Glass Cutting Router

[mistahxjason]

Hi I'm fairly new to CNC machining. I basically need a table for glass cutting. I am not looking to create any sculptures or any models or anything, I just need to use a machine to trim a big piece of glass into smaller pieces for windows. Maybe you guys could help me get started with the parts needed to make one of these machines. And possibly tutorials or links to software capable of doing these simple tasks. I will be using a glass cutter.

[ger21]

I saw one on This Old House at a window plant. It scored the glass in both directions (very rapidly), and the operator snapped them along the score lines when he was removing the material.

You could build it the same as any of the routers that are built here, and just use a scoring tool instead of a spindle. If the tool is a wheel, you might want to control the angle to keep it tangent to the cut direction.

[mistahxjason]

ok so do you have any links to tutorials on how to build these routers? and i am also confused on the computer software part. i don' tknow which software to use and/or how to connect the router to the pc to tel it where to go,any links/tutorials?

[SCHootie]

One thing about it, I don't believe it'll take a real heavy duty machine to cut glass. I know you'll still be concerned with accuracy, but you shouldn't have to worry about getting good speeds.

[automizer]

as for links and tutorials you are in the best place, look around the machine should just need to be a simple gantry type with an indexable head with a cutter wheel on it. most large format glass handling systems i have seen resemble an air hockey table. Yous something like that to move the sheets on the table reverse the fan to hold it in place. The options are endless for having your PC talk to the machine. Basically you build a controller that takes the output signal from your PC amplifies it to run motors. Take a look around at other build logs the only difference for you is the head you don't need a spindle just a cutter wheel so a C axis indexer would be perfect. Your not doing anything complex so simple G-Code programming would be best. Hope some of that helps

[mistahxjason]

thank you very much you have given me vital information

[vger]

I do a fair amount of work at a glass manufacturing plant that makes window glass. The glass comes down the line in a continious sheet about 16 ft wide moving constantly. Near the end of the line an air pressure loaded cutter moves diagonally across the line makeing a straight score across the moving glass. The rubber coated roller conveyor angles down just a bit after the cutter and the glass self snaps at the score line. Then level again and under multiple cutters for final size. Onto a section of conveyor that does a 90º turn and another slight down angle snaps each piece where a robotic suction cup picks them up and stacks it near vertical. If you are making large quantities of identical size pieces, this scheme may work well and the robot at the end could be replaced by a real person

Steve

[SCHootie]

VGER,
You must do exactly what I used to do. I worked at Guardian Glass in Richburg,SC. I ran the cutting machine and we made glass the exact way you described.

[mistahxjason]

how much would you estimate would take to build a glass scoring router,i only need the cutting part to be automated.i am in the windows business and currently have manual labor. i would liek a few things to be automated. like this automated screen machine,how much would it take forme to build one or two of these machines similar to http://www.spadixtechnologies.com/meridian.html?

i was wonderinghow much it takes to buy or build one or two of these
http://www.billco-mfg.com/equipment_cutting_cnc1100.asp

[SpadixWebmaster]

Folks,

FYI - the Spadix screening machine you are discussing is patented.

Regards
Spadix Webmaster

[srmaietta]

uuuuh.... I think I could screen that frame faster than the machine..
~Steve

[vger]

Originally Posted by SpadixWebmaster Folks, FYI - the Spadix screening machine you are discussing is patented. Regards Spadix Webmaster

I'm sure it is. And if someone wants to copy it for their own (or their own companies) use, that is fine. As long as they don't go into business trying to sell the copies.

Back to glass cutting...

SCHootie,
Actually I balance rotating equipment. Gets me into all sorts of manufacturing plants.

mistahxjason,
If you need to do curved cuts like the bilco machine can do, it'll be cheaper to just buy one of theirs. For just straight cuts, just an adjustable gantry to run the cutter across the glass. If you need more automation, a small PLC can control the handling automatics similar to this.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQm8DWegeuE of course you will have to come up with the conveyor hardware. This site has a few sample configurations of glass cutting lines. http://www.lisec.com/en/

Steve