IGU Low-E Edge Deletion Verification Inspection

It verifies that the low-E coating has been removed to the specified width around the IGU perimeter so the secondary sealant bonds to bare glass. The template also checks for continuity, corner cleanup, residue, scratches, and other conditions that can weaken adhesion. It is designed to document the inspection before sealant application, when defects are still correctable.

Use it after edge deletion and cleaning, but before secondary sealant application. That timing lets you catch incomplete deletion, coating bridges, or contamination before the unit moves downstream. If your process includes rework, the same template can be reused after correction to confirm the fix.

A trained quality inspector, line lead, or technician familiar with IGU construction and the plant's coating specifications should perform it. The person should know the required deletion width, acceptable tolerance, and what bare-glass condition is needed for sealant adhesion. If your site uses a sign-off authority, the template can capture that role as well.

No. This template is focused on low-E edge deletion verification and seal-bond readiness, not the entire IGU build. It works best as a process control check within a larger quality system that may also cover spacer placement, desiccant fill, sealant mix, and final unit inspection. Use it where edge deletion is a known risk point.

Common findings include deletion bands that are too narrow, gaps where coating was not fully removed, incomplete corner cleanup, and residue left in the bond area. Inspectors also catch scratches, chips, or edge damage that can compromise the seal area. These issues are often visible before the unit is sealed, which makes them cheaper to correct.

It supports documented process control under quality management practices such as ISO 9001-style inspection records and traceability. For plants that align with customer specifications or internal work instructions, it creates a repeatable record of conformance and non-conformance. It is not a regulatory permit, but it helps demonstrate controlled production and corrective action.

Yes. The template is meant to be adapted to your coating type, deletion width specification, corner geometry, and customer requirements. You can add site-specific tolerances, photo requirements, lot tracking fields, or pass/fail rules for residue and haze. If your process uses different criteria by product family, duplicate the template and set those values separately.

Record the measured deletion width, the lite location, and a clear description of the deficiency or non-conformance. Include whether the issue was corrected in place, sent back for rework, or held for disposition. Good documentation makes it easier to identify recurring process problems such as tool wear, masking drift, or cleaning variation.

An ad hoc check often misses corner gaps, uneven bands, and subtle residue that still interferes with adhesion. This template standardizes what to look for, where to look, and what to record so different inspectors produce consistent results. It also creates a usable record for corrective action instead of relying on memory or informal notes.