface  105 A and second surface  105 B) is at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, at least about 3 mm, at least about 4 mm, at least about 5 mm, at least about 6 mm, at least about 7 mm, at least about 8 mm, at least about 9 mm, or at least about 10 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, the thickness of non-glass substrate  104  is at most about 100 mm, at most about 90 mm, at most about 80 mm, at most about 70 mm, at most about 60 mm, at most about 50 mm, at most about 40 mm, at most about 30 mm, at most about 29 mm, at most about 28 mm, at most about 27 mm, at most about 26 mm, at most about 25 mm, at most about 24 mm, at most about 23 mm, at most about 22 mm, at most about 21 mm, or at most about 20 mm. 
     Although non-glass substrate  104  described with reference to  FIG. 2  comprises a plurality of polymer impregnated papers, other embodiments are included in this disclosure. 
     For example, in other embodiments, the non-glass substrate is formed from or comprises a wood-based material comprising wood fragments dispersed in a binder. In some of such embodiments, the wood fragments comprise wood particles, wood chips, and/or wood fibers. Additionally, or alternatively, the binder comprises a resin that binds the wood fragments. For example, in some embodiments, the resin comprises a urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin, a phenol formaldehyde (PF) resin, a melamineformaldehyde (MF) resin, a methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) resin, a polyurethane (PU) resin, a compatible mixture thereof, or a compatible combination thereof. In some embodiments, the non-glass substrate is a chipboard material, a fiberboard material (e.g., particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), or hardboard), or a plywood material. For example, the non-glass substrate is a wood-based panel such as a chipboard panel, a fiberboard panel (e.g., a particleboard panel, a MDF panel, or a hardboard panel), or a plywood panel. The wood fragments and binder can be pressed at elevated temperature and pressure to cure the binder and form the non-glass substrate. 
     Also for example, in other embodiments, the non-glass substrate is formed from or comprises a polymeric material. In some of such embodiments, the polymeric material comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), thermopolymer polyolefin (TPO™-polymer/filler blends of polyethylene, polypropylene, block copolymer polypropylene (BCPP), or rubber), polyester, polycarbonate, polyvinylbuterate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or substituted polythyelene, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvinylbutyrate, polyvinylacetylene, transparent thermoplastic, transparent polybutadiene, polycyanoacrylate, cellulose-based polymer, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyvinylalcohol (PVA), polysulphide, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polysiloxane, or combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the non-glass substrate comprises a decoration that is visible through the glass sheet or at a non-glass surface of the glass laminate opposite the glass sheet. For example the decoration comprises a decorative layer (e.g., a decorative paper or polymer), ink or paint, or a veneer disposed at an outer surface of the non-glass substrate. Additionally, or alternatively, the non-glass substrate comprises a combination of materials described herein (e.g., polymer impregnated papers, wood-based material, and/or polymeric material). 
     In various embodiments, adhesive  106  is formed from or comprises a polymeric material. In some embodiments, the polymeric material is selected from the group consisting of a silicone, an acrylate (e.g., polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)), a polyurethane polyvinylbutyrate, an ethylenevinylacetate, an ionomer, a polyvinyl butyral, compatible mixtures thereof, and compatible combinations thereof. For example, adhesive  106  comprises DuPont SentryGlas®, DuPont PV 5411, Japan World Corporation material FAS, or polyvinyl butyral resin. In some embodiments, adhesive  106  comprises a thermoplastic polymer material. Additionally, or alternatively, adhesive  106  is a sheet or film of adhesive. In some of such embodiments, adhesive  106  comprises a decorative pattern or design visible through glass sheet  102 . In some embodiments, adhesive  106  comprises a functional component that exhibits, for example, color, decoration, heat or UV resistance, IR filtration, or combinations thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, adhesive  106  is optically clear on cure, translucent, or opaque. 
     In some embodiments, a thickness of adhesive  106  (e.g., a distance between second surface  103 B of glass sheet  102  and first surface  105 A of non-glass substrate  104 ) is at most about 5000 μm, at most about 1000 μm, at most about 500 μm, at most about 250 μm, at most about 50 μm, at most about 40 μm, at most about 30 μm, or at most about 25 μm. Additionally, or alternatively, the thickness of adhesive  106  is at least about 5 μm, at least about 10 μm, at least about 15 μm, at least about 20 μm, at least about 50 μm, or at least about 100 μm. 
     In some embodiments, glass laminate  100  comprises a single glass sheet  102 . For example, glass laminate  100  is free of a glass sheet laminated to second surface  105 B of non-glass substrate. In some of such embodiments, second surface  105 B of non-glass substrate  104  is an exterior surface of glass laminate  100 . 
     Although glass laminate  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-2  comprises a single glass sheet  102  laminated to first surface  105 A of non-glass substrate  104 , other embodiments are included in this disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, a glass laminate comprises a second glass sheet laminated to the second surface of the non-glass substrate (e.g., opposite first surface  105 A of non-glass substrate  104 ). Thus, the non-glass substrate is disposed between the glass sheet and the second glass sheet. Each glass sheet can be laminated to the non-glass substrate as described herein with reference to glass sheet  102  and non-glass substrate  104 . 
     The glass laminate may not have a desired size and/or shape as formed. Thus, in various embodiments, the glass laminate may be cut to a determined size or shape. In such embodiments, the glass laminate may be referred to as a preform glass laminate, which may be cut to form one or more glass laminates of different sizes and/or shapes. In some embodiments, the preform glass laminate is cut using a mechanical cutting process. For example, the preform glass laminate may be cut using a mechanical cutting tool such as a router, a saw, or another cutting tool. In other embodiments, the preform glass laminate is cut using a fluid jet, a laser, or another cutting device. In some embodiments, the cutting tool is mounted on a computer numerical control (CNC) machine that controls movement of the tool relative to the preform glass laminate. In other embodiments, the cutting tool is a handheld tool. 
     After cutting the preform glass laminate, the resulting glass laminate comprises one or more cut edges. For example, the one or more cut edges are edges that are formed during the cutting process (e.g., interior regions of the glass laminate preform that become exterior edges of the glass laminate after cutting). The glass laminate comprising the one or more cut edges can be referred to as an unfinished glass laminate. The glass sheet can have small cracks, chips, or other defects along such cut edges. For example, small cracks or chips can be formed in the glass sheet during a mechanical cutting process. Such cracks or other defects can reduce the strength of the glass sheet. If the strength of the glass sheet is not maintained at a suitable level, the glass sheet may break during subsequent transportation, installation, and/or use of the unfinished glass laminate. The unfinished glass laminate can be finished as described herein to form a finished glass laminate. For example, the finishing can remove the cracks or other defects to increase the strength of the glass laminate. 
     As used herein, the term “edge strength” refers to the strength of a glass sheet of a glass laminate determined using a modified procedure based on the procedure described in ASTM C-158 “Standard Test Methods for Strength of Glass by Flexure (Determination of Modulus of Rupture),” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The modified procedure is generally the same as the procedure described in ASTM C-158, except for an additional calculation performed to determine the glass strength. The modified procedure comprises determining a load vs. glass stress calibration curve for the glass laminate using one of the following methods: 1) directly measuring the strain in the glass sheet (e.g., by a strain gauge) at multiple loads and then calculating stress in the glass sheet at the multiple loads using its elastic modulus, 2) directly measuring the stress in the glass sheet (e.g., by a stress optical method) at multiple loads, or 3) beam theory analysis of the glass laminate, which may be difficult due to uncertainties in the adhesive properties. The glass laminate is tested using the procedure described in ASTM C-158 to determine the load at which the glass sheet (as opposed to the complete glass laminate) fails, and the calibration curve is used to translate the determined failure load into a glass stress value, which is reported as the edge strength. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to maintain a predetermined edge strength in the glass sheet after cutting the glass laminate and an even higher predetermined edge strength after edge finishing the cut edge of the glass laminate (e.g., using the finishing process and/or apparatus described herein). For example, maintaining an edge strength of the glass sheet of at least about 100 MPa can enable the glass sheet of the glass laminate to survive end use conditions, such as handling and installation, without forming cracks and fractures in the glass sheet. 
       FIGS. 3-5  are perspective views of exemplary embodiments of an apparatus  200  for finishing a cut edge of a glass laminate. In some embodiments, apparatus  200  comprises a support  210  comprising a surface  212  and an edge  214 . A glass laminate can be supported by and/or secured to support  210  during an edge finishing process as described herein. For example, support  210  can serve as a table or bench upon which the glass laminate can be secured during the edge finishing process. In some embodiments, surface  212  comprises a substantially planar surface. Additionally, or alternatively, edge  214  comprises a plurality of edges cooperatively defining a perimeter of support  210 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , surface  212  is substantially planar and comprises a rectangular perimeter defined by edges  214 A,  214 B,  214 C, and  214 D. In other embodiments, the surface of the support can be planar or non-planar (e.g., curved) and can comprise a determined number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or more) of edges cooperatively defining a perimeter having a determined polygonal or non-polygonal shape (e.g., circular, elliptical, semi-circular, or triangular). Additionally, or alternatively, each edge of the surface of the support can be linear or nonlinear (e.g., curved). Edge  214  can be substantially perpendicular to surface  212 , as shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , or non-perpendicular relative to the surface. 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  200  comprises a vacuum system  220 , which can be used to secure the glass laminate to surface  212  of support  210  as described herein. In some embodiments, vacuum system  220  comprises a vacuum unit  222 . For example, vacuum unit  222  comprises a vacuum pump, a blower, or another device capable of drawing fluid (e.g., air) from one location to another to create a partial vacuum. Vacuum unit  222  is operatively coupled to surface  212  of support  210  to draw a vacuum at the surface. For example, surface  212  comprises a plurality of openings  213  therein, and vacuum unit  222  is operatively coupled to support  210  (e.g., in fluid communication with the openings) to draw fluid (e.g., air) through the openings in the surface to draw a vacuum at the surface. Thus, support  210  serves as a vacuum chuck that is capable of securing the glass laminate to surface  212  thereof as described herein. 
     Although apparatus  200  is described as comprising vacuum system  220  to secure glass laminate  100  to support  210 , other embodiments are included in this disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, the glass laminate is secured to the support using one or more clamps or other mechanical securing devices. 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  200  comprises a rail  230  disposed adjacent to support  210 . Rail  230  can enable movement of a finishing tool relative to support  210  during a finishing process as described herein. For example, rail  230  comprises an elongate track extending longitudinally along a rail axis to enable movement of the finishing tool along a path substantially parallel to the rail axis. In some embodiments, rail  230  comprises a plurality of rails disposed adjacent to different edges of support  210 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , rail  230  comprises a first rail  230 A disposed adjacent to edge  214 A of support  210  and a second rail  230 B disposed adjacent to edge  214 B of the support. In some embodiments, rail  230  extends substantially parallel to edge  214  of support  210 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , first rail  230 A extends substantially parallel to edge  214 A of support  210  and second rail  230 B extends substantially parallel to edge  214 B of the support. The number of rails can be the same as or different than the number of edges of the support. The positioning of the rail relative to the edge of the support can enable precise positioning of a finishing tool relative to the edge of the support during a finishing process as described herein. In some embodiments, the rail may be substantially linear or curved (e.g., to follow the shape of a curved edge of a support and/or curved cut edge of a glass laminate). 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  200  comprises a carrier  250  coupled to rail  230  and translatable along the rail. A finishing tool can be coupled to carrier  250  to enable movement of the finishing tool relative to support  210  during a finishing process as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, carrier  250  can enable adjustment of the orientation of the finishing tool relative to support  210  during the finishing process also as described herein. In some embodiments, carrier  250  comprises a plurality of carriers coupled to rail  230 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 3-5 , carrier  250  comprises a first carrier  250 A coupled to first rail  230 A and a second carrier  250 B coupled to second rail  230 B. The number of carriers can be the same as or different than the number of rails. For example, the number of carriers can be less than the number of rails such that a single carrier can be coupled to 2 or more rails (e.g., moved from rail to rail as needed). Also for example, the number of carriers can be greater than the number of rails such that 2 or more carriers can be coupled to a single rail. 
       FIG. 6  is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of an engagement between carrier  250  and rail  230  taken along a plane perpendicular to the rail axis. In some embodiments, rail  230  comprises a channel, and carrier  250  is engaged within the channel. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 6 , rail  230  comprises a channel  232 . In some embodiments, channel  232  is bounded on a bottom side by a floor  234  of rail  230 . Additionally, or alternatively, channel  232  is bounded on a first lateral side by a first sidewall  236 A of rail  230 . Additionally, or alternatively, channel  232  is bounded on a second lateral side by a second sidewall  236 B of rail  230 . Additionally, or alternatively, channel  232  is partially bounded on a top side by a cover  238 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 6 , cover  238  comprises a first cover portion  238 A extending from first sidewall  136 A and a second cover portion  238 B extending from second sidewall  236 B. First cover portion  238 A and second cover portion  238 B are spaced from one another such that cover  238  comprises an opening  240  therein. 
     In some embodiments, carrier  250  is engaged within channel  232  of rail  230 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 6 , carrier  250  comprises a first engaging wheel  252 A and a second engaging wheel  252 B disposed within channel  232  of rail  230 . Each of first engaging wheel  252 A and second engaging wheel  252 B is disposed between floor  234  and cover  238 . A body  254  of carrier  250  extends through opening  240  of cover  238 . Each of first engaging wheel  252 A and second engaging wheel  252 B is coupled to body  254  and rotatable about a rotational axis of the respective engaging wheel such that carrier  250  rolls on the engaging wheels within channel  232  to translate the carrier along rail  230 . The position of first engaging wheel  252 A and second engaging wheel  252 B between floor  234  and cover  238  can prevent carrier  250  from becoming unengaged with rail  230 . For example, cover  238  can prevent carrier  250  from moving in an upward direction away from floor  234 . Additionally, or alternatively, cover  238  can prevent carrier  250  from rotating about the rail axis of rail  230  (e.g., as torque is applied to the carrier by the weight of a finishing tool coupled to the carrier). 
       FIG. 7  is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of other exemplary embodiments of an engagement between carrier  250  and rail  230  taken along a plane perpendicular to the rail axis. In some embodiments, rail  230  comprises one or more rods, and carrier  250  is engaged with the one or more rods. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 7 , rail  230  comprises a first rod  242 A and a second rod  242 B. Each of first rod  242 A and second rod  242 B is an elongate bar with a circular, elliptical, semi-circular, triangular, rectangular, or other polygonal or non-polygonal cross-sectional shape. First rod  242 A and second rod  242 B extend substantially parallel to each other and the rail axis. 
     In some embodiments, carrier  250  is engaged with the one or more rods of rail  230 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 7 , carrier  250  comprises a first aperture and a second aperture each extending through body  254 . First rod  242 A is received within the first aperture, and second rod  242 B is received within the second aperture. Body  254  is configured to slide along first rod  242 A and second rod  242 B to translate carrier  250  along rail  230 . For example, the engagement can function as a linear bearing to enable body  254  to slide along first rod  242 A and second rod  242 B. The multiple rods of rail  230  can prevent carrier  250  from rotating about the rail axis of the rail (e.g., as torque is applied to the carrier by the weight of a finishing tool coupled to the carrier). 
     In various embodiments, carrier  250  can translate along rail  230  by sliding, rolling, or another translation mechanism. Additionally, or alternatively, translation of carrier  250  along rail  230  can be manual or automatic. For example, in some embodiments, carrier  250  can be manually pushed or pulled along rail  230  by an operator. In other embodiments, carrier  250  can be pushed or pulled by a hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, or other mechanical driving system. 
     In some embodiments, apparatus  200  comprises a finishing tool  280  coupled to carrier  250 .  FIGS. 8-11  are partial perspective views of carrier  250  of apparatus  200  shown in  FIGS. 3-5  with finishing tool  280  coupled thereto. Finishing tool  250  comprises an abrasive surface  282 . In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  is coupled to carrier  250  such that abrasive surface  282  is positioned adjacent to edge  214  of support  210 . Carrier  250  is translatable along rail  230  to translate abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280  relative to edge  214  of support  210 . In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  comprises a first axis  284 , a second axis  286  perpendicular to the first axis, and a third axis  288  perpendicular to each of the first axis and the second axis. For example, first axis  284  is substantially perpendicular to abrasive surface  282 . In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  is non-planar as described herein. In such embodiments, an axis “perpendicular” to abrasive surface is an axis of rotational symmetry of the abrasive surface (e.g., the axis from which the abrasive surface is tapered). In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  comprises a rotary finishing tool. In some of such embodiments, first axis  284  is a rotational axis of abrasive surface  282 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , finishing tool  280  comprises a rotary sander, and first axis  284  is a rotational axis of the sanding disk. In other embodiments, the finishing tool comprises a rotary drum, and the rotational axis is perpendicular to the rotational axis. In yet other embodiments, the finishing tool comprises a non-rotary finishing tool. For example, the finishing tool comprises a belt sander without a rotational axis. 
     In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  is coupled to carrier  250  to achieve a determined orientation of abrasive surface  282  relative to support  210 .  FIGS. 12-13  are schematic side and top views, respectively, of exemplary embodiments of finishing tool  280  positioned adjacent support  210 . In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  is oriented relative to support  210  such that an angle α is formed between abrasive surface  282  of the finishing tool and surface  212  of the support. For example, angle α is an angle between abrasive surface  282  and surface  212  of support  210 , measured along a plane perpendicular to the surface of the support and including the rotational axis of finishing tool  280  (e.g., first axis  284 ) as shown in  FIG. 12 . In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  is substantially parallel to third axis  288  of finishing tool  280 . In some of such embodiments, angle α is an angle between third axis  288  and surface  212  of support  210 . For example, angle α is an angle between third axis  288  and surface  212  of support  210 , measured along a plane perpendicular to the surface of the support and including the rotational axis of finishing tool  280  (e.g., first axis  284 ). In some embodiments, angle α is greater than 0°, at least about 5°, at least about 10°, at least about 15°, at least about 20°, at least about 25°, at least about 30°, at least about 35°, at least about 40°, or at least about 45°. Additionally, or alternatively, angle α is less than 90°, at most about 85°, at most about 80°, at most about 75°, at most about 70°, at most about 65°, at most about 60°, at most about 55°, at most about 50°, or at most about 45°. 
     In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  is oriented relative to support  210  such that abrasive surface  282  is spaced from edge  214  by a distance d H  (e.g., a horizontal distance) and from surface  212  by a distance d V  (e.g., a vertical distance) as shown in  FIGS. 12-13 . Distances d H  and d V  can be determined to according to the thickness of glass laminate  100 . Such spacing can enable proper engagement between abrasive surface  282  and glass laminate  100  during a finishing process as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  is oriented relative to support  210  such that an angle β is formed between abrasive surface  282  of the finishing tool and edge  214  of the support. For example, angle β is an angle between abrasive surface  282  and edge  214  of support  210  (or a plane including the edge of the support), measured along a plane parallel to surface  212  of the support as shown in  FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, the plane parallel to surface  212  of support  210  includes second axis  286  of finishing tool  280  as shown in  FIG. 13 . In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  is substantially parallel to second axis  286  of finishing tool  280 . In some of such embodiments, angle β is an angle between second axis  286  and edge  214  of support  210 . For example, angle β is an angle between second axis  286  and edge  214  of support  210  (or a plane including the edge of the support), measured along a plane parallel to surface  212  of the support. In some embodiments, angle β is greater than 0°, at least about 1°, at least about 2°, at least about 3°, at least about 4°, at least about 5°, at least about 6°, at least about 7°, at least about 8°, at least about 9°, at least about 10°, at least about 15°, at least about 20°, at least about 25°, at least about 30°, at least about 35°, at least about 40°, or at least about 45°. Additionally, or alternatively, angle β is less than 90°, at most about 85°, at most about 80°, at most about 75°, at most about 70°, at most about 65°, at most about 60°, at most about 55°, at most about 50°, at most about 45°, at most about 40°, at most about 35°, at most about 30°, at most about 25°, at most about 20°, at most about 15°, or at most about 10°. If angle β is too large, the contact area between abrasive surface  282  and glass laminate  100  during a finishing process as described herein can be too small, which can result in excess force being applied to the glass laminate and poor edge quality. Maintaining angle β below about 30° can help to avoid such insufficient contact area. 
     In some embodiments, carrier  250  is adjustable to adjust the orientation of finishing tool  280  relative to support  210 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , carrier  250  is adjustable to rotate finishing tool  280  about second axis  286  and about third axis  288 . Rotating finishing tool  280  about second axis  286  can change angle α. Rotating finishing tool  280  about third axis  288  can change angle β. Thus, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , carrier  250  is adjustable to adjust angle α and angle β. 
     In some embodiments, rail  230  is adjustable to adjust the orientation of finishing tool  280  relative to support  210 . For example, in some embodiments, rail  230  is rotatable about the rail axis to adjust angle α. 
     In some embodiments, body  254  of carrier  250  comprises a base  254 A and an extension  254 B. Base  254 A is coupled to rail  230  as described herein to enable carrier  250  to translate relative to the rail. Extension  254 B is coupled to base  254 A. Base  254 A and extension  254 B can be separate components or portions of a unitary component. In some embodiments, extension  254 B is movable relative to base  254 A. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , extension  254 B is movable relative to base  254 A in directions toward and/or away from edge  214  of support  210 . Such movement can enable carrier  250  to be adjusted to adjust distance d H  between abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280  and edge  214  of support  210  and or to adjust distance d V  between the abrasive surface of the finishing tool and surface  212  of the support. In some embodiments, extension  254 B comprises one or more elongate apertures  256 , and the extension is coupled to base  254 A with one or more fasteners  258  disposed within the elongate apertures as shown in  FIG. 11 . For example, elongate apertures  256  are configured as slotted openings comprising long axes extending perpendicular to the rail axis of rail  230  and/or perpendicular to edge  214  of support  210 . Additionally, or alternatively, fasteners  258  comprise bolts, screws, rivets, or other fastening devices. The position of fasteners  258  within elongate apertures  256  enables extension  254 B of body  254  to slide relative to base  254 A in a direction toward support  210  to reduce distance d H  or in a direction away from the support to increase distance d H . In some embodiments, carrier  250  comprises a sliding mechanism to control movement of extension  254 B relative to base  254 A. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 11 , carrier  250  comprises a screw mechanism  260  that is coupled to base  254 A and threaded into a threaded opening of a receptacle  262  coupled to extension  254 B such that rotation of the screw mechanism causes a corresponding translation of the extension relative to the base. 
     In some embodiments, body  254  of carrier  250  comprises a support arm. Finishing tool  280  can be coupled to the support arm such that the orientation of the finishing tool relative to support  210  is adjustable. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , body  254  of carrier  250  comprises a first support arm  254 C coupled to extension  254 B and a second support arm  254 D coupled to the first support arm. First support arm  254 C and second support arm  254 D can enable the orientation of finishing tool  280  relative to support  210  to be adjusted in multiple dimensions (e.g., rotated about multiple axes) as described herein. In some embodiments, first support arm  254 C is adjustable relative to extension  254 B to rotate finishing tool  280  about third axis  288  to adjust angle β. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , first support arm  254 C comprises a mounting plate  264  coupled to extension  254 B by one or more fasteners  266 , which can be adjusted (with or without installing one or more shims between the mounting plate and the extension) to swing the first support arm in an arc about the extension, thereby rotating finishing tool  280  about second axis  286 . In some embodiments, second support arm  254 D is adjustable relative to first support arm  254 C to rotate finishing tool  280  about second axis  286  to adjust angle α. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , first support arm  254 C comprises a plurality of adjustment apertures  268 , and second support arm  254 D is coupled to the first support arm at a pivot pin  270  and at one of the adjustment apertures with a fastener. Changing the adjustment aperture to which second support arm  254 D is coupled causes the second support arm to pivot about pivot pin  270 , thereby rotating finishing tool  280  about third axis  288 . 
     In some embodiments, the support arm is adjustable relative to the extension to move the finishing tool in directions toward and/or away from the rail (e.g., vertical directions). For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8-11 , first support arm  254 C is movable relative to extension  254 B in directions toward and/or away from rail  230 . Such movement can enable carrier  250  to be adjusted to adjust distance d H  between abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280  and edge  214  of support  210  and or to adjust distance d V  between the abrasive surface of the finishing tool and surface  212  of the support. In some embodiments, mounting plate  264  comprises one or more elongate apertures  272 , and first support arm  254 C is coupled to extension  254 B with one or more fasteners  266  disposed within the elongate apertures as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 . For example, elongate apertures  272  are configured as slotted openings comprising long axes extending perpendicular to the rail axis of rail  230  and/or perpendicular to surface  212  of support  210 . The position of fasteners  266  within elongate apertures  272  enables first support arm  254 C of body  254  to slide relative to extension  254 B in a direction toward rail  230  to reduce distance d V  or in a direction away from the rail to increase distance d V . In some embodiments, carrier  250  comprises a sliding mechanism to control movement of first support arm  254 C relative to extension  254 B. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , carrier  250  comprises a screw mechanism  274  that is coupled to extension  254 B and threaded into a threaded opening disposed in first support arm  254 C such that rotation of the screw mechanism causes a corresponding translation of the first support arm relative to the extension. 
     Although carrier  250  is described in reference to  FIGS. 8-11  as comprising base  254 A, extension  254 B, first support arm  254 C, and second support arm  254 D to cooperatively enable adjustment of the orientation of finishing tool  280  relative to surface  210  to adjust distance d H , distance d V , angle α, and angle β, other embodiments are included in this disclosure. For example, in other embodiments, such adjustment in multiple dimensions can be achieved by a swivel, ball and socket, or other adjustable coupling between the base and the extension and/or between the base and the support arm. In such embodiments, the carrier can comprise a single support arm, or the support arm can be omitted entirely. However, the configuration of carrier  250  described in reference to  FIGS. 8-11  can enable a robust coupling between the various components or the carrier to avoid unintended repositioning of finishing tool  280  relative to support  210  (e.g., resulting from slippage of a swivel, ball and socket, or other coupling between components). 
       FIG. 14  is a partial schematic side view of exemplary embodiments of finishing tool  280 . In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280  is non-planar. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 14 , abrasive surface  282  is tapered in a direction outward from the rotational axis (e.g., first axis  284 ) toward a periphery or perimeter of the abrasive surface. For example, abrasive surface  282  comprises an apex disposed at the rotational axis and tapers away from the apex toward the periphery of the abrasive surface. Such a taper can help to enable contacting the glass laminate with a portion of the abrasive surface that is moving in a direction that puts the glass sheet of the glass laminate in compression (e.g., a downward direction toward the non-glass substrate) while avoiding contact between a portion of the abrasive surface that is moving in a direction that puts the glass sheet in tension (e.g., an upward direction away from the non-glass substrate) during a finishing process as described herein. In some embodiments, a taper of abrasive surface  282  is at least about 3°, at least about 4°, at least about 5°, or at least about 6°. Additionally, or alternatively, a taper of abrasive surface  282  is at most about 20°, at most about 15°, at most about 10°, at most about 9°, at most about 8°, or at most about 7°. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  are schematic side and top views, respectively, of glass laminate  100  during various stages of some embodiments of a finishing process. In some embodiments, a method comprises securing glass laminate  100  to support  210 . For example, the method comprises securing glass laminate  100  to surface  212  of support  210  as shown in  FIG. 15 . In some embodiments, securing glass laminate  100  to support  210  comprises drawing a vacuum between the glass laminate and the support (e.g., using vacuum system  220 , a clamp, or another securing device as described herein). In some embodiments, a buffer material  216  is disposed between glass laminate  100  and support  210 . For example, buffer material  216  comprises medium density fiberboard (MDF) material. The MDF material can be a sacrificial layer. For example, during the finishing process, abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280  can contact the MDF material without damaging underlying support  210 . In some embodiments, buffer material  216  is a porous material to enable a vacuum to be drawn between glass laminate  100  and support  210 . In other embodiments, the buffer material is omitted, and the glass laminate is secured directly to the support. 
     In some embodiments, the edge of glass laminate  100  is substantially aligned with edge  214  of support  210  as shown in  FIG. 15 . Thus, there is substantially no offset between the edge of glass laminate  100  and edge  214  of support  210 . In other embodiments, the edge of the glass laminate is offset from the edge of the support. For example, the glass laminate is positioned on the support such that the support extends beyond the glass laminate. Such a configuration can be referred to as a negative offset and denoted by a negative distance. Alternatively, the glass laminate is positioned on the support such that the glass laminate extends beyond the support. Such a configuration can be referred to as a positive offset and denoted by a positive distance. In some embodiments, the offset is about −5 mm to about +30 mm. An negative offset of more than 5 mm (e.g., an offset of less than −5 mm) can cause undesirable contact between the abrasive surface of the finishing tool and the support. A positive offset of more than 30 mm can result in excessive vibration at the edge of the glass laminate, which can cause the glass sheet to fracture. 
     In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting an edge of glass laminate  100  with abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280 . The edge can be a cut edge of glass laminate  100 , which can have cracks or other defects resulting from a cutting process as described herein. 
     In some embodiments, the contacting comprises orienting finishing tool  280  relative to glass laminate  100  such that an angle θ is formed between abrasive surface  282  of the finishing tool and an outer surface (e.g., surface  103 A or surface  105 B) of the glass laminate. For example, angle θ is an angle between abrasive surface  282  and surface  103 A of glass sheet  102  of glass laminate  100 , measured along a plane perpendicular to the surface of the glass laminate and including the rotational axis of finishing tool  280  (e.g., first axis  284 ) as shown in  FIG. 15 . In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  is substantially parallel to third axis  288  of finishing tool  280 . In some of such embodiments, angle θ is an angle between third axis  288  and the outer surface of glass laminate  100 . For example, angle θ is an angle between third axis  288  and surface  103 A of glass sheet  102  of glass laminate  100 , measured along a plane perpendicular to the surface of the glass laminate and including the rotational axis of finishing tool  280  (e.g., first axis  284 ). In some embodiments, angle θ can have any of the values described herein in reference to angle α. Additionally, or alternatively, the method comprises adjusting angle θ (e.g., by adjusting carrier  250  as described herein). 
     In some embodiments, the contacting comprises orienting finishing tool  280  relative to glass laminate  100  such that an angle φ is formed between abrasive surface  282  of the finishing tool and edge  214  of the glass laminate. For example, angle φ is an angle between abrasive surface  282  and the edge of glass laminate  100  (or a plane including the edge of the glass laminate), measured along a plane parallel to surface  103 A of the glass laminate as shown in  FIG. 16 . In some embodiments, the plane parallel to surface  103 A of glass laminate  100  includes second axis  286  of finishing tool  280  as shown in  FIG. 16 . In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  is substantially parallel to second axis  286  of finishing tool  280 . In some of such embodiments, angle φ is an angle between second axis  286  and the edge of glass laminate  100 . For example, angle φ is an angle between second axis  286  and the edge of glass laminate  100  (or a plane including the edge of the glass laminate), measured along a plane parallel to surface  103 A of the glass laminate. In some embodiments, angle φ can have any of the values described herein in reference to angle β. Additionally, or alternatively, the method comprises adjusting angle φ (e.g., by adjusting carrier  250  as described herein). 
     In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280  is oriented to apply a force to glass sheet  102  of glass laminate  100  in a direction toward non-glass substrate  104  during the contacting. For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 16 , abrasive surface  282  is bisected by a bisecting plane including first axis  284  and third axis  288  such that during rotation, a first portion  290  of the abrasive surface disposed on one side of the bisecting plane is moving substantially in the direction toward non-glass substrate  104  (e.g., a downward direction) and a second portion  292  of the abrasive surface disposed on an opposing side of the bisecting plane is moving in a direction away from the non-glass substrate (e.g., an upward direction). In some embodiments, finishing tool  280  is oriented such that first portion  290  of abrasive surface  282  contacts glass sheet  102  of glass laminate  100 , and second portion  292  of the abrasive surface does not contact the glass sheet of the glass laminate. Thus, only the portion of the abrasive surface moving substantially in the direction toward non-glass substrate  104  contacts glass sheet  102 , thereby applying the force to the glass sheet in the direction toward the non-glass substrate. Such an orientation of the finishing tool relative to the glass laminate can enable the glass sheet to be maintained in a state of compression during the contacting, which can help to avoid fracturing the glass sheet. In some embodiments, abrasive surface  282  of finishing tool  280  is tapered as described herein in reference to  FIG. 14 , which can help to avoid contact between second portion  292  of the abrasive surface to avoid putting the glass in tension. 
     In some embodiments, the contacting comprises applying a fluid to abrasive surface  282  and/or the cut edge of glass laminate  100 . For example, the contacting comprises spraying water onto abrasive surface  282  and the cut edge of glass laminate  100  during the contacting the cut edge of the glass laminate with the abrasive surface. The fluid can help to lubricate the contact between the abrasive surface and the glass laminate and/or to remove glass or other particles removed from the glass laminate during edge finishing, which can improve the quality of the finished edge. 
     In some embodiments, the method comprises translating carrier  250  along rail  230  substantially parallel to edge  214  of support  210  to move abrasive surface  282  along the edge of glass laminate. In some of such embodiments, the method comprises maintaining contact between abrasive surface  182  and glass laminate  100  during the translating. Additionally, or alternatively, the method comprises operating finishing tool to rotate or otherwise move abrasive surface  282  during the translating.  FIG. 17  is a side perspective view of glass laminate  100  following the translating. In some embodiments, such translation removes a portion of glass sheet  102  of glass laminate  100  to transform the cut edge of the glass laminate into a finished edge. 
     In some embodiments, the finished edge comprises a contacted portion  120  and an uncontacted portion  122 . For example, contacted portion  120  of the finished edge is a portion of the finished edge formed by removing material from glass laminate  100  during the contacting and translating. Additionally, or alternatively, uncontacted portion  122  of the finished edge is a remaining portion of the finished edge from which substantially no material was removed during the contacting and translating. In other embodiments, the entire cut edge comprises the contacted portion such that the uncontacted portion is omitted. In some embodiments, contacted portion  120  of the finished edge extends through substantially an entire thickness of glass sheet  102  as shown in  FIG. 17 . Thus, the entire cut edge of the glass sheet is contacted by abrasive surface  282  during the contacting and translating. Additionally, or alternatively, contacted portion  120  of the finished edge extends through all or a portion of adhesive  106  and/or non-glass substrate  104 . For example, in the embodiments shown in  FIG. 17 , contacted portion  120  of the finished edge extends through the entire thickness of adhesive  106  and a portion of the thickness of non-glass substrate  104 . In some embodiments, the finished edge of glass laminate  100  is beveled. For example, an angle γ is formed between contacted portion  120  and a plane parallel to uncontacted portion  122  as shown in  FIG. 17 . Angle γ can be determined by the orientation of abrasive surface  282  relative to glass laminate  100  during the contacting and translating. For example, angle γ corresponds generally to angle α. 
     In some embodiments, the contacting and translating removes material of glass laminate to a finishing depth d F . For example, finishing depth d F  is a distance between an innermost portion of the finished edge and an outermost portion of the finished edge as shown in  FIG. 17 . In some embodiments, the orientation of finishing tool  280  relative to surface  210  and/or glass laminate  100  can be adjusted to adjust finishing depth d F . For example, carrier  250  can be adjusted to move finishing tool  280  toward or away from edge  214  of support  210  (e.g., to adjust distance d H  as described herein) to adjust finishing depth d F . Additionally, or alternatively, carrier  250  can be adjusted to move finishing tool  280  toward or away from rail  230  (e.g., to adjust distance d V  as described herein) to adjust finishing depth d F . In some embodiments, finishing depth d F  is at least about 0.1 mm, at least about 0.2 mm, at least about 0.3 mm, at least about 0.4 mm, at least about 0.5 mm, at least about 1 mm, at least about 1.5 mm, or at least about 2 mm. Additionally, or alternatively, finishing depth d F  is at most about 5 mm, at most about 4.5 mm, at most about 4 mm, at most about 3.5 mm, at most about 3 mm, at most about 2.5 mm, at most about 2 mm, at most about 1.5 mm, or at most about 1 mm. 
     The contacting and translating can be repeated on additional edges of glass laminate  100 . For example, each edge of glass laminate  100  can be finished as described herein. In some embodiments, after finishing as described herein, glass laminate  100  can have an improved edge strength compared to glass laminates finished using conventional finishing processes. For example, an edge strength of glass laminate  100  comprising the finished edge is at least about 100 MPa. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that such improved edge strength is a result of the finished edge being free or substantially free of the cracks or other defects present in the cut edge. 
     Surprisingly, the edge finishing apparatus and processes described herein can enable improved edge strength compared to conventional edge finishing processes, even when the same finishing tool is used. For example, using the finishing tool in combination with the edge finishing apparatus and processes described herein can enable improved edge strength compared to edge finishing processes using the same finishing tool (e.g., hand finishing with the finishing tool). For example, a glass laminate with edges finished using the apparatus and processes described herein can have an edge strength (e.g., a B10 edge strength) of at least about 100 MPa, determined using the modified procedure based on the procedure described in ASTM C-158 as described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, a glass laminate with edges finished using the apparatus and processes described herein can demonstrate an increase in edge strength (e.g., a B10 edge strength) of at least about 100%, at least about 120%, at least about 140%, at least about 160%, at least about 180%, at least about 200%, at least about 210%, at least about 215%, or at least about 218% compared to an unfinished glass laminate having the same configuration, determined using the modified procedure based on the procedure described in ASTM C-158 as described herein. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the precise control of the orientation of the abrasive surface of the finishing tool, the precise alignment of the rail with the edge of the glass laminate, and the secure engagement of the glass laminate with the surface of the support during the finishing enable the observed improved edge strength. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Various embodiments will be further clarified by the following examples. 
     Comparative Example 1 
     A preform glass laminate having the general configuration shown in  FIGS. 1-2  was formed. The glass sheet was a flexible aluminosilicate glass sheet with a thickness of 0.2 mm commercially available as Corning® Willow® Glass from Corning Incorporated (Corning, N.Y., USA). The non-glass substrate was an 8 mm thick HPL panel with a 40 μm thick aluminum layer embedded beneath a decorative surface layer disposed at each outer surface of the non-glass substrate and commercially available as Material Exterior Grade (MEG) panels from ABET, Inc. (Englewood, N.J., USA). The adhesive was an optically clear adhesive commercially available as 3M™ Optically Clear Adhesive 8125 from 3M Company (Maplewood, Minn., USA). 
     A rectangular segment was cut from a central region of the preform glass laminate using a router bit mounted on a computer numerical control (CNC) machine to form an unfinished glass laminate having four cut edges. 
     Comparative Example 2 
     An unfinished glass laminate was formed as described in Comparative Example 1. Each of the four cut edges of the unfinished glass laminate was finished by sanding the edge using a handheld rotary sander commercially available as ETS EC 150/5 EQ from Festool USA (Lebanon, Ind., USA) with 320 grit sandpaper to form a finished glass laminate. 
     Example 1 
     An unfinished glass laminate was formed as described in Comparative Example 1. Each of the four cut edges of the unfinished glass laminate was finished using the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 3-5 and 8-11  to form a finished glass laminate. The finishing tool was a rotary sander commercially available as ETS EC 150/5 EQ from Festool USA (Lebanon, Ind., USA) with 320 grit sandpaper. Angle θ was 65°. Finishing depth d F  was about 0.5 mm. 
       FIG. 18  is a Weibull plot comparing the edge strength of the unfinished glass laminate produced as described in Comparative Example 1 and the finished glass laminates produced as described in Comparative Example 2 and Example 1. The edge strengths were determined using the modified procedure based on the procedure described in ASTM C-158 as described herein. A sample of 30 unfinished glass laminates produced as described in Comparative Example 1 were evaluated. A sample of 57 finished glass laminates produced as described in Comparative Example 2 were evaluated. A sample of 30 finished glass laminates produced as described in Example 1 were evaluated. As shown in  FIG. 18 , the finished glass laminates of Example 1 had a B10 edge strength of 106 MPa, which is significantly higher than the B10 edge strength of the finished glass laminates of Comparative Example 2, which was 66 MPa. The B10 edge strength of the finished glass laminates of Example 1 showed a 218% improvement compared to the B10 edge strength of the unfinished glass laminates of Comparative Example 1, which was 33 MPa. In comparison, the B10 edge strength of the finished glass laminates of Comparative Example 2 showed only a 96% improvement compared to the B10 edge strength of the unfinished glass laminates of Comparative Example 1. Thus, the data shown in  FIG. 18  illustrates that finishing the edges of a glass laminate using the apparatus and methods described herein enable improved edge strength compared to hand finishing methods, even using the same finishing tool. 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed subject matter. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.