The flatting procedure is the operation that consists in grinding the edge of drinking glasses to remove all the scratches and to finish the edge parallel to its base (foot). This operation is performed just after cutting, which generally produces an unacceptable edge quality, except for standard quality glass. Flatting has replaced the operation formerly carried out using silicon carbide abrasive belts

The sawing of glass is required either to cut pieces to obtain the required dimensions or simply to take the top off hollow objects which, for various economic or technical reasons, cannot be cut by means of the “crack-off” technique.

In addition to surfacing and edging, particular applications in the glass industry often require the drilling of holes for fixing or fitting. 

These holes are drilled by means of diamond core drills.

Contrary to the drills designed for wood and metal, the drills used for glass material consist of a thin cutting wall, which is mounted on a cylindrical tube.