Cms GEA 3- or 4-Axis CNC Glass Machining Centre

The CMS GEA is a robust 3- or 4-axis horizontal CNC machining centre developed for demanding flat-glass processing.

It can process thin and thick monolithic glass, laminated glass and bullet-resistant glass, carrying out grinding, edge polishing, drilling, milling, diamond-disc sawing, V-grooving, engraving and bevelling up to approximately 5 degrees.

The machine uses a gantry system on the Y axis, with two brushless servomotors synchronised by the numerical control. This arrangement supports accurate bridge movement and reduces positioning errors caused by mechanical elasticity.

A heavy, ribbed, electrically welded and stress-relieved monoblock steel base provides the rigidity required for demanding machining operations and long-term production.

The large 18 mm duraluminium worktable offers a stable surface for glass processing. CMS states that the table can be resurfaced more than ten times, helping extend its working life.

The worktable height of approximately 780 mm and the reduced distance between the table and operator are designed to make glass loading and unloading easier.

The machine has a maximum workable glass size of approximately 3700 × 2000 mm, with axis strokes of 3800 mm in X, 2550 mm in Y and 420 mm in Z.

GEA is available with three interpolated axes or an optional continuous 360-degree rotary axis.

The optional fourth axis enables additional operations including angular-head machining, cup-wheel polishing, diamond-disc cutting and specialist edge work.

Tool-storage capacity is highly configurable. Magazines may be fitted at the rear, along the sides or beneath the bridge, allowing the machine to be adapted to different production requirements.

Depending on configuration, the GEA can provide from 12 to 120 tool-change stations. An under-bridge magazine can hold up to 24 ISO 40 tool cones and supports tool changes in approximately 9.5 seconds.

The machine can be equipped with either a 13.5 kW spindle with up to 15,000 rpm or a 30 kW spindle with up to 12,000 rpm, depending on the required machining performance.

Automatic tool presetting can be integrated into the tool magazine so that it does not reduce the usable worktable area.

A laser tool-measuring system can identify tool dimensions with centesimal precision, supporting accurate machining and compensation for tool wear.

Automatic dressing systems are available for diamond grinding wheels and polishing tools, helping keep tooling in suitable condition during production.

Dynamic compensation of polishing wheels supports consistent pressure and improved edge quality during polishing.

The CMS GEA can also be equipped with a cerium-oxide polishing system. This continuously mixes the polishing liquid and supplies it directly to the machining area for high-quality felt polishing.

Pneumatic loading bars can rise through the worktable to help position large glass sheets where no automatic loading equipment is available. Once the glass is in position, the bars retract beneath the suction-cup surface.

An angular undercut-drilling unit allows the machine to drill from beneath the glass, helping reduce breakout and splintering on thin sheets.

Optional suction cups are available in different heights, while laser projection can guide the operator during cup positioning and machine setup.

EasyGlass CAD/CAM software manages drawing, programming, tool selection, suction-cup positioning, machining simulation, processing times and production costs.

Optional Smart Production Manager software uses barcodes to load the correct machining program automatically, reducing programming delays and helping improve productivity.

Stone & Glass Group supplies and supports the CMS GEA throughout the UK, Ireland and the Benelux, including machine specification, installation, commissioning, operator training, software, tooling, spare parts and technical service.