CNC Machining Soda-Lime Glass – Soda-Lime Glass (CTE 9.0 x 10^-6 /K, 360 nm – 2.0 um); CNC Machining to +/-0.01 mm positional. No minimum order; DFM review included with every RFQ.
Ask any process engineer what makes soda-lime glass difficult and the answer is specific: higher CTE means edge chips propagate under thermal load, so edge finishing quality drives reliability. Our cnc machining line is tooled around exactly that – 4-axis machining centers with diamond tooling and through-spindle coolant – holding +/-0.01 mm positional on parts from 0.5 – 50 mm thick.
Specification envelope
| Material | Soda-Lime Glass (Float per ASTM C1036, low-iron option) |
|---|---|
| Thermal expansion (CTE) | 9.0 x 10^-6 /K |
| Service temperature | 350 C continuous |
| Transmission range | 360 nm – 2.0 um |
| Density | 2.50 g/cm3 |
| Knoop hardness | 585 kg/mm2 |
| Refractive index | 1.52 @ 587 nm |
| Stock thickness | 0.40 – 19 mm |
| Maximum blank size | 1,000 x 800 mm |
| Process | CNC Machining |
| Working tolerance | +/-0.01 mm positional |
| Minimum feature | 0.4 mm slot width |
| Surface finish | Ra 0.4 um ground, optional polish |
| Thickness window | 0.5 – 50 mm |
| Edge condition | chamfered 0.1 – 0.5 mm as standard |
| RFQ inputs | PDF/DXF/STEP drawing, quantity brackets, surface and edge spec |
Manufacturing capability
The core strength of CNC Machining is complex 3D geometry – pockets, steps, counterbores and compound edges in one setup. The honest limit: internal corners carry a minimum radius equal to the smallest practical tool, typically R0.5 mm. Both belong on the drawing before quoting, not after.
One material, many routes: on Soda-Lime Glass we also quote lapping, drilling, coring, laser cutting, and multi-step drawings are the norm rather than the exception.
Specification advice
The shop-floor rules that matter here:
- Material note: higher CTE means edge chips propagate under thermal load, so edge finishing quality drives reliability.
- Process boundary: internal corners carry a minimum radius equal to the smallest practical tool, typically R0.5 mm.
- Over-specification is the quiet budget killer: a 20/10 scratch-dig face costs roughly three times an 80/50 face, so grade each surface individually.
For the complete framework, see the tolerance design guide and the holes and edges design guide.
Typical applications
cnc machining soda-lime glass shows up across led packaging (groove covers, phosphor carriers, package windows); industrial displays (touch covers, gauge windows, printed bezels). Background reading on the underlying material science: ASTM C1036 flat glass standard.
The fastest route to a quote is geometry: use the 3D builder below, draw a dimensioned 2D drawing from it, or open the site-wide custom glass machining 3D + 2D builder for fully custom parts.
Related reading on this site: CNC machining capability, high-purity quartz guide, infrared windows.
Common questions
What equipment runs the cnc machining work?
4-axis machining centers with diamond tooling and through-spindle coolant.
Is there a minimum order for cnc machining soda-lime glass?
No. Single prototypes are accepted, and pricing steps down at 10, 100 and 1,000 pieces.
How fast can prototypes ship?
Machined prototypes ship in 5 – 10 working days. Coated or bonded parts add 1 – 2 weeks depending on queue slots.
What files do you need for a quote?
A dimensioned PDF plus DXF or STEP geometry. If only a sketch exists, our drawing review service formalizes it before quoting.
Do parts ship with inspection data?
Dimensional reports, surface certificates and material certs per melt are available; specify the level on the RFQ.
Specifications on this page were last reviewed by our engineering team in August 2026.