Drilled & Slotted Glass Parts
ANTGLASS manufactures precision glass plates, windows, substrates and custom parts with through holes, blind features, slots, cutouts, countersinks, counterbores and mounting patterns. These components are used where glass must provide an optical, electrical, thermal or chemical interface while still integrating with fasteners, fluid channels, sensors, cables or mechanical housings.
What Are Drilled & Slotted Glass Parts?
A hole or slot changes the stress distribution of a glass component. Successful production depends on the relationship between feature size, glass thickness, edge distance, corner radius, material behavior and the required surface condition. ANTGLASS reviews these variables together and selects drilling, CNC grinding, ultrasonic machining, waterjet roughing or combined routes according to the geometry and finish.
Available Types, Shapes and Configurations
- Single or multiple through holes for mounting and alignment
- Elongated slots for adjustment, cable access or fluid paths
- Countersunk and counterbored features for recessed hardware
- Internal cutouts, windows and shaped openings
- Hole arrays and repeating patterns in substrates or cover components
- Parts combining holes, notches, pockets, chamfers and polished surfaces
Recommended Glass Materials
ANTGLASS selects the material according to optical, thermal, chemical, mechanical, electrical and supply requirements.
Dimensions, Tolerances and Surface Requirements
The drawing should separate functional dimensions from general dimensions. Final tolerances and inspection methods are established from material, thickness, geometry, process sequence and the role of each surface.
| Specification Area | What to Define |
|---|---|
| Material | Grade, family or approved alternatives |
| Geometry | Overall profile, diameter, bore, wall, holes, slots, steps and radii |
| Dimensions | Critical sizes, datums, position and functional tolerance priorities |
| Surfaces | Optical, sealing, bonding, cosmetic and non-critical zones |
| Edges | Seamed, ground, chamfered, beveled, rounded or polished |
| Quality | Flatness, parallelism, concentricity, chips, scratches and cleanliness |
| Delivery | Quantity, first article, inspection records, packing and orientation |
Design Rules
- Dimension hole diameter, slot width, feature position and edge distance independently.
- Use radiused internal corners where possible to reduce local stress and machining damage.
- Identify countersink angle, counterbore depth and the side from which each feature is machined.
- Avoid placing a large hole or long slot too close to a thin outer edge without a supporting redesign.
- Show the datum scheme used to inspect hole position relative to the outer profile and functional surfaces.
Quality Risks to Control
- Entry or exit chipping can exceed the permitted edge-break zone around a hole.
- Sharp slot corners can concentrate stress and start cracks during assembly.
- Poor feature position can prevent alignment with housings, sensors or fasteners.
- Thin webs between holes or between a hole and the outer edge can fracture during machining.
- Residue inside holes and slots can affect bonding, vacuum use, fluid flow or cleanliness.
How ANTGLASS Manufactures Drilled & Slotted Glass Parts
ANTGLASS begins with material and drawing review, establishes datums and prepares a stable blank. Features are then produced by the process best suited to the geometry: diamond drilling for round holes, CNC grinding for slots and profiles, ultrasonic methods for selected brittle or complex features, and controlled rough cutting followed by finish grinding where appropriate. The sequence is arranged to minimize edge damage and preserve polished or coated surfaces. Chamfers, countersinks, edge finishing, lapping, polishing and final cleaning are added as required.
Inspection, Cleaning and Packaging
Inspection can include hole and slot size, true position, spacing, edge distance, countersink or counterbore geometry, profile dimensions, flatness, thickness, chipping and crack screening. Critical features can be checked optically or with non-contact measurement. Final cleaning removes machining residue from narrow openings before protective packaging.
Applications of Drilled & Slotted Glass Parts
- Sensor and machine-vision mounting windows
- Optical plates with alignment or cable-access features
- Fluidic, analytical and laboratory components
- Electrical feedthrough and insulating interfaces
- Display, semiconductor and instrument substrates
- Custom equipment panels and precision mounting plates
Prototype to Volume Production
ANTGLASS supports drawing review, prototypes, first-article inspection and repeat production. The approved material, datum structure, process route and inspection plan are retained so that later orders can be compared with the accepted sample.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Drilled & Slotted Glass Parts
Which materials can be drilled and slotted?
ANTGLASS processes borosilicate glass, fused silica, quartz glass, aluminosilicate and alkali-free glass, as well as selected optical glasses. The best route depends on thickness, feature geometry and required edge quality.
What tolerances can be specified for holes and slots?
The drawing should define feature size, position, spacing, edge distance and datum references. Achievable tolerances are set from the complete combination of material, thickness, feature depth and inspection method.
Can parts include countersinks and counterbores?
Yes. Countersinks, counterbores and stepped holes can be manufactured when the angle, depth, remaining wall and entry-side requirements are clearly shown.
How can chipping around a hole be controlled?
Chipping is controlled through tool selection, support, feed strategy, entry and exit sequencing, edge-break design and inspection criteria matched to the part function.
What should be included in the RFQ?
Provide the drawing, material, thickness, hole and slot dimensions, positional tolerances, edge condition, surface finish, quantity, cleanliness, inspection and packaging requirements.
Request a Quote for Drilled & Slotted Glass Parts
Provide a dimensioned drawing with material, thickness, datums, hole and slot geometry, position tolerances, edge distances, countersink or counterbore details, surface finish, coating restrictions, quantity, inspection method and cleaning or packaging requirements.