New Benchmark in PV Manufacturing: Precision Edge Trimming & Grinding

As the photovoltaic industry accelerates toward higher efficiency and intelligent manufacturing, the degree of process precision in module production has become a decisive factor in product competitiveness. Post-lamination edge trimming and corner grinding—though often regarded as minor steps—have a direct and profound impact on module appearance, mechanical integrity, and long-term reliability. With the introduction of fully automated edge trimming machines and intelligent corner grinding systems, the industry is now entering an era of high-precision, high-efficiency solutions that are redefining manufacturing standards for photovoltaic modules.

Edge Trimming Process: The Transformation from “Rough” to “Precision”

Conventional edge trimming processes, heavily dependent on manual or semi-automated equipment, frequently suffer from burr formation, dimensional inconsistency, and uneven edges. These defects not only impair visual quality but may also cause stress concentration along module edges, increasing the risk of glass-backsheet delamination after lamination. The new generation of fully automated edge trimming machines leverages high-precision servo control systems and diamond cutting tools to achieve a fundamental process upgrade:

1. Millimeter-level precision control: Tool feed error ≤0.05mm ensures smooth, burr-free component edges, preventing operator scratches or sealant damage during subsequent installation.

2. Adaptive material adjustment: Automatically adjusts cutting speed and pressure for single-glass, double-glass, and flexible modules to prevent glass shattering or backsheet deformation.

3. Closed-loop Dust Recovery: An integrated negative-pressure dust collection system recovers glass debris and EVA residue generated during edge trimming in real time, reducing workshop dust concentration by 90% and meeting ISO 14644-1 cleanroom standards.

In a typical 1 GW production line application, the adoption of this equipment increased edge qualification rates from 92% to 99.5%, reducing annual rework costs caused by edge-related defects by more than RMB 2 million.

Edge Grinding Process: Where the Details Make the Difference

If the corners of laminated modules are not properly rounded, they are prone to micro-cracks from impacts during transportation or installation, becoming a trigger for PID (Potential-Induced Degradation). The intelligent edge grinder achieves two major innovations through 3D contour scanning and flexible polishing technology:

1. Precision R-corner forming: Automatically calculates the optimal arc radius based on component thickness (default 2mm), ensuring uniform stress distribution at corners and boosting impact resistance by 40%.

2. Multi-Station Collaborative Processing: Integrates coarse grinding, fine grinding, and polishing into a single operation. Processing time per module ≤8 seconds, achieving 3 times the efficiency of traditional single-machine operations.

Test data shows that modules processed by this grinding machine exhibit a 65% reduction in corner seal degradation rate during IEC 61215 wet freeze testing, extending service life by over 5 years.

Edge Trimming + Corner Polishing: Synergy in Smart Production Lines

Deep integration of trimming machines and corner grinding machines into fully automated production lines enables data connectivity via MES systems: Trimming process dimensional data is transmitted in real-time to corner grinding machines, automatically adjusting polishing parameters; post-grinding corner images are synchronously uploaded to quality inspection modules, where AI algorithms detect surface defects. This “upstream defines downstream” collaborative model achieves a comprehensive component yield exceeding 98.8% while reducing energy consumption per unit output by 22%. In a representative overseas project, a client adopting this integrated workstation reduced production line staffing by 60%, increased output per unit area by 35%, and successfully achieved TÜV Rheinland's “Zero-Defect Factory” certification. This case demonstrates that through process innovation and equipment synergy, photovoltaic manufacturing can transition from “scale-first” to “quality-first” priorities.

Conclusion

From the “millimeter-by-millimeter” precision in edge trimming to the flawless smoothness achieved in corner grinding, the relentless pursuit of craftsmanship details is reshaping the competitive landscape of photovoltaic module manufacturing. Driven by the dual carbon goals, this practice—using technological innovation to reduce lifecycle costs and propel the industry toward “zero-defect manufacturing”—not only secures market advantages for enterprises but also provides a replicable manufacturing paradigm for the global green energy transition. With technology as its edge and craftsmanship as its foundation, ChinTiyan ensures that every photovoltaic module stands as a true fusion of engineering excellence and innovation—bringing the future of clean energy within tangible reach.