5 common mistakes in glass grinding and how to avoid them

In the different phases of glass sheets’ working grinding is a crucial stage as it directly affects the durability, safety, and aesthetic quality of the finished product. Despite being a central process in every glassworks, even the most experienced professionals can make mistakes that risk compromising the efficiency and strength of the glass.

With the aim of optimizing production and ensuring high-quality results for customers, let’s analyze the most common mistakes that can occur during glass grinding— and how to avoid them

Inadequate selection of grinding wheels

The choice of grinding wheels is fundamental to achieve effective grinding, since the use of grinding wheels with the wrong grit size can lead to unsatisfactory results. For example, using wheels that are too hard or too coarse on delicate glass can cause microcracks or chips, while wheels that are too soft or too fine may not adequately remove imperfections. It’s essential to choose wheels with the right combination of hardness and grit according to the type of glass being processed and the desired finish.

The factors to consider when choosing the right wheel include the type of glass to be ground, the specific process, the finish and the thickness of the glass. The wheels used in our glass grinding machines are manufactured according to our detailed specifications, the result of years of testing, study, experience and continuous improvement. Moreover, changing the wheels is quick and easy—only 60 seconds per wheel!

Incorrect pressure and feed rate

Working pressure and feed rate are two closely related parameters that critically influence the quality of glass grinding. Striking the perfect balance between these factors ensures a well-finished surface and preserves the integrity of the glass itself.

Excessive pressure on the glass during grinding can cause micro-fractures which may spread to rupture of the workpiece. Additionally, too much load can compromise the edge precision, creating waves or irregularities that are difficult to correct. On the other hand, too little pressure may not effectively remove material, making the process less productive and increasing processing time. It’s therefore essential to carefully adjust the pressure based on the type of glass, its thickness, and the desired finish..

The same goes for the feed rate: often it’s increased to boost productivity, but if too high, it can generate excessive heat, causing thermal stress, deformation, and a loss of quality. Conversely, a feed rate that is too low can lead to premature wear of the wheels, especially if cooling is suboptimal. To achieve the best result, it’s important to calibrate the feed rate to find the right compromise between productivity and grinding quality.

The use of automation systems, software and monitoring sensors can be a decisive step in detecting any anomalies, managing pressure and wheel speed, and achieving the perfect real-time balance of parameters.

Inadequate cooling system

Cooling during grinding is essential to dissipate the heat generated by friction between the wheel and the glass. An ineffective or malfunctioning cooling system can lead to localized overheating, causing deformation or microcracks. It’s important to ensure that the cooling system is properly dimensioned for the machine and maintained, using appropriate coolants and guaranteeing a constant, uniform flow.

The water system installed in our glass grinding machines doesn’t use common plastic tubes; instead, we have chosen to design special copper pipes to ensure greater strength and longer machine life. Additionally, the placement of the tank at the front of the spindle basin makes the entire wheel cooling system easily accessible , with replacement and/or cleaning extremely simple and convenient—so you can always keep the wheel cooling system’s functionality under control.

Lack of equipment maintenance

Grinding machines, like any other industrial equipment, require regular maintenance to function properly. Failure to replace worn wheels, accumulation of debris, or the presence of damaged components can compromise grinding quality and increase the risk of accidents. It’s essential to implement a a preventive maintenance programthat includes periodic inspections, cleaning, and replacement of worn parts.

To support our customers, we offer a range of maintenance contracts that cover only the interventions strictly necessary to keep the machine in excellent condition. Our team keeps track of maintenance schedules and check-ups, organizing scheduled, routine, and extraordinary maintenance interventions.

Neglecting glass characteristics

 Each type of glass has specific characteristics that affect the grinding process: tempered glasses, for example, require a different approach than laminated or float glass. Ignoring these differences can lead to unsatisfactory results or even damage the material.

It’s therefore crucial to adapt grinding parameters to the specific properties of the glass being processed, considering factors such as hardness, thickness and the presence of any coatings.

How to avoid errors in glass grinding: rely on Lattuada!

Glass grinding is a delicate process that requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of the techniques and equipment involved. Avoiding the common mistakes that often occur in glassworks is essential to optimizing production, ensuring safety and achieving high-quality results..

Investing in staff training, equipment maintenance and automation solutions can significantly contribute to the success of your glass grinding operations. Contact us for a personalized consultation!