Horizontal glass edging machine

Types of horizontal glass edging machines

A horizontal glass edging machine is an essential piece of equipment widely used in glass processing factories to edge the glass horizontally. This machine's popularity is due to its ability to make various edges with great precision and efficiency. Therefore, glass manufacturers no longer need to rely on manual labor to polish glass edges, but instead, they can use the glass edging machine and make smooth and even glass edges. Not only this, but the machine can also process different types of glasses.

Depending on the thickness of the glass, horizontal glass edging machines are typically categorized based on the thickness of the glass they are designed to process. The table below highlights the categories in detail.

• Thin Glass Edging Machines: These machines process thin horizontal glasses, typically with a thickness ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm. They are designed to handle light and delicate materials.
• Medium Glass Edging Machines: Ideally, these machines are used to edge medium-thick horizontal glasses ranging from 10 mm to 19 mm. They are more robust and can handle moderately thick materials.
• Heavy-Duty Glass Edging Machines: They process heavy-duty horizontal glass machines with a thickness of over 19 mm. These machines are built to handle very thick and heavy glass sheets. They feature powerful motors and sturdy construction to ensure stability and precision when edging thick glass materials.

Additionally, horizontal glass edging machines are also categorized based on their automation and control systems. The following machines are available in either manual or automatic models.

• Manual Horizontal Glass Edging Machines: These machines are manually controlled and operated, meaning the operator has to assist and control the machine as it edges the glass. They require the operator to adjust the glass manually for better edging and change the machine's parameters for various glass shapes. Manual horizontal edging machines are quite common, and while they require manual work for them to operate effectively, they can still be used to edge glasses with high accuracy. Nonetheless, they are often used to process smaller and less complex glass shapes.
• Automatic Horizontal Glass Edging Machines: They come with automated functions to allow automatic glass edging. Once set up, the machine automatically moves and shapes the glass. They integrate advanced software and technological features for smoother operation and higher productivity. In addition, the automatic horizontal glass edging machines are known for their ease of use and rapid processing of high volumes. Because of this, they are the go-to option for large glass production companies that deal with heavy glass volume daily, which also necessitate higher edging precision.

Specifications & Maintenance of Horizontal Glass Edging Machines

Buying the appropriate horizontal glass edging machine means understanding its specifications and what it needs for routine maintenance. Some vital horizontal glass edging machine specifications and their respective maintenance requirements are as follows.

• Glass Edging Thickness and Width Range

  Horizontal glass edging machine users will need to adjust the machine for a varied glass thickness and width range. It is essential to frequently lubricate the parts that require adjusting. This prevents them from wearing out due to constant moving. For better control over the glass parts' edging width, users can also create a stop block.

• Motor Power

  Horizontal glass edging machines perform well with the right motor power. If the glass edging done is thick, using a machine with higher motor power is better. Always keep the machine's motor clean. Monthly or quarterly, depending on usage, remove the motor cover and use a blower to clean the internal parts.

• Maximum Glass Size

  Operators should note the maximum glass size an inline machine can work with. The machine will edge the glass part more efficiently if its length matches or is less than the maximum size specified. Regularly check the horizontal glass edging machine's support and centering rollers. These parts hold and support oversized glass sections. Replace them immediately if there is any sign of damage.

• Type of Edges

  Generally, a horizontal glass edging machine creates bevel, flat, or radius edges. The wheels condition affects the type of edge an edging machine makes. The wheels should have the right contour and be well-polished. Rough or damaged wheels will result in rough edges.

• Material

  Most horizontal glass edging machines are made from cast iron, steel, or aluminum alloy. Regardless of the base material, regularly clean it to keep corrosion at bay. Water and dust debris are two major causes of corrosion. Use a towel or a sponge to dry the water thoroughly before it dries. To further prevent oxidation, users should apply a thin layer of anti-oxidation grease or oil.

Uses of Horizontal Glass Edging Machines

Glass edging machines are used primarily by glass-cutting and glass-manufacturing companies. Such companies produce glass for a wide variety of construction projects, including:

• The Furniture Industry: Glass edges must be beveled to create visually acceptable edges on items like coffee tables, shower doors, and windows. In addition, when glass is used, carpenters and tradespeople want to ensure that the strength of the glass is maintained and that there won't be any risk of the glass breaking or shattering in a normal, everyday situation. A glass-edging machine can make this possible.
• The Automotive Industry: Edging machines are used to ensure that glass used in automobile windows and windshields is safe and has finished edges that look good. An automobile manufacturer or supplier of automobile parts will want to make certain that the glass parts of the automobile are strong and durable, and that includes making certain that the edges are properly polished. An automatic horizontal glass edging machine will help ensure that the right kind of glass is used in the automobile's construction, and also that the glass windows and windshields are durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
• The Building Industry: In modern architecture and construction, glass is used in windows, structural elements, façades, and interior partitions. A horizontal glass edging machine is used to achieve the precise and high-quality edge finishes required for these applications, ensuring both functional and visual excellence.
• The Mirror Industry: A horizontal glass edging machine helps even a mirror's defects. The mirror's unpolished edges can cut the person maneuvering the mirror and compromise the integrity of the mirror, diminishing its reflection standards. An automatic horizontal glass edging machine helps mirror manufacturers produce mirrors that reflect an image with improved clarity, accuracy, and confidence.
• The Glass Display Case and Cabinet Industry: A glass edging machine can help to produce glass cases with a crisp, clear, and clean border. Displaying a diamond ring, sports memorabilia, or a museum artifact must be done with glass that is polished and shows off the item being displayed. Glass cases and cabinets should have seams and edges that are virtually invisible, fully displaying the item's value and beauty. Visibility should not be compromised by glass with raw edges or rough seams.
• The Glass Skylight Industry: The raw edges of glass panels used in a skylight should be polished so that construction and architectural companies can ensure a smooth, secure, and weather-tight fit. Glass panels showing rough edges on the border could result in gaps that allow water and air to come through, and that would be unacceptable for companies that pride themselves on their construction work and products.

How to choose a glass edging machine

The following tips will help business buyers to select the most suitable glass edging machines for their needs:

• Consider the glass thickness range

  A glass edging machine has its own specific glass thickness range. For example, some machines can work with glass up to 25mm thick, while others can only work with 3~19mm glass. Check that the machine can edge the thickness of the glass pieces.

• Check the available templates

  Templates determine the glass shapes that a horizontal glass edging machine can work on. Look at the machine's available templates. Some machines come with interchangeable templates to work on different glass shapes and sizes.

• Look at the motor power

  The motor power affects the machine's edging speed and precision. A more powerful motor offers higher edging speed and works with thicker glass. Choose a machine with motor power that matches the intended glass type and production volume.

• Consider the level of automation

  Some machines have separate automatic and manual modes. A machine with automatic operation will reduce labor costs and boost production speed. However, it is important to also consider the simplicity of the machine's manual controls and overall set-up.

• Check additional features

  Some models may offer features like desiccant drying systems to absorb moisture, dust collection, or a remote control interface for machine diagnosis. Compare the features of each machine and consider which ones will be useful for operational needs and maintenance.

Q&A

Q1: What is the purpose of the horizontal glass edging machine?

A1: The horizontal glass edging machine serves to mill and polish the edges of glass sheets. By doing so, it creates a smooth and rounded edge, thereby enhancing the aesthetics of the glass piece and reducing the risk of injury from sharp edges.

Q2: What types of glass edging machines are available in the market?

A2: There are a variety of glass edging machines available for different types of glass and preferences. The horizontal glass edging machine is the most common type, while the vertical glass edging machine is more suitable for large and thick glass. The CNC glass edging machine offers high precision and automation for complex designs. Automatic glass edging machines provide fast and efficient processing for large-scale production.

Q3: What are the trending developments of the glass edging machine?

A3: The glass edging machine has a horizontal and vertical type. The CNC glass edging machine provides higher precision, and automation is more popular. Moreover, automatic glass edging machines will provide faster and more efficient processing for large-scale production.