How 5-Axis CNC Technology Is Changing Custom Glass Fabrication
- cbarber18
- May 17
- 3 min read
In the world of glass fabrication, precision matters. The difference between standard glass work and truly exceptional results often comes down to the technology behind the process. At BG Glass Technologies, our 5-axis CNC machining capabilities are setting new standards for what's possible with custom glass.
What Makes 5-Axis CNC Different?
Unlike conventional glass profiling and edging, 5-axis CNC technology allows for multidimensional movement during fabrication. Our "Intermac" machines operate along five different axes simultaneously, giving us capabilities that traditional glass shops simply can't match.
This advanced approach means we can create complex shapes, precise bevels, and intricate details with consistent quality, even on challenging designs that would be impossible to produce manually.
5 Game-Changing Capabilities of Our CNC Glass Technology
1. Shape Beveling Without Limitations
Traditional beveling methods have significant constraints, particularly with complex shapes and inside corners. Our 5-axis CNC machinery excels at shape beveling, including the notoriously difficult inside bevels and right-angle bevels up to ¾" that many fabricators avoid.
The precision of these machines means consistent bevel width and polish across curved surfaces - a quality difference you can immediately see and feel along the edges.
2. Inside Cutouts with Perfect Precision
Interior cutouts for sinks, fixtures, and hardware require exceptional accuracy. Even minor measurement errors can render an entire glass piece unusable. Our CNC technology produces precise interior cutouts with clean, polished edges that consistently meet your specifications.
3. Advanced Surface Profiling
Beyond edges and cutouts, our 5-axis CNC machines excel at surface profiling - creating detailed patterns, textures, and dimensional elements directly on glass surfaces. This capability opens creative possibilities for architectural glass, furniture pieces, and decorative applications.
Surface profiling adds visual and tactile interest to glass pieces that would otherwise be flat and ordinary, allowing for truly custom designs.
4. Oversized Holes and Specialized Fabrication
Standard glass drilling is limited in diameter and quality. Our CNC technology creates oversized, perfectly round holes or specialty cutouts with either polished or arrised edges.. The machines also excel at specialized techniques like countersinking, creating recessed areas that allow hardware to sit flush with the glass surface.
These details make substantial differences in both the function and appearance of finished glass pieces, particularly for high-end applications.
5. Large Format Capacity
With the ability to work with glass pieces up to 60" x 124", our CNC machines handle substantial projects that smaller operations cannot accommodate. This large-format capacity is particularly valuable for statement architectural pieces, oversized shower enclosures, and commercial applications.
The CNC Process
The process begins with your vision - whether it's architectural drawings, furniture designs, or creative concepts. Our CNC machines accept industry-standard DXF files, technical drawings, or even physical templates that we can digitize.
This digital workflow ensures that what you design is exactly what we produce.
Applications Across Industries
The precision of 5-axis CNC glass fabrication makes it valuable across multiple sectors:
Architectural firms rely on our capability for statement glass elements with complex geometries
Interior designers appreciate the ability to create custom furniture pieces with perfectly executed details
Contractors value our consistent quality for high-end shower enclosures and glass features
Specialty manufacturers partner with us for components requiring precise specifications
Experience the Difference
Standard glass work meets basic needs, but 5-axis CNC fabrication delivers results that stand out visually and technically. The difference is clear in the perfect symmetry of complex bevels, the clean definition of interior cutouts, and the overall precision that elevates glass from functional to exceptional.
At BG Glass Technologies, we've invested in this advanced machinery and the expertise to operate it because we believe in delivering glass solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and creativity.
Our 5-Axis CNC Capabilities Include:
Straight line and shape polishing
Straight line and shape beveling (max 2" bevel)
Inside and right-angle bevels (max ¾" at this time)
Precision fabrication of inside cut-outs
Hinge cut-outs
Oversized holes
Sink cut-outs
Countersinking
Surface profiling
Max size 60" x 124"
Contact BG Glass Technologies today to discuss how our 5-axis CNC technology can bring your most challenging glass projects to life.
For More Information
BG Glass Technologies40 Truman Road
Barrie, Ontario L4N 8Y6
📞 (705) 797-0404
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