enhanced cutting and finishing of handglass using a co2 laser

GLASSProject Fact SheetENHANCED CUTTING AND FINISHING OFHANDGLASS USING A CARBON DIOXIDE LASERB ENEFITS• Improved product quality andreduced material costs as aresult of minimizing waste anddefects• Reduced energy use• Reduced hazards to workerssince exposure to sharp edgesand broken pieces will beminimizedA PPLICATIONSHandglass manufacturers of allsizes can use this enhancedtechnology since the system’sspeed and efficiency offerincreased throughput and reducedcosts without an exorbitantinvestment—it is estimated thatcosts can be recouped in undertwo years. In addition, theimproved production capability willencourage the timely introductionof new handglass products.LASER-ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY WILL IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITYExisting glass-cutting methods often result in considerable loss of glasswareand require subsequent finishing of the edges, which is labor-intensive andcan result in further product losses. Depending on the piece, glassproperties, and worker skill level, losses can be as high as 80 percent insome product lines or 40 percent total scrap. The Federal Energy TechnologyCenter, Fenton Art Glass, Pilgrim Glass, and West Virginia University areworking to develop laser-enhanced cutting and finishing methods that willdramatically decrease waste and improve productivity in the manufacture ofhandblown glass. Specifically, the partnership will develop a bench-scaleprototype system using a sensor-controlled, moderate-power, carbon dioxidelaser to precision-cut the glass and produce a finished edge. A majorcomponent of the work will involve development of the operating parametersto make the system feasible for use in handglass factories.L ASER-ENHANCED CUTTING ANDF INISHING OF HANDGLASSLaser-cutting the glass while still hot will create a fire-polished edge and minimize theneed for further finishing.OFFICE OF INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIESENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY • U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

Project DescriptionGoal: Use a carbon dioxide laser to enhance the cutting and finishing process ofhandglass, thereby improving energy efficiency and product quality.The laser will cut the glass while it is still hot, producing a fire-polished edge that willminimize the need for further grinding or polishing. Throughout the process, the laser willnot generate any photochemical by-products that could discolor the glass. Researcherswill also develop a heating system to keep the glass hot while the laser is in use. Asensor system will control the entire process; it will turn the laser on, monitor the cutting,and disengage when the cutting is complete. The process will be portable, will use readilyavailable electrical power and cooling water, and will be designed for use on a variety ofglass products.Progress and MilestonesAfter extensive laboratory studies and a prototype design phase in which test partnerswill have input to ensure compatibility with factory practices, the prototype system will betested at several industry factories.Prototype testing has dictated a laser power of 1000 watts is required to cut glassefficiently in a reasonable time interval. A robotic glass handling system is beingdeveloped by Umbrella, Inc. for use in the factory prototype. The robot is easilyprogrammed to handle any glassware and will include a vision system for piecerecognition. The factory prototype system will include the robot glass handler andcomputer control system from Umbrella, Inc., and a 1300 watt CO 2laser from ContinentalLaser Energy.PROJECT PARTNERSNational Energy Technology LaboratoryMorgantown, WVFenton Art Glass CompanySutton, WVPilgrim Glass CorporationCeredo, WVWest Virginia UniversityMorgantown, WVFOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:Elliott LevineOffice of Industrial TechnologiesPhone: (202) 586-1476Fax: (202) 586-3180elliott.levine@ee.doe.govhttp://www.oit.doe.gov/glassPlease send any comments,questions, or suggestions towebmaster.oit@ee.doe.govVisit our home page athttp://www.oit.doe.govOffice of Industrial TechnologiesEnergy Efficiencyand Renewable EnergyU.S. Department of EnergyWashington, D.C. 20585December 2000