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Glass CNC Machining
Are you looking for glass parts made with top-level precision? At Istar Machining, we turn glass into exactly what you need. Our glass CNC machining services help make parts for many industries that need special glass components.
Glass is a tricky material to work with. But with our special tools and know-how, we can cut, shape, and polish glass to meet your exact needs. Whether you need parts for medical devices, fancy displays, or high-tech equipment, we’ve got you covered.
- Cutting glass into exact shapes
- Drilling tiny holes
- Making slots and pockets
- Creating smooth edges and special textures
- Polishing to crystal-clear finish
Get a New Quote
Supports uploading of the following file formats: .STEP .STP .SLDPRT .STL .IPT .3MF .3DXML .PRT .SAT .DXF .X_T .X_B .JT .CATPART
- All uploads are secure and confidential.
23 Years
Istar Machining's years in the industry
300,000 square feet
The size of Istar Machining's factory
300 CNC machines
Our CNC equipment count
1000 skilled workers
Istar's number of skilled machinists/operators
Technical Capabilities
Our precision CNC machining equipment allows us to create glass components with amazing accuracy. Here’s what we can achieve:
- Size Range: We can work with glass pieces up to 300mm x 300mm x 100mm
- Smallest Feature: Holes as small as 0.5mm
- Tolerances: Standard ±0.001″ (for extra precise needs: ±0.0002″)
- Surface Smoothness: Ultra-smooth polish (<5Å Ra) or custom textures
- Edge Quality: Chip-free edges with various finishes (polished, frosted, beveled)
We use special 5-axis CNC machines that can reach all sides of your part in one setup. This means better accuracy and faster production times.
Materials We Work With
We can machine many types of glass to fit your needs:
Glass Type | Best Uses | Special Features |
Borofloat® 33 | Lab equipment, Optics | Handles heat changes well |
Zerodur® | Satellite parts, Precision optics | Extremely stable |
Fused Silica | Laser parts, UV applications | Great for light work |
Soda Lime | Common glass needs, Displays | Cost-effective option |
Quartz | High-heat applications | Withstands extreme heat |
Ultra-Thin Glass | Mobile devices, Flexible displays | For tiny components |
Not sure which glass is right for your project? Our team can help you pick the best material based on how it will be used and what properties you need.
Applications Across Industries
Glass CNC machined parts are used in many industries. Here are some ways our customers use our services:
Advanced Capabilities for Challenging Projects
Some glass machining jobs are extra challenging. At Istar Machining, we specialize in:
- Ultra-Thin Glass: Working with glass as thin as 0.2mm
- Multi-Layer Assemblies: Combining glass with other materials
- High Aspect Ratio Features: Drilling deep, narrow holes
- Complex 3D Surfaces: Creating curved optical surfaces
- Micro-Features: Tiny details that require special tools and techniques
Our 5 axis machining centers allow us to create shapes that would be impossible with simpler equipment.
Special Features We Can Create
Our glass CNC machining can create many special features:
- Micro-holes: Tiny, perfect holes for fluid flow or optical purposes
- Channels & Grooves: For guiding liquids or light
- Step Features: Different levels in the same piece of glass
- Curved Surfaces: Complex 3D shapes for optics
- Textured Areas: Special surface finishes for both look and function
We can combine these features in one part to create exactly what you need.
Post-Machining Treatments
After the main machining is done, we offer these extra services:
- Chemical Strengthening: Makes glass up to 5 times stronger
- Edge Polishing: Creates smooth, safe edges
- Anti-Reflective Treatment: Reduces glare for optical parts
- Hydrofluoric Acid Etching: Creates frosted areas or removes tiny amounts of material
- Thermal Stress Relief: Prevents cracking from internal stress
These treatments can make your glass parts work better and last longer.
Quality Control
At Istar Machining, quality is our top priority. We check every glass part using:
- Advanced measuring equipment
- Optical inspection systems
- Surface roughness testers
- Stress testing when needed
We follow strict quality standards including:
- ISO 9001:2015 certification
- MIL-PRF-13830B (scratch-dig) for optical parts
- Custom inspection plans based on your needs
Every part comes with quality reports so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Advantages of Working with Istar Machining
When you choose our CNC machining service, you get:
Experience
We've been working with glass for many years
Advanced Equipment
Our 5-axis machines can create complex shapes
Material Knowledge
We understand how different types of glass behave
Fast Turnaround
Get prototypes in 3-5 days, production in 2-4 weeks
Value
Competitive pricing without sacrificing quality
Full Service
From design help to finishing treatments
Our Glass CNC Machining Process
When you work with Istar Machining for glass CNC machining, here’s what happens:
Design Review
We look at your designs and suggest changes if needed to make them easier to machine
Programming
Our experts create the computer code that guides our machines
Machining
Using diamond tools, we carefully shape your glass
Inspection
Every part is checked to make sure it meets all requirements
Post-Processing
We can add special treatments like edge polishing or chemical strengthening
Get Started with Istar Machining
Ready to bring your glass component ideas to life? Here’s how to get started:
- Send us your designs or ideas
- Our team will review and provide feedback
- We’ll create a detailed quote with timeline
- Once approved, we’ll begin production
- You’ll receive updates throughout the process
- Your finished parts will be delivered, ready to use
Contact us today to discuss your glass CNC machining needs:
- Upload your CAD files for a quick quote
- Call our technical team for guidance
- Request material samples to see our quality
At Istar Machining, we combine cutting-edge technology with years of experience to deliver glass parts that exceed your expectations. From prototypes to production runs, we’re your partner for precision glass components.
Frequently Asked Question
Glass CNC machining uses computer-controlled machines to shape glass with great precision. Unlike hand cutting, CNC machines follow exact digital instructions to create perfect glass parts every time.
Our machines use diamond tools that can work with even the hardest glass types. This means we can make parts that meet very strict rules for size and shape.
Yes, we have special techniques for working with tempered and laminated glass without causing delamination or edge chipping.
We accept STEP, IGES, DWG, SolidWorks, and other major CAD formats. Our engineers can also work from drawings if needed.
Most prototype glass parts can be ready in 3-5 business days. More complex projects may take longer.
We use special fixtures and machining techniques to support the glass and prevent breakage during the process.
Yes, we can work with specialty glass to meet specific refractive index, transmission, or other optical requirements.
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