The edges of glass cut by water jet usually do not have a direct "edge grinding effect", but instead present a unique "matte" or "frosted" texture. However, this texture is fundamentally different from the effect of professional edge grinding treatment.
1. Edge characteristics of water jet cutting
Waterjet cutting uses ultra-high pressure water flow (mixed with fine sand) for cutting. Its principle is erosion rather than direct confrontation and splitting. Therefore, the cut edge has the following characteristics:
Matte/frosted texture: Due to the erosion of water flow and abrasives, the cut edges of the glass will lose their original mirror-like luster and turn into a uniform rough surface. It may feel slightly granular when touched, but it is not as sharp as when a regular knife cuts glass and poses a risk of cutting.
Relatively smooth: Under high-quality cutting parameters, the edges are relatively straight, without large chipping or notches, and the chipping is much smaller than that of ordinary mechanical cutting (such as wheel cutters).
Tiny bevel/taper: Due to the slight diffusion of the water jet as it penetrates the material, the cross-section of the cut is usually not absolutely 90-degree vertical, forming a very tiny taper (wider at the top and narrower at the bottom).
2. Comparison with the "edge grinding effect"
In glass processing, "edge grinding" usually refers to mechanical grinding carried out through diamond grinding wheels, with the aim of:
Safety: Eliminate all sharp edges and corners to make the edges smooth and comfortable to the touch.
Aesthetics: According to requirements, it can be processed into various smooth and lustrous effects such as straight edges, round edges (semi-round edges, full round edges), beveled edges (duckbill edges), and irregular edges.
Precision: Correct the edges to meet higher dimensional and flatness requirements.
Therefore, we can understand it in this way:
The edge of water jet cutting: It is the "original cutting surface", with a natural rough surface safety effect, not sharp, but not smooth and not shiny.
The edge of professional edge grinding: It is the "finished product edge after fine processing", smooth, lustrous and with specific geometric shapes.
3. Is further edge grinding necessary after water jet cutting?
This entirely depends on the application requirements:
Situations where no additional edge grinding is required:
Industrial components and internal structural parts: The edges are hidden inside or within the frame, as long as it is safe and does not cut your hand.
Art installations and decorative glass: This unique matte edge itself is a design element, creating a texture contrast with the smooth surface of the glass.
Partitions and samples with no requirements for edge glossiness.
Situations where additional edge grinding is necessary:
Furniture glass (such as coffee tables and tabletons) : Smooth and rounded edges are required to ensure safety and comfort during daily use.
Building doors and Windows, shower room glass: Involving frequent human contact, they have high safety standards and aesthetic requirements.
High-end decoration and handicrafts: The edges should be as bright as a mirror, matching the overall sense of refinement.
In situations where precise splicing with other materials is required: Edge grinding can ensure absolute accuracy in dimensions and angles.
Summary
Water jet cutting provides a "safe but not refined" matte base state for the edges of the glass, which can be regarded as a "rough grinding" or "natural frosted" effect. However, it cannot replace the "smooth, lustrous and diverse in shape" finishing effect that professional mechanical edge grinding can achieve.
When making a choice, you can decide based on the final use:
If you like that simple industrial style or artistic feel and don't touch it often, the edges cut by water jet can be used directly.
If it is used in homes, commercial places and other places that need to be touched and require high-end and beautiful appearance, professional edge grinding treatment must be carried out after cutting.
In actual processing, the usual procedure is: water jet cutting out the shape → going to the edge grinding machine for fine grinding and polishing.
