Apparatus and method for glass separation for flat panel displays

A system for separating edge portions from a glass panel etched with semiconductor circuitry, the glass panel being scored to define an inner working area and outer edge portions to be removed, the system comprising:

• a stage having a plurality of channels formed therethrough and a layer of electrostatic dissipative material that covers an upper surface of said stage, wherein gas is pumped through said channels along the underside of the glass panel such that the glass panel floats above said layer of electrostatic dissipative material;
• locating pins that are removably secured to said stage, wherein said locating pins locate the glass panel above said stage, the gas no longer being pumped through said channels after the glass panel is located above said stage so that the glass panel directly contacts said layer of electrostatic dissipative material, and wherein at least one of the outer edge portions is located outside a periphery of said stage when the glass panel directly contacts said layer of electrostatic dissipative material;
• a turntable supporting said stage, said turntable configured to mechanically rotate said stage;
• a separating device for separating the outer edge portions from the glass panel, said separating device comprising a handle and a slotted plate connected to said handle, said slotted plate having upper and lower panel engaging surfaces defining a recess of approximately the same width and thickness as the glass panel;
• and
• a force gauge attached to said handle for measuring the force applied to said handle.