Gardner Glass Products expands fabrication capabilities

Gardner Glass Products Inc.has expanded its capabilities with the addition of a high-performance water jet cutter and edger housed at the company’s facility in North Wilkesboro, N.C., according to an Aug. 23 release.

The state-of-the-art water jet cutter is capable of making intricate cuts in glass of a variety of thicknesses. One of its primary applications is for backsplashes used in kitchens, medical offices and other installations. The cutter can be used to make cuts for outlets and faucets, go around detailed windowsills, create custom outlet covers and switch plates and to accommodate out of plumb walls. Because Dreamwalls Color Glass, manufactured by Gardner Glass Products, is available in sheets up to 96 inches by 144 inches, the result is a seamless and flawless appearance. The cutter works with such precision that it results in glass products that are ideal for installations such as condominiums where each backsplash is the same and exact measurements are vital.

“The addition of this water cutter aids us in our primary goal of serving customers more efficiently and effectively,” said Tommy Huskey, CEO, Gardner Glass Products, in the release.  “Not only can we provide high-quality glass for customers in any color imaginable, and now cut exactly to their specifications, but we can do it with even shorter lead times.  When the customer receives their order, they will know that it is precisely the color they specified and that it will fit flawlessly into the space.”

Using 55,000 psi of water pressure mixed with garnet sand, the cutter works quickly and meticulously. The cuts are made according to .dxf CAD files. In addition to more common cuts like outlets and faucets, the cutter can be used for very intricate decorative designs as well.

Gardner has also installed a state-of-the-art edger. It is used for heavy glass such as that used for tabletops and countertops. Like the water cutter, it is operated using a CAD system and a series of diamond drill bits combined with water. The action utilizes three processes – the first to make a rough cut, the second a finer cut and the third process to polish the edge.  The machine can do a wide variety of edges including polished, waterfall and ogee edges, according to the release.