ULTRA-HIGH PRESSURE ABRASIVE JET CUTTING OF GLASS

摘要

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREA system adapted to readily cut intricate interiorpatterns from, as well as make simple cuts across, glassblanks of various thicknesses at increased speed by means ofan ultra-high pressure abrasive fluid jet. A highlycollimated fluid stream or jet, into which abrasive particlesare aspirated, is directed against the glass from apressurized source. For initial penetration of the glasswithin the interior of the blank, the pressurized source ismaintained at a first pressure level, so that the glass isinitially penetrated without fracturing or undue chipping atthe point of penetration and whereby the abrasive fluidstream may be advanced along the desired path relative to theglass at a first speed such as to sever the glass. Afterinitial penetration by the abrasive jet the pressure level ofthe pressurized source of fluid is significantly increased,enabling the line speed of the fluid jet relative to theglass to be likewise significantly increased while stillsevering the glass and producing cut edges of high quality.