Spark Assisted Chemical Engraving (SACE)

Spark Assisted Chemical Engraving (SACE) is a hybrid technology that combines chemical and thermal mechanisms. The machining technology preserves the optical transparency of glass while machining burrs- and cracks-free without leaving any deposits on the surface. Structures with aspect ratios of up to 1:10 can be realized.

SACE is based on thermally assisted etching of glass. Micro-holes with a depth of millimetres can be drilled in a few seconds and channels of several hundred microns deep can be produced without difficulty. It is also possible to cut glass over a thickness of a few millimeters. All these machining methods can be realised directly, without any intermediate process.

Our objective is to increase the fundamental knowledge about material removal process with the aim to increase repeatability and precision of machining and develop strategies to functionalise glass during machining.