In autumn 2024, the Glasstec exhibition was grandly held in Düsseldorf, Germany. Glass processing experts and industry pioneers from around the world gathered to showcase the latest achievements—from manual cutting tools to advanced intelligent waterjet systems. Walking through the bustling halls, we witnessed industry innovations and felt the pulse of craftsmanship and innovation behind glass cutting technology. Today, let us take you back to the scene and experience this spectacular visual and technological feast for the glass cutting industry.
Zone 1: Classic Revival of Traditional Manual Glass Cutting Tools
At the entrance, the traditional tool area brought us into the artisan’s workshop. Renowned brands displayed classic manual glass cutters that remain precise, durable, and economical—still core choices for small workshops and repair businesses.
| Tool Type | Application | Features | Brand Website |
| Pencil Grip Cutter | Float glass, mosaic cutting | Lightweight, flexible, ideal for detailed and curved cuts | toyocutter.com |
| Pistol Grip Cutter | Thick glass, long straight cuts | Strong grip, suitable for heavy-duty and long cuts | boheglass.com |
| Oil-Filled Cutter | Industrial glass ≥8mm thick | Oil reservoir for smooth cutting, reduces chipping | bohle.com |
| Breaker Pliers | Assist break/edge finishing | Help precise break-off and edge trimming, improving yield | bohle.com |
These remain fundamental tools for everyday glass cutting, especially in low-precision or small-batch tasks.
Zone 2: Rise of Intelligent CNC Cutting Systems
In the central hall, CNC automated cutting systems attracted crowds. Laser positioning, smart nesting, and break control have become new standards in modern glass processing.
Featured products include:Featured products include: ：
- Bottero EVO Cutting Bridge
Italian-made fully automated bridge cutting system for rapid cutting of large float glass sheets. - LiSEC Cutting Table
Equipped with high-precision CCD camera recognition for accurate nesting and optimized tool paths, greatly boosting production efficiency.
Zone 3: Cold Cutting Revolution — Waterjet Technology Highlights
In the East Hall, waterjet cutting was a star attraction. Unlike lasers, waterjets use high-pressure water mixed with abrasive materials to cut without heat-affected zones, especially suited for laminated, composite, and artistic shaped glass.
Featured Brands and Highlights:
| Brand | Exhibit Highlights | Website |
| APW | New 5-axis dual-head glass cutting platform with nylon roller feeding system; high cost-performance, suitable for industrial and craft markets | apwwaterjet.com |
| OMAX | High-pressure 5-axis precision waterjet, specializing in composite and thick glass cutting | omax.com |
| CMS Tecnocut | Italian brand showcasing thick glass and curved surface systems, supporting multi-head parallel cutting | cms.it/en/technologies/waterjet |
Zone 4: Practical Applications and Recommended Tool Combinations
The application zone demonstrated rational tool and material combinations simulating real workshop environments to improve efficiency and quality.
| Glass Type | Recommended Tool Combo | Applications (Industry/Product) | Reason for Recommendation |
| Float Glass | Pencil cutter + Breaker pliers | Architectural glass, picture frames, interior partitions | Low cost, easy operation, ideal for workshops |
| Thick Glass ≥10mm | Pistol cutter + Oil-filled cutter + Waterjet/CNC | Display windows, cabinets, glass furniture | Requires strong force, waterjet ensures edge quality |
| Tempered Front Glass | Automated cutting bridge + Optical positioning + Break control | Auto windshields, appliance glass panels | High batch efficiency, low chipping rate |
| Laminated/Composite | APW 5-axis waterjet (dual heads) | Safety glass, banking glass, railway glass | Cold cutting suits complex materials |
| Artistic Shaped Glass | 5-axis waterjet + Manual edge finishing tools | Architectural curtain walls, artistic glass | 5-axis allows any path cutting, easy finishing |
| Painted/Film Glass | CNC cutting machine + Light auxiliary tools | Lighting, creative glassware, home decoration glass | High precision, recommended trajectory control systems |
Waterjet Leads the Future of Glass Cutting
The Glasstec 2024 exhibition clearly demonstrated the advantages of waterjet technology in high-end glass processing. APW’s 5-axis dual-head platform stands out for its excellent cost-performance and flexibility, becoming a core driver for industry upgrades. Whether you run a traditional workshop or a large industrial facility, adopting waterjet technology can elevate cutting quality and expand your market potential.
We invite you to seize this industry opportunity and step into the new era of intelligent, high-precision glass cutting. Visit APW Official Website for more details or contact us to schedule a demonstration and open the door to the future!
