Custom glass usually starts with a larger stock sheet and is processed into the finished panel needed for a door, table, shelf, partition, window or fitting system. The sequence matters. Cutting and most machining happen before heat treatment, while some coatings, laminating or assembly steps happen later.
Understanding the names of common processes helps you send a clearer request and avoid the expensive mistake of discovering a missing hole after the glass has already been toughened.
Quick answer
- Give finished dimensions, not only rough opening sizes.
- All holes, notches and cut-outs should be shown on a dimensioned drawing.
- Exposed edges usually need an appropriate finished edge rather than a raw cut edge.
- Toughened glass normally cannot be resized or drilled after tempering.
- Templates are useful for irregular shapes, but they must be stable, clearly labelled and accurate.
Straight cutting and shaped cutting
Straight rectangular cutting is the simplest operation. Shaped cutting produces circles, arcs, curved tops, notched corners and other profiles. The more complex the shape, the more important it is to provide a reliable drawing or template.
Inside corners and tight radii can create stress concentrations, so fabricators may require minimum radii or modified shapes, especially when the panel will be toughened.
Glass drilling and holes
Holes are used for handles, hinges, stand-offs, taps, connectors and patch fittings. A useful drawing gives the hole diameter and the centre position measured from two fixed edges. It should also identify which side is the face if the design is not symmetrical.
Do not assume a hole can be moved later. For toughened glass, final hole positions are normally fixed before heat treatment.
Notches and cut-outs
Notches remove material from an edge, while internal cut-outs can create openings for sockets, locks or hardware. They need appropriate radii and edge finishing to reduce stress concentration. Hardware suppliers often provide standard glass-preparation drawings for their fittings.
Use those fitting drawings rather than measuring a metal part by eye.
Edge finishes
| Edge treatment | What it means | Typical reason |
|---|---|---|
| Arrissed / seamed | Sharpness removed from cut edges | Handling or concealed edges where permitted |
| Flat polished | Flat smooth face with polished arrises | Visible table, shelf, door and partition edges |
| Pencil polished | Rounded polished profile | Furniture and decorative work |
| Bevelled | Angled decorative face at edge | Mirrors and feature panels |
| Mitred / specialist edge | Angle-machined edge for specific assemblies | Specialist fabrication |
Corner treatments
A rectangular pane can have sharp 90-degree corners, clipped corners or rounded radii. Rounded corners are common on exposed table tops because they reduce sharp protruding points, but the radius should be specified. Saying 'round corners' without a dimension can produce a different result than expected.
Processing order before toughening
The normal workflow is measure → cut/shape → edge finish → drill/notch/cut-out → wash/inspect → toughen. If laminating or insulating-unit assembly is required, those later steps depend on the specified product.
This is why finished toughened glass should not be treated like ordinary cuttable sheet glass.
How to prepare a fabrication drawing
- Use millimetres consistently.
- Show finished width and height.
- Dimension hole centres from fixed edges.
- Label hole diameter separately from position.
- Show corner radii and edge finish.
- Mark notches and cut-outs with all relevant dimensions.
- Identify quantity and glass type/build-up.
- Attach the fitting manufacturer's glass-preparation drawing where possible.
Find local glass businesses
When you are ready to compare local options, use GlassDirect to browse available businesses by service and location. A listing can help you discover businesses, but always confirm the exact glass type, specification, availability, measurement and installation requirements directly with the business.
Search GlassDirect: find available glass dealers by city, pincode, service or business name.
Common questions
What is the difference between cut edge and polished edge?
A cut edge is the result of cutting the sheet and can be sharp or visually rough. Polishing finishes the edge for appearance and touch where specified.
Can glass be cut into any shape?
Many shapes are possible, but tight internal corners, very narrow sections and large complex panels can have manufacturing limits.
Do holes make glass weaker?
Holes and cut-outs interrupt the pane and create local stress considerations. Their size, edge distance and finish should follow fabrication/system requirements.
Should I provide a paper template?
For simple rectangles, dimensions are better. For irregular shapes, a stable full-size template can help if the fabricator accepts it and all orientation details are clearly marked.
Continue learning
- Can toughened glass be cut?
- Measure custom glass
- Table top glass