Low-E (Low-Emissivity) glass has become a key material in modern architectural design. Its advanced metallic coating greatly reduces heat transfer, helping buildings save energy and improve indoor comfort. However, this thin metal layer also introduces an unexpected challenge: it blocks wireless signals. In an era where connectivity is essential, this issue has driven the rapid rise of “signal-friendly glass.”
To address this, laser micro-marking has emerged as the most effective solution. Moreover, with the development of fully automatic laser processing equipment, transforming Low-E glass into signal-friendly glass is now faster, more precise, and far more efficient than ever before.
This article explains why Low-E glass blocks signals, how micro-marking solves the problem, and why our automated fiber-laser system offers a superior manufacturing solution.
1. Why Low-E Glass Blocks Wireless Signals
Although Low-E glass looks the same as ordinary glass, it contains a microscopically thin metallic coating—typically silver combined with metal oxides. This coating reflects infrared energy to reduce heat transfer. However, because it behaves like a reflective metal layer, it also reflects electromagnetic waves used for communication.
As a result, Low-E glass blocks—or significantly weakens—signals such as:
- Wi-Fi
- 4G / 5G mobile signals
- GPS
- Bluetooth
- RFID / smart-home communication
Consequently, many modern buildings face connectivity problems: unstable mobile signals, slow Wi-Fi, and poor smart-home performance. The higher the thermal efficiency of the glass, the weaker the wireless reception inside the building tends to be.
2. How Micro-Marking Turns Low-E Glass Into Signal-Friendly Glass
To overcome this challenge, engineers developed a simple but powerful approach: laser micro-marking. This process uses a high-precision laser beam to remove the metallic coating in tiny, uniform patterns.
These patterns—often micro-dots, micro-lines, or small grids—work like invisible “signal windows.” They allow radio waves to pass through the glass without compromising the overall thermal performance.
Importantly, the micro-marking is:
- Extremely small
- Uniform and consistent
- Invisible from normal viewing distance
- Permanent and resistant to wear
- Designed not to affect the appearance of the building
Therefore, micro-marking allows Low-E glass to keep its excellent energy-saving properties while improving signal transmission.
3. Why Laser Is the Ideal Technology for Micro-Marking
Laser technology is currently the best option for producing signal-friendly micro-patterns. Unlike mechanical or chemical methods, laser processing is contact-free, precise, and consistent. It can remove only the metallic layer without harming the glass surface underneath.
Furthermore, lasers make it possible to treat both small pieces and large architectural panels with excellent repeatability. This is essential for construction projects that require thousands of square meters of processed glass.
4. Supernova Fully Automatic Laser System for Signal-Friendly Low-E Glass
To meet the increasing demand for signal-friendly glass, Supernova Laser has independently designed and manufactured a fully automatic laser micro-marking production line. Every step—from engineering design to manufacturing—has been completed by our team, giving us full control over performance and quality.
A. Fully Automatic Workflow
Our production line includes:
- Automatic loading
- Precise positioning and alignment
- High-speed laser micro-marking
- Automatic unloading
With this integrated process, one operator can manage the entire system. This significantly reduces labor requirements while improving throughput and stability.
B. Faster Processing With High-Performance Fiber Lasers
Unlike many manufacturers that still use green lasers, such as PRC and Orion, Supernova have adopted advanced fiber-laser technology. This offers several significant advantages:
- Much higher marking speed
- Improved long-term stability
- Lower maintenance and operating cost
- Longer service life
- Cleaner and more precise pattern quality
Consequently, our fiber-laser system is noticeably faster than typical green-laser solutions, especially when processing large architectural glass panels.
C. Ultra-High Precision With Minimal Heat Impact
Our system combines optimized pulse control, precise scanning paths, and stable motion control to ensure that the metallic coating is removed cleanly and consistently. Meanwhile, the heat-affected zone is extremely small, protecting the glass surface and ensuring high-quality optical performance.
D. A One-of-a-Kind Industrial Solution
What sets our production line apart is that it is not a modified marking machine. Instead, it is a purpose-built system exclusively designed for signal-friendly Low-E glass. From the mechanical structure to the software logic, every detail supports high-volume, high-precision production.
Currently, there is no equivalent machine on the global market, making this system a truly innovative solution for the building glass industry.
5. Applications of Signal-Friendly Glass
Signal-friendly Low-E glass is becoming increasingly important for:
- Smart homes and smart buildings
- 5G-ready construction
- Airports and transportation hubs
- Office towers and hotels
- Industrial facilities
- GPS-dependent environments
- Security and surveillance systems
As wireless communication becomes even more essential, the demand for signal-friendly glass will continue to grow.