Date of Graduation

2000

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

Committee Chair

John E. Sneckenberger

Abstract

In handglass manufacturing, a need has been identified for a more efficient method to crack off glassware. Extended cutting and finishing times and high rates of breakage in the glassware hinder current methods. For example, due to the physical nature of thermal cracking, crack-off is not easily controlled and after separation is achieved, further finishing of the glassware is required. Depending on the glass properties and worker skill level, losses due to breakage can be as high as 80 percent in some product lines. The Laser Glass Cutting Machine (LGCM) is a joint project among the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University, Fenton Art Glass and Pilgrim Glass. The goal of the project is to develop a machine that uses a CO2 laser to perform enhanced cutting and finishing of handglass. Cutting and finishing glassware at the same time using the laser in the hot shop can result in a dramatic reduction in glassware breakage and can equate to improved production for the handglass manufacturing industry. This thesis uses an understanding of the LGCM parameters and design of experiments (DoE) to develop an equation that can compute parameter values necessary for successful operation of the LGCM. Using DoE, parameters were identified and then were investigated experimentally. A model of the LGCM in the form of an equation for glass cutting time was developed. The DoE based model describes the machine’s behavior in terms of the identified parameters, making it possible to determine specifications for the machine for other particular applications. Two case studies that are validated by experimental tests are demonstrated.

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