Glass processing machinery is commonly used to crush, bend and bevel glass. This equipment can be used to recycle old glass, as well as create new glass and glass products. But large industrial glass processing machinery is dangerous equipment without the proper operator and maintenance training, so safety certification may be required from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or other organizations.

Since glass processing machines vary in function and operation, train employees on the specific machines that they use. Many resources exist for training on specific models, and you can find many resources for glass processing machinery education and training through:

1. Online training programs that teach a variety of operator and maintenance skills.

2. Training through glass machinery manufacturers.

3. Resources like training manuals or videos.

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Find training through glass processing machinery manufacturers

Most manufacturers want to help buyers use its products, so they often provide comprehensive training sessions to businesses that buy their equipment. These training sessions are a way for your employees to learn all about the equipment, including how to use it and how to safely troubleshoot and problems.

I recommend: OMAX provides extensive training for employees who use its jetmachining equipment. These machines are used to process many materials, including glass. Bystronic has standard and custom courses that provide operator and maintenance training.

Learn about machines for glass processing through professional organizations

To learn how to use a variety of glass processing equipment, look to a glass equipment organization. These professional associations offer courses designed to provide operators and maintenance personnel with the general skills needed to work on all types of machinery. Training sessions cover topics like safety in the workplace and first aid practices.

I recommend: The Glass Management Institute provides online seminars on different glass topics throughout the year. The Glass Build America trade show provides many educational seminars, including sessions on glazing glass and how to use new technologies.

Offer employees on-site training for processing glass

Processing glass can be a complicated process, even with the best equipment. But many organizations can help train your employees on site. These services provide training on safety topics, as well as information on all the equipment they need to work with. On-site training also takes place on the job site, so employees can practice using the machinery the need to do their jobs.

I recommend: The National Glass Association provides a customized class for those who need an on-site training program. Glaston provides comprehensive on-site training for all your glass processing machinery needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are holding your own in-house training session, make sure to use the glass processing machine manual and user guides as additional training materials that can be studied outside of the workplace.

Whether you're making window glass, automobile glass or soap dishes, you're going to need the right glass processing machinery to get the job done. Cut and shape glass with machines that grind, bevel and make straight-line edges or double edges. You may also need to mill, groove, polish, seam or drill glass depending on the type of job you are doing.

When it comes to glass processing equipment, it comes down to the type of glass you are making. Glass processing machinery that makes automobile glass may not be right for you if you're making glass doors for china cabinets or artistic glass products. When it comes time to choosing glass processing machines, keep a few things in mind:

1. Check out which glass processing machinery manufacturers have the best equipment for your type of work.

2. Decide whether you can make do with smaller equipment or whether you'll need industrial glass-processing machinery.

3. Consider used glass processing equipment if you're starting up a shop and want to keep start-up costs down.

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Find glass manufacturing machinery for your industry

Glass processing can include burning, blowing, annealing, grinding, cutting, beveling and much more, depending on what you use glass for. Most glass machinery manufacturers make their equipment for a particular type of industry products such as safety glass, optical glass, art glass or window glass.

I recommend: Glaston’s brands Tamglass and Bavelloni have a wide range of glass processing machinery for cutting, grinding, tempering and bending. Their products include glass pre-processing and safety glass processing. Chuni International provides glass machinery for the flat glass industry.

Decide what size glass processing machine you need

If you want to save on workshop space, you should probably try to find the smallest possible glass processing machinery. On the other hand, you may need bigger glass processing equipment if you process large pieces of glass.

I recommend: Abrasive Technology, Inc. offers The Edger™ brand line of small glass edging machines for working at a jobsite or shop. Glass Agents Company, LLC offers glass tempering and bending systems of all sizes.

Shop around for used glass machinery

Buying used equipment can save you money, and there's plenty of used glass processing equipment available from distributors.

I recommend: Atwood Sales Inc. offers a selection of used glass processing machinery online with photos and prices. Glass Machinery Works, LLC offers used and refurbished glass processing equipment as well as new equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Plan to attend GlassBuild America, a North American exhibit, held in different locations throughout the United States every September/October. Many glass machinery manufacturers exhibit their machines at this expo.
• •  Make sure to get a warranty if you buy used glass processing machinery in case parts break down. Also get an independent inspection of the equipment before you buy.

Glass processing machinery is useful for crushing and shaping glass. In addition, you can use a glass processing machine for recycling old glass and creating new glass and fiber products.

While dealing with service providers in the glass processing industry, you must be conversant with technical terms associated with glass processing machines. This guide is meant to familiarize you with the important glass processing key terms, such as annealing, glass blowing, dry glazing, glass cullet, sandblasting and float glass process.

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Annealing

In the annealing process, the glass is cooled slowly so that the internal temperature matches with the external temperature. The amount of internal stress developing in the glass product depends on the rate of cooling for the annealing process.

I recommend: Arrow Springs, an online retailer of glass and fiber products, offers an informative article on the annealing process in the glass industry.

Glass blowing

Glass blowing is an important technique for producing glass products with complex shapes. In the glass blowing process, a tubular instrument called a blowpipe is used to blow air into the raw glass material. The person blowing air into the glass material is called a glassblower, glassmith or gaffer.

I recommend: To learn more about the glass blowing technique, you can read through information at Bronze and Glass.com.

Dry glazing

Dry glazing (also called compression glazing) is a method of securing glass in a frame by using a dry, pre-formed and resilient gasket without the use of a compound.

I recommend: To understand the definition for this term, you can read through the glossary of technical terms at the Glass Association of North America. Elastomer Products Ltd, a manufacturer of silicone rubber products, explains the factors influencing glazing performance.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting is the process of smoothing, shaping and cleaning glass by forcing solid particles (like sand) across the surface at high speed. Generally, an air compressor is used to generate the force required to slam the particles.

I recommend: To learn the basics of the sandblasting process, read through information at Class Glass LLC, a reputable service provider in the field of sandblasting. UA Glass Ltd, a manufacturer of glass products, provides information about sandblasted glass.

Glass cullet

Glass cullet is the raw glass or pieces of broken glass intended for recycling. Glass cullet comes from various sources, like glass containers, breakages and inferior products made during glass manufacturing processes.

I recommend: You can read through detailed information about glass cullet at Glass Cullet, an information resource.

Float glass process

Float glass process is a process for manufacturing flat glass sheets from molten glass. In the float glass process, a sheet of glass is produced by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin. This process produces glass sheets with uniform thickness and flatness.

I recommend: PFG Building Glass, a manufacturer of float and patterned glass, offers detailed descriptions of the float glass process.