Ultra-high pressure abrasive jet cutting of glass

Abstract

A system adapted to readily cut intricate interior patterns from, as well as make simple cuts across, glass blanks of various thicknesses at increased speed by means of an ultra-high pressure abrasive fluid jet. A highly collimated fluid stream or jet, into which abrasive particles are aspirated, is directed against the glass from a pressurized source. For initial penetration of the glass within the interior of the blank, the pressurized source is maintained at a first pressure level, so that the glass is initially penetrated without fracturing or undue chipping at the point of penetration and whereby the abrasive fluid stream may be advanced along the desired path relative to the glass at a first speed such as to sever the glass. After initial penetration by the abrasive jet the pressure level of the pressurized source of fluid is significantly increased, enabling the line speed of the fluid jet relative to the glass to be likewise significantly increased while still severing the glass and producing cut edges of high quality.