Cutting Glass with Numerical Control Machine
Cutting Glass with Numerical Control Machine
Precise Glass cutting is achieved on a CNC machine, using ‘computer numerical control’ which is the automation of machine tools by means of a computer executing pre-programmed sequences of machine control commands. The actual cutting is done using a diamond tipped steel disc, which has a V-shaped end and is carried by a head that moves around three axes X, Y and Z. By interpolating the x and y axes we can cut any shape, such as ellipses, circles, trapezoids or parallelograms, the deviation being only +/- 0.5 mm.
The ability of the machine to change its cutting head makes it suitable for cutting glass with thicknesses from 2mm to 25mm.
Cutting can be done from CAD files
Because can interpolate all three axes, we can process and cut complex drawing patterns in most CAD formats, such as .DXF, .DWG, .EPS, .AI, .CDR etc
Glass cutouts can be done effortlessly for various applications, such as fitting washbasins into glass countertops, installing spotlights in mirrors, installing sockets for wall cladings. To ensure safety in later operation, the cut edges will be finished with the possibility of polishing them later on, if they remain visible. The minimum radius for the inner cutouts is 15 mm, with the glossy finished edge. If a matte finished edge is desired, the minimum internal radius is at least 12 mm, and if the edge has to have a minimum, a 7 mm radius is achieved with a router cut – with minimal finishing for tempered processing.
