At Lighting Glass, precision glass cutting is a cornerstone of our comprehensive fabrication capabilities. Whether your project requires ultra-tight tolerances for optical applications or more economical cuts for industrial uses, we have the technology and expertise to meet your needs. Our advanced glass cutting processes ensure that we can deliver high-quality, accurate, and efficient solutions, no matter the size, shape, or complexity of the glass.
We offer a range of cutting methods, from precision CNC cutting to economical hand cutting, tailored to meet the specific requirements of your project. Our cutting services are adaptable to a variety of glass types, including optical, industrial, and specialty glasses. We also use cutting-edge technologies like water jet cutting and laser cutting for high-precision cuts, ensuring that your parts are fabricated to the highest standards.
Our Glass Cutting Capabilities
We offer a diverse range of cutting techniques to handle a variety of glass materials and applications. Here are some of the key services we provide:
Water Jet Cutting
Water jet cutting is perfect for cutting complex shapes, holes, and cutouts in glass without causing thermal damage. With a cut tolerance of up to 0.50 mm, our water jet cutters handle a wide range of thicknesses from 1 mm to 38 mm, offering flexibility for both large and small-scale projects. Water jet cutting is ideal for creating intricate shapes and features in both thin and thick glass.Specifications:
- Cut Tolerances: 0.50 mm [0.020″]
- Maximum Thickness: 38.1 mm [1.500″]
- Minimum Thickness: 1.00 mm [0.040″]
- Maximum Size: 2,286 mm x 1,168 mm [90″ x 46″]
- Minimum Size: 51 mm x 51 mm [2″ x 2″]
Precision XY Sawing
For applications that require extremely tight tolerances, our precision XY sawing services offer cutting accuracy down to 0.03 mm. This method is particularly effective for slicing and dicing thin glass to exact specifications, with the ability to handle glass thicknesses from 0.50 mm to 4.00 mm. Precision sawing ensures that your parts are cut with the highest level of accuracy for demanding applications.Specifications:
- Cut Tolerances: 0.03 mm [0.001″]
- Maximum Thickness: 4.00 mm [0.157″]
- Minimum Thickness: 0.50 mm [0.020″]
- Maximum Size: 51 mm x 51 mm [2″ x 2″]
- Minimum Size: 165 mm x 165 mm [6.5″ x 6.5″]
Laser Cutting
Laser cutting is a highly precise method that uses a focused laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize glass along a defined path. It is ideal for creating intricate patterns, fine details, and precise shapes in thin to medium thickness glass. With a cutting tolerance as tight as 0.05 mm, laser cutting ensures high-quality, clean cuts with minimal thermal impact. This method is widely used for optical components, electronics, and other applications requiring fine precision.
- Cut Tolerances: 0.05 mm [0.002″]
- Maximum Thickness: 8.00 mm [0.315″]
- Minimum Thickness: 0.50 mm [0.020″]
- Maximum Size: 1,500 mm x 1,000 mm [59″ x 39″]
- Minimum Size: 50 mm x 50 mm [2″ x 2″]
Glass Materials We Work With
We are capable of working with a wide range of glass types to meet the specific needs of your project, including:
- Borosilicate Glass
- Optical Glass
- Low-Iron Glass
- Schott D263
- Gorilla Glass
- Teleprompter Mirrors
- Anti-Reflective & Non-Glare Glass
- Pattern Glass
- Filter Glass
- And Many More
Water Jet Cutting, Precision XY Sawing, and Laser Cutting are all advanced methods for cutting glass and other materials, but they each operate on different principles and have unique advantages depending on the type of material, precision required, and complexity of the cuts. Here’s a detailed comparison of each:
1. Water Jet Cutting
Principle:
Water jet cutting uses a high-pressure stream of water (usually mixed with abrasive particles like garnet) to erode material and cut through it. The water jet is directed with precision to create shapes, holes, and cuts in various materials, including glass.
2. Precision XY Sawing
Principle:
Precision XY sawing involves using a rotating saw blade, often diamond-tipped, mounted on a computer-controlled XY axis (Cartesian system) to cut through materials. The blade moves precisely along the X and Y axes to make straight cuts.
3. Laser Cutting
Principle:
Laser cutting uses a high-powered laser beam to melt, burn, or vaporize material along a defined path. The laser is precisely controlled by a computer system to create intricate shapes or straight cuts. There are different types of lasers (CO2, fiber) used for various materials and thicknesses.
| Feature | Water Jet Cutting | Precision XY Sawing | Laser Cutting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cutting Method | High-pressure water with abrasives | Rotating saw blade controlled by XY axes | High-powered laser beam |
| Precision | Moderate (±0.5 mm) | High (±0.03 mm) | Very high (±0.05 mm) |
| Material Thickness | Thick materials (up to 38 mm or more) | Thin to medium thickness (up to 4 mm) | Thin to medium thickness (typically up to 6-8 mm) |
| Heat-Affected Zone | No heat, no thermal damage | Minimal heat, especially with coolant | Small heat-affected zone (potential for micro-cracks) |
| Speed | Slower for thin materials, but better for thick | Faster for thin materials | Fastest for thin materials |
| Edge Quality | Smooth, but may require post-processing for fine edges | Smooth edges, ideal for optical applications | Clean edges, with minimal roughness |
| Cut Complexity | Complex shapes, holes, curves, and intricate patterns | Primarily for straight cuts and small components | Complex shapes and fine features, precise cutting |
| Applications | Thick glass, custom shapes, architectural panels | Thin, high-precision cuts, small components | Thin glass, intricate designs, electronics, optics |
Water Jet Cutting is best for thick glass and when intricate shapes and no thermal damage are required.Precision XY Sawing is ideal for high-precision, straight cuts in thin materials with tight tolerances.Laser Cutting is suited for high-speed, high-precision cuts in thin glass with minimal heat effects, but may not be suitable for thicker materials.
Why Choose Lighting Glass for Your Glass Cutting Needs?
- Precision and Versatility: Our advanced cutting techniques allow us to handle a variety of glass materials and provide precise cuts, whether you need ultra-tight tolerances or larger, more economical cuts.
- Wide Range of Cutting Options: From precision CNC cutting and water jet cutting to hand cutting and tube/rod cutting, we offer a diverse set of options to meet your specific needs.
- Fast Turnaround and Efficiency: Whether you need quick prototyping or mass production runs, our streamlined processes and cutting-edge equipment ensure fast and cost-efficient results.
- Expertise Across Industries: We have experience working with clients in various industries, including optics, electronics, medical devices, packaging, and more. Our team is equipped to handle even the most complex glass cutting projects.
- High-Quality Service: We are committed to providing top-tier customer service and ensuring the highest standards of quality in every project, from start to finish.
Get Started with Lighting Glass
If you need precision glass cutting for your next project, we are here to help. Whether it’s a large-scale industrial application or a small, high-tolerance optical component, Lighting Glass can provide the expert solutions you need. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and let us show you how our advanced glass cutting capabilities can help bring your project to life.