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What is waterjet cutting?

Abrasive waterjet cutting utilizes a high velocity coherent stream of water and abrasive that can be used to cut almost all materials. Water at 40,000 to 55,000 psi accelerates through a sapphire, ruby or diamond orifice. The stream passes through a mixing region where the vacuum, induced by the stream, sucks in abrasive. Momentum of the water stream accelerates and entrains abrasive as it passes through the nozzle.

The stream exits the nozzle as a three phase mixture of air, water and abrasive particles with a cutting diameter of 0.020" to 0.060". The high velocity abrasive particles impact on the kerf face and do the actual cutting. Kerf material is removed as microchips, with negligible effects on the material.

The cutting stream carries 0.5 to 1.5 pounds per minute of abrasive. The quantity of abrasive is dependent on the cutting stream size, which is selected based on the material to be cut. Garnet is by far the most commonly used abrasive. It is environmentally clean, contains no free silica, and combines good cutting ability with reasonable wear on the consumables.

The main attributes of the cut are:

No heat
Narrow kerf
Good edge finish
High accuracy

Successful, cost effective, abrasive waterjet applications take advantage of these characteristics.

What are the benefits of Abrasive Waterjet Cutting?

Abrasive waterjet offers many advantages not found in other cutting techniques.

No heat affected zone (HAZ)
Low contact force of cutting stream
No distortion and warping
Burr-free
Can cut any thickness
Near net shape cutting eliminates secondary operations
Can achieve high accuracy
Material thickness of 0.002 to 12" can be cut
Small kerf width allows for tight nesting and optimal material usage
Flexibility

What is toughened glass?

For many applications such as buildings requiring large spans of glass, toughened glass is the only acceptable alternative. These glasses have exceptional strengths compared to standard annealed float glasses.

These improved properties are a result of the stress profile that is induced in the glass by the toughening heat treatment process. When performed correctly, the glass surface is in compression, while the centre is in tension. This stress profile in the glass is successful as most failures start at the surface from tensile loads. In toughened glass, the applied tensile load must overcome the compressive stress at the surface before the surface can go into tension and fail.

The heat treatment process involves heating annealed (stress free) glass up to a temperature between its glass transition temperature and its softening point and then rapidly cooling the surface. This is usually achieved using air jets. This process freezes the surface, while the interior may still be molten and consequently there is a temperature differential across the thickness of the glass. The hotter core section then contracts at a faster rate compared to the outside until an isothermal state is reached.

Initially the rapid cooling of the surface tends to induce a tensile stress in the surface. This is reversed in the latter stages of cooling, resulting in compressive stresses in the surface.

Key properties

Superior strength compared to annealed glass
When failure occurs, glass panels shatter into small pieces that rather than sharp shards as is the case with annealed glass.
Good chemical resistance
Attacked by hydrofluoric acid (HF)

When is Toughened Glass used?

Building and Construction Industry

Toughened glass finds many applications in the building industry from internal to external. Internally, toughened glass may be used in frameless shower screens and office partitions, while externally it can be used for large window spans and balustrading.

Toughened glass panels can be manufactured to almost any shape, with the limiting factor often being specific furnace dimensions (at both ends of the scale). The glass can also be machined, with holes, bevelled edges etc. However, all machining must be carried out prior to toughening and all edges must be polished. Unpolished edges may act as sites for crack propagation during the heat treatment process.

Precision-Cut, Toughened & Custom Glass Solutions

At Precision Shower Screens & Robes, we provide high-quality glass processing and toughening services, all handled in-house with state-of-the-art machinery. Our skilled technicians oversee every step, ensuring consistency, precision, and fast turnaround times.

We cater to builders, contractors, shopfitters, architects, and project managers, offering the flexibility to manufacture to order. If you need custom glass solutions, we welcome your trade enquiry.

Glass Toughening – Strength & Durability

Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is up to five times stronger than standard glass. Our advanced toughening plant, equipped with a high-performance furnace and cooling extractor system, guarantees superior quality and durability.

This process is essential for applications requiring high-impact resistance, heat tolerance, and safety compliance. Every piece is toughened to meet Australian Standards, including CSI Certification, ensuring reliability and durability.

Key Specifications:

Glass Thickness: 4mm – 19mm
Maximum Size: 3600mm x 2100mm
Ideal For: Doors, balustrades, facades, glass panels, shower screens, and worktops

Waterjet Cutting Technology – Precision & Complexity

Our waterjet cutting system enables intricate, custom designs with unmatched accuracy and smooth finishes.

With robotic CNC control, the machine cuts a limitless variety of shapes without manual adjustments or tool changes. The high-pressure water jet, operating at 55,000 psi, slices through thick glass, stone, and composite materials with ease.

Why Waterjet Cutting?

✔ Precision Cutting – No heat-affected zones, preventing glass stress or warping.
✔ Smooth, Ready-to-Use Edges – Eliminates the need for costly secondary finishing.
✔ Fast Turnaround – Capable of processing over 100 intricate glass pieces per day.

💡 Ideal for: Custom shower screens, splashbacks, signage, decorative panels, and intricate glasswork.

Silvering Machine – Toughened Mirrors with Superior Durability

At Precision Shower Screens & Robes, we are proud to offer Australia’s only silvering machine for toughened mirrors. This cutting-edge system produces high-quality, durable mirrors with a toughened glass base, ensuring exceptional strength and safety.

Unlike traditional mirrors, toughened mirrors are ideal for high-traffic environments where additional durability is needed.

Key Benefits of Toughened Mirrors:

✔ Variety of Finishes – Silver, light grey, grey, gold, bronze, and black.
✔ Enhanced Safety & Strength – Heat-treated for superior impact resistance.
✔ Custom Sizes & Shapes – Cut to precise specifications for any project.
✔ Designed for High-Traffic Areas – Ideal for gyms, lift lobbies, commercial spaces, and feature walls.

This in-house silvering process ensures faster production times and superior quality control, making our toughened mirrors the preferred choice for architects, designers, and trade professionals.

🔗 Visit our AusTuff Mirrors website for more information.

Glass Edging – Smooth & Polished Finishes

Our automated edging workstation ensures that all glass edges are polished, smooth, and refined, making them safe for handling and installation.

Available Edging Options:

✔ Flat-polished edges – Ideal for mirrors, glass panels, and frameless glass.
✔ Bevelled edges – Perfect for decorative applications and stylish finishes.

Why Choose Precision for Glass Processing?

By keeping all processing in-house, we maintain complete control over quality, turnaround times, and customization options. Our advanced technology ensures every product meets Australian standards for strength, durability, and precision.

What Sets Us Apart?

✔ Fast & Efficient Turnaround – Reliable service for trades, builders, and architects.
✔ Custom Manufacturing to Order – Processed to your exact specifications.
✔ State-of-the-Art Machinery – Waterjet cutting, CNC processing, glass toughening, and exclusive toughened mirror silvering.
✔ Certified to Australian Standards – Ensuring compliance, safety, and reliability.
✔ High-Quality Toughened Glass & Mirrors – Designed for longevity and safety.

Get a Quote for Custom Glass Processing

Looking for high-quality, toughened, and precision-cut glass? Contact Precision Shower Screens & Robes today for expert glass processing services.

🔗 Get a Free Quote Now
📞 Call us: 03 9728 8100
📩 Email us: sales@precisionshowerscreens.com.au

Precision Glass Processing & Toughening Solutions