RE: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Glass cutting

> Hi to all,
>
> I have a cnc router (x=3000mm, y=2500 mm, z=250 mm, Porter
> cable 3.5HP, max 24000 rpm, gecko drive, mach3). So, I want
> to cut glass with this machine. What do I need? How can I
> instruct my dirver to do that (see the links - scroll down a
> little bit to see video)
>
> http://www.tlcinternational.com/tlc_phoenix-600_glass_cutter.html

You need to bolt a water jet to it. Or maybe a laser.

Almost all glass is 'cut' by the 'score & snap' method. In short, you make
a scratch (called scoring) in the glass, and then bend it. The glass
(usually!) cracks along the score line. The edges are then ground smooth.

That's what the machine in the link does (apart from smoothing the edges).
I'm not quite sure how it does it (video wouldn't play) but it'll be
something along those lines.

Look up how stained glass is done. Google 'Toyo wheel glass cutter', that's
similar to what that machine is using. Also look up 'vinyl cutters',
particuarly how the knife rotates.

I'm wondering why they just didn't use a diamond cutter. Don't need to
rotate that. (Ahh, RTFA again, they're considering it!)

Easiest solution is to mount a diamond cutter to do the scoring, and break
the glass by hand. Not sure how much pressure a diamond cutter needs to
produce a score, but a wheel cutter needs couple of kilograms or so.
You'll need to experiment a bit.

Tony