Laser Cutting Machine For Glass

Schott Advanced processing has developed a new laser cutting machine for glass that reportedly makes high quality cuts without creating microcracks. Glass has traditionally been cut using a mechanical scribe, such as a diamond or metal cutting wheel, that "scratches" the surface. The process generates microcracks, edge chips and particles on the surface. An edge process is then required to finish the edge. The laser cutting technology applies heat to the glass. The glass is then immediately cooled, generating a stress-induced cut. Schott technicians also report that the tensile strength of the laser cut glass is significantly higher than that of glass cut using the mechanical scribe and break method.