Waterjet Cutting of Glass
Flat glass, float glass, stained glass, glass tiles, and much more.
Waterjet cutting is a precise cutting process that is particularly well-suited for cutting glass. It is a high-tech tool and is the top choice for shape and dimensional accuracy, especially when working with curved glass contours.
A major advantage of waterjet cutting for glass is that the cutting process does not involve heat. As a result, the structure and properties of the glass remain unchanged, and there is no deformation or loss of material.
The process also allows for the precise cutting of types of glass that are normally considered difficult to work with, and it is environmentally friendly because it produces no harmful emissions and the water can be recycled.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What types of glass can be cut?
Waterjet cutting can be used to cut various types of glass. It can precisely cut glass up to 200 mm thick, whether it is thinner types of glass or thicker, more brittle glass materials. The precise, cold-cutting technique produces clean cut edges and preserves the glass’s original structure and strength.
- Float glass
- Glass tiles
- Plexiglas
- Glass Panels
- Crystal glass
- Borosilicate glass
- Clear glass
- Mirror glass
Would you like more information about cutting glass with water?
5 Advantages of Waterjet Cutting of Glass
Waterjet cutting of glass offers significant advantages: It enables the highest level of precision in the processing of glass materials, allowing complex shapes and fine details to be produced with exact precision.
Thanks to the gentle cutting process, which does not generate heat, the structure and integrity of the glass remain unchanged, thereby minimizing material loss. Its versatile applications span various types of glass, allowing for flexibility in a wide range of fields.
Waterjet cutting of glass is an environmentally friendly process because it produces no toxic emissions and does not require chemical coolants. The minimal post-processing saves time and money. For this reason, waterjet cutting is a preferred technology in numerous industries, such as the glass industry.
Technical Details
When it comes to waterjet cutting of glass, several technical details are of great importance. These include water pressure and flow rate, which affect cutting speed and quality, as well as the selection and dosage of the abrasive for specific types of glass.
The correct nozzle shape and size are crucial for the spray angle and the precision of the cutting process. Precise CNC control ensures that the desired cutting pattern is executed exactly, while maintaining the correct distance between the nozzle and the workpiece is essential for an optimal cutting process. In addition, an efficient water purification system ensures the sustainable reuse of water and contributes to the environmentally friendly nature of the process.
STM’s state-of-the-art waterjet cutting systems offer a wide range of options for fine-tuning and guarantee the highest precision and quality when cutting glass.
For thinner types of glass, such as float glass, precise cuts can be made in thicknesses ranging from 1 mm to about 10 mm. With thicker types of glass, such as mirror glass or laminated glass, cuts up to a thickness of 100 mm or more may be possible.
Any type of cut and bevels up to 60° are possible.
Cutting accuracy is typically +/- 0.1 mm.
In waterjet cutting, cut quality is generally classified into 5 quality levels.
- Cutting Q1 (for blanks / semi-finished products)
- Standard Cut Q3 (the most common cut)
- Fine-cut Q5 (for optimal dimensional accuracy)
In waterjet cutting of glass, the achievable cutting speeds are generally in the range of 600 to 3,000 mm per minute.
Typically, the water pressure used in glass processing ranges from 3,600 to 4,000 bar.
A CNC control system enables precise and repeatable cutting. The STM SmartCut cutting software offers ease of use, functionality, and flexibility.
References
As we all know, satisfied customers are the best form of advertising
In our references section, you’ll find clients and partners from a wide variety of industries. These include businesses and organizations from the following industries:
- Metal Industry
- Stone / Ceramics / Glass
- Plastics and Foam Industry
- Sealing Industry
- Prototype and Plant Engineering
- Micro-water jet
- Educational institutions
- Research
- Special Materials
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FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterjet Cutting of Glass
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the topic of waterjet cutting of glass and provided concise answers for you.
If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact us directly.
Is waterjet cutting of glass safe?
Yes, waterjet cutting of glass is safe because the cutting process is a cold process that does not involve heat, which minimizes the risk of cracks and breakage. In addition, the precise CNC control system allows for accurate monitoring of the cutting process, thereby reducing the risk of errors or accidents.
What types of glass can be processed using waterjet cutting?
Various types of glass, such as float glass, acrylic glass, and others, can be cut with precision using waterjet cutting. This technology can be used to cut both thinner glass for decorative applications and thicker glass for structural purposes.
How precise is waterjet cutting of glass?
Waterjet cutting offers high precision with tolerances in the range of a few centimeters, enabling precise cuts and fine details. In most cases, the precise cutting edge requires no additional finishing and ensures high-quality end products.
Does waterjet cutting of glass cause cracks or stress in the material?
No, since the cutting process does not involve heat, no cracks or stresses are created in the glass, thereby preserving the material’s integrity. This is particularly important for delicate types of glass that might be damaged by other cutting methods. The cold-cutting nature of the process helps preserve the structural integrity of the glass and increase the service life of the final products.
Is waterjet cutting of glass environmentally friendly?
Yes, waterjet cutting is environmentally friendly because it produces no toxic emissions and does not require chemical coolants. The water is often recycled, which reduces water consumption and makes the process more environmentally friendly overall.
What glass thicknesses can be cut using waterjet cutting?
Waterjet cutting can cut glass ranging in thickness from a few millimeters to several centimeters or more, depending on the machine’s capabilities and the type of glass. Thinner types of glass can be cut precisely and without material loss, while thicker glass can be processed using higher pressure and adjusted cutting parameters.
Is post-processing required after waterjet cutting of glass?
In most cases, no additional finishing is required, as the cut edge produced by waterjet cutting of glass is cloudy, rough, and precise. The high-quality cutting results minimize the need for manual rework, thereby saving time and money. Nevertheless, depending on the specific application, a light polish or edge finishing may be desirable to achieve an even finer surface finish.
Which type of glass cannot be cut with a water jet?
That depends on the hardness and type of material. Tempered glass (ESG—safety glass) will shatter under the force of the water jet because of the safety feature that causes it to break into small pieces.
Is waterjet cutting the best solution for cutting glass?
Because of the controlled pressure and the small jet size, waterjet cutting is the preferred option for many when cutting glass.