As one of the premiere precision glass tubing manufacturers in the world, Accu-Glass offers a variety of glass forming and finishing services. 

Glass Tube Forming

Glass Finishing
		Cutting
		Marking/Decorating
		Specialty Forming
		Flame Polishing
		Tumbling
		Coatings
		Flow Testing
		Quality Assurance

 

Glass Tube Forming

At Accu-Glass tubing and rod are formed by a very unique Direct Draw process. The material is continuously "pulled" from a vessel of molten glass. The advantage of this process over conventional "tank drawn" tubing is that a wide range of geometric shapes and very precise tolerances are achieved. Additional advantages are the ability to manufacture lower volume runs more economically, and a very short turn around time from order to shipment. The unique tooling utilized is designed and fabricated on site by Accu-Glass personnel to meet specific customer needs.

In addition to a broad array of shapes, permanent opal colors can be add ed to the glass to provide reflection backgrounds and identification striping. The process is controlled using SPC techniques and DataMyte data collection is utilized to retain product history. The measurement methods used to achieve these extremely tight tolerances are diverse depending on the product application. These methods employ laser, optical, volumetric, and mass flow measurement technologies, many of which were developed by Accu-Glass. Dimensional tolerances of +/- 1 micron for internal diameters for small tubing can be achieved.

Glass Finishing

Cutting

Accu-Glass provides a variety of cutting processes depending on your application. The Score Break method is economical because of the high speeds achieved and does not require special cleaning since it is a "dry cut" process. Tolerances achieved are generally +/- .010" for length , however tighter tolerance specifications can be achieved in some instances. The Precision wafer cutting process is used for applications where length and end cut requirements are more stringent. This method employs a gang arbor of stacked diamond cutting blades that are liquid cooled, with the product fixtured in a special CNC machine. This equipment was developed for the silicon waffering industry and has been modified to cut tubing and rod to very exact specifications. Common product tolerances for the length are in the range of +/- .002". After cutting, the parts are cleaned using ultrasonic techniques and then packaged to your requirement.


Marking/Decorating

Accu-Glass has many years of experience in the area of tube marking. Various inks or enamels are applied and "fired" on the tube. These markings typically are used to designate volumetric size or specify a volumetric calibration point, and can be applied in many different colors or configurations. Specialty markings can also be applied to provide fluorescence under various light wavelengths in specialty applications. Calibration markings can be applied to these precise tubes to achieve a volumetric tolerance of +/- .25% for accuracy and precision of .5% or less.


Specialty Forming

If you have needs for precision configurations in small tubing, Accu-Glass can form funnels and tips as an integral part of the tubing. For example, a "lead in" funnel can be formed to assist in the insertion of a fiber connector assembly. Tapered tips can be formed on the tubing to provide flow restriction or insertion capabilities. Our engineering staff can assist you in this area in order to meet your specialty needs.


Flame Polishing

High speed flame polishing is used to smooth over sharp edges which occur during the cutting process. This makes the tube much more resistant to chipping during later use, and is safer to handle. Additionally the smoothing effect provides easier insertion capabilities for assembly situations.


Tumbling

When product specifications require the tubing to have special end finishes we can utilize our tumbling process to round the sharp edges. This also produces a part that can be handled, shipped, or processed through material handling with reduced particulate. The process is an economical way to produce uniform finishes. Special tumbling media and abrasives are used to provide the abrasive smoothing action necessary to condition the components. All product is thoroughly cleaned ultrasonically prior to shipment.



Coatings

Unique coatings can be applied to the internal surfaces of the tube to meet your needs. Accu-Glass has a long history of providing product with various reagents or chemicals applied to the inner surface such as sodium heparin, ammonium heparin, monoclonal antibodies, and silicone.

 

 

Flow Testing

Certain applications require very precise flow control of liquids or gasses. Accu-Glass has developed a process to measure and sort flow control components made of glass tubing. This technology can be applied on the drawing line to select tubing using SPC techniques, or finished product can be 100% flow checked to insure that all components fall into specification. Typical flow control tolerances for air flow are: +/- 1 scc/min.. We have the expertise to help you design your product through correlation studies of gas vs. liquid flow.

Quality Assurance

In addition to being a registered medical device manufacturer who is compliant to the Food and Drug Administration’s Quality System Regulation (QSR), the quality system at Accu-Glass is registered to ISO 9001. State of the art measurement systems are employed to give our customers product to the most exacting specifications. Some of the measuring systems utilize devices which include: vision technology, laser technology, flow testing technology and a proprietary volumetric measuring technology. Our manufacturing and quality systems ensure that our customers receive the best product, on time, at a reasonable price. We are flexible and responsive to our customers’ rapidly changing needs.

Contact Accu-Glass for more information

Accu-Glass™ Products: Glass Tube Forming & Microbore Technology