Patent attributes
An edge-protected product and finishing method therefor. The product comprises a first we and a second web bonded intermittently to the peripheral regions of a major surface of the sheet material to be protected. The bonded webs provide the desired level of protection to the peripheral regions and the edge surfaces of the sheet material. The intermittent bonding allows for the clean and convenient separation of the sheet material and the webs that a continuously bonded web would not be able to provide. Where laser cutting is used to separate the protected product, the edge-protected product with intermittent bonding areas allows for the separation without laser irradiation to the web material, thus no generation of toxic fume or charring due to oxidation, melting and/or disintegration of the web material caused by laser heating. The invention is particularly useful for protecting thin glass sheets, especially those in the form of a spool.
