Brilliant Cutting Glass

Brilliant Cuts in glass are grooves worked into the surface of the glass (typically for Windows or Mirrors) to add a unique touch of decoration.

This can be done by hand or using CNC machines with atleast 4 Axis and a tool aggregate.

Here i will cover the CNC method as this is the only method i have used.

Designs are drawn up using CAD software to produce a perfect draft of the finished design. Quite often these designs are made in a format known as DXF or DWG.

If you are unfamiliar with CAD Software and would like to know a little more please see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer-aided_design

Once the CAD is complete, CAM software is used to generate machine code to follow the geometries specified in the CAD drawing. Many CNC software suites combine CAD and CAM into a single program. The program we use is ICam which is made by Intermac and provided with all of their current machines.

The machine then uses a Diamond Disc to grind the grooves into the surface of the glass. This produces a frosted finish.

If a polished finish is required, a second Disc which is made of a Clay then works the same path to bring the groove to a clear finish.

If you would like to see this process, i have added a link to a video i made of our machine producing a brilliant cut on a mirror.

Youtube Video link below

Brilliant Cutting a Mirror

Example of brilliant cut glass used in a window.

For more pictures of Brilliant Cut Glass and Mirrors using CNC Processing