Glass and equipment for its processing gradually improve during the development of the industry. Technology of glass cutting improved as well
If we look back at 30 years, we will see that these technologies were not so perfect. Today the time at which the glass is processed and cut, has decreased many times over. Of course, if we consider an industrial scale, the robots – the program made into a computer – control mechanical machines, which are engaged in cutting Today glass cutting is performed in different ways. For example, there is a method of waterjet cutting and sandblasting method.
In the method of waterjet cutting glass is cut by thin liquid-abrasive stream of hair thickness. This method is unique because it’s both possible to do through holes in the glass, which does not affect the hardness of glass, or different figures, pre-made to the computer. Such glasses can later be used not only in art but in the decoration, too – at stained-glass windows, for example.
This method of cutting has of advantages. For example, the temperature during cutting is low – this takes place because the heat, that is produced when cutting glass, gets almost immediately absorbed by water. Thus, the technology of waterjet cutting of glass avoids heating. Low temperature of glass cutting eliminates the chance of deformation of the material, its melting or burning of surrounding area. Waterjet cutting also removes the need for any processing of the edges of the glass, because the area of thermal effect on the edges of machined parts is missing.
Glass cutting can be done from anywhere. It does not require pre-vent at all. Waterjet glass cutting can also be carried out in a line having any curvature and complexity. That is why it is possible to reproduce the complex contours and profiles.
The quality of the surface at such processing of glass is very good. Edge of the glass can be made rough – this eliminates the need for additional processing.
The process of waterjet cutting is very economical due to the use of inexpensive materials such as water and quartz sand. Furthermore, the cutting width is very small, thus scarce materials can be saved. Glass cutting is made by an instrument, which does not require sharpening; moreover, the drilling is made with the same instrument.
In addition, waterjet glass cutting is very safe. For example, there is no radiation. Possible departure of fine particles and slag is excluded. Dust, airborne during the glass cutting, removed as well. Such processing of glass has the noise level of about 85-95 dB.
Not only the cutting of glass, but also the cutting of other materials can be produced by waterjet-liquid-abrasive stream is effective in processing of many hard materials.
