Can you etch toughened glass

This can be done dry or wet. This normally happens when glass is not fully annealed and the product still has internal stress in it. As soon as a Co2 laser beam hits this type of glass the internal stress shatters the glass. All glass award and recognition glass products that are shipped from our factory are fully annealed and are suitable for Co2 Laser engraving. Any products that require tempered glass however cannot be laser engraved.

All Rights Reserved. Maybe ad the tiniest drop of detergent. Dip, rub, dip and let dry. Will wash off with warm water. I see many brands at the craft store and I am confused as to which one to buy. First of all, front and rear automotive glass is two pieces with a safety film laminated in the middle. I once had to fully surface etch 4 quarter inch thick pieces of glass for a make-up display in New York, the largest was 3 by 6 feet. I got three finished on the rush job at 2 in the morning, I told the friend who I was doing the favor for that I would finish in the morning.

He thought it looked so easy he would finish it himself. He got the blaster so hot it plugged the tip with moisture and abrasive, so he pulled off the nozzle, turned it on and blew up the last piece of glass.

Talk about Job Security for me! Your email address will not be published. Member's Login. Q: Can tempered glass be etched or carved? Many people tell me that it can not. Share this on social media or email by clicking below!

When you engrave, you cut out a considerable chunk of the material to create a design. It cuts deeply into the material, leaving a visible cavity in the shape of your image. Etching will just scratch the surface of the material; hence it resembles a drawing more than a cut.

It effectively only removes the thin top layer of the glass. It requires far less power and speed. On the flip side, laser engraving is significantly deeper, and you can feel it under your fingers more easily. Also, the etching process usually requires the addition of ink and certain chemicals to form a visible, durable picture.

Tempered glass already went through a heating process, which makes the outer surface stronger. However, that heightens the tension in the inner layers, making them vulnerable. Many people like decorative coasters made of tempered glass. If they have deep engravings, exposure to hotter temperature e. Some experts recommend carving your design before tempering the glass. Therefore, it will keep the shape and compress the outer surface to make it sturdier.

That is, as long as you can adjust the power of the beam. But if you like the final result, is the process even relevant? You should know that any type of CO2 laser engraver can cut through glass.

You may go through a trial and error period before you find the right intensity. Laser is immensely hot, and high temperature weakens and breaks the glass. Put a wet paper towel over your piece before you start engraving for additional protection.