Frit materials and/or method of making vacuum insulating glass units including the same

Abstract

Certain example embodiments relate to frit materials that have an improved IR absorption property. Certain examples relate to frit materials that substantially melt in about 3 minutes at a temperature of about 525° C. Certain examples relate to a method of making an edge seal by using IR energy. Certain examples relate to adjusting the IR energy applied to a frit material to form an edge seal. Certain examples also relate to making a VIG unit by applying IR energy and adjusting the amount of IR energy over multiple periods of time, e.g., in an oscillating manner.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A method of making an edge seal for a VIG window unit, the method comprising:
 applying a first IR energy to a frit material for a first predetermined period of time, wherein the fit material along with a plurality of spacers are located between first and second substrates, wherein the frit material comprises metal oxides in amounts sufficient to absorb at least 80% of infrared (IR) energy having a wavelength of 1100-2100 nm;   after applying the first IR energy, applying a second IR energy from at least one IR emitter to the frit material for a second predetermined period of time;   after applying the second IR energy, applying another IR energy to the frit material for a third predetermined period of time so as increase the temperature of the frit material compared to the temperature of the frit material resulting from the second IR energy; and   after applying the another IR energy, cooling and/or allowing the frit material to cool over a fourth period of time in making the VIG window unit.