An Innovative Process for Edge Finishing of Flat Glass Prior to Thermal Tempering

The Department of Structural Engineering at the University of Siegen, in collaboration with VitroDUR Glasveredelungs GmbH & Co. KG of Hachenburg, is developing an innovative waterjet cutting process for edge finishing of flat glass prior to thermal tempering, with the aim of significantly improving the cost-effectiveness of the process and, consequently, the productivity of partially tempered glass and single-pane safety glass.

The thermal tempering of flat glass requires a meticulously finished glass edge prior to the actual tempering process. After cutting, an additional time-, energy-, and cost-intensive step is therefore required to achieve the desired edge quality through grinding and polishing. For this reason, process parameters for an innovative edge-processing method prior to thermal tempering are being investigated.

The development is being carried out using an innovative waterjet cutting process designed to perform both the cutting and the edge preparation required for the thermal tempering of glass sheets in a single step. To ensure the mechanical properties of the thermally tempered glass, the influence of the cut and edge surfaces on edge strength is being comprehensively investigated.