Localized heating via an infrared heat source array of edge seals for a vacuum insulating glass unit, and/or unitized oven with infrared heat source array for accomplishing the same

A method of making a vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit, the method comprising:

• having first and second substantially parallel spaced-apart thermally tempered glass substrates and an edge seal material comprising frit provided at least partially between the first and second thermally tempered lass substrates for sealing an area proximate an edge of the VIG window unit;
• pre-heating the thermally tempered glass substrates and the frit to at least one temperature from about 200 to 300 degrees C. below a melting point of the first and second glass substrates and below a melting point of the frit;
• providing localized near infrared (IR) inclusive heat from about 1.1 to 1.4 μm proximate to the area proximate the edge to be sealed via a two-dimensional array of heat sources so as to at least partially melt the frit, and wherein the heat sources are individually and selectively activated, in sequence;
• cooling the unit and/or allowing the frit to harden in making the vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit;
• wherein at least some portions of the first and second glass substrates do not lose any more than 50% of original temper strength during formation of the edge seal;
• and
• evacuating a gap between the first and second thermally tempered glass substrates to a pressure less than atmospheric pressure in making the vacuum insulating glass (VIG) window unit.