A hole in an appliance glass panel is part of the assembly. Its diameter determines whether a component can pass through. Its position determines whether that component lines up with the frame. Its cross-section can determine how the component seats against the glass. ZITA Glass manufactures custom glass panels with standard round holes, conical openings and non-circular cutouts to match OEM equipment and hardware drawings.

Our precision drilling service covers glass thicknesses from 3 to 8 mm. For suitable designs, hole location can be controlled to ±0.2 mm, subject to drawing review. Hole diameter, cutout profile, recess depth and other critical dimensions are specified separately. We can combine drilling with edge finishing, tempering and screen printing as required by the project.

Choosing the Right Hole or Cutout for Glass Assembly

Straight round through-holes

A straight round hole is used for hardware, shafts or other components that pass through the panel. Specify the finished diameter, hole center coordinates and location tolerance from the drawing datums. When several holes align with the same bracket, include the mating part drawing so the spacing can be checked as a group.

Conical and countersunk holes

A conical recess provides a shaped seat for a compatible component. Its geometry is defined by the through-hole diameter, the opening diameter at the glass surface and the included angle or recess depth. The drawing should also identify which face receives the recess. A section view helps the manufacturer verify how the mating part sits and how much glass remains beneath the recess.

Non-circular cutouts and custom curved profiles

An irregular glass cutout can follow the outline of a burner assembly, control module or other component with a non-circular footprint. Specify the full contour, internal corner radii and its relationship to nearby holes, panel edges and printed graphics. A dimensioned drawing together with CAD geometry gives production and inspection teams a common reference.

A shaped opening can also have a custom cross-section through the thickness of the glass. If the component seats against a curved ring around a round hole, include a section or a 3D model to define that seating surface. The top view describes the outline, while the section describes how the parts fit together.

European OEM Case: A Curved Annular Seat Around a Round Hole

A European customer needed a glass opening that would mate with a component in a specialized equipment assembly. The requirement concerned the surface around the opening as well as the hole itself. ZITA Glass developed a machining process to form a curved annular seat, with a toroidal profile that matched the mating component.

The curved seat addressed the customer’s assembly fit requirement. For similar projects, providing the mating component geometry and identifying where it should contact the glass helps the engineering team evaluate the opening and seating surface together.

From Drawing Review to Finished Glass Panel

1. Review the glass and mating component. Confirm the panel dimensions, thickness, reference faces, hole positions and the features that control assembly. For screen-printed parts, review how the artwork aligns with the machined openings.
2. Confirm machining feasibility. Review hole-to-edge distances, spacing between features, internal radii and glass thickness around recessed openings. Feasible dimensions depend on the panel design and its processing requirements.
3. Machine and finish the openings. Complete drilling, profile machining and the specified edge finishing before thermal tempering. This sequence is consistent with Pilkington’s technical guidance on toughened glass.
4. Check critical dimensions and sample fit. Agree on the measurement references for hole location, finished opening size and any seating profile. Where several features control the fit, check a sample against the mating hardware or the agreed gauge before releasing the design for production.

What to Include in a Custom Glass Drilling RFQ

• Panel specification. Send the latest dimensioned drawing, glass thickness, overall dimensions and any tempering or edge-finish requirements.
• Hole and cutout geometry. Provide center locations and diameters for round holes, the full contour and radii for irregular cutouts, and a section drawing for conical or curved seats.
• Assembly requirements. Identify the mounting side, mating components and surfaces that control fit. Mark the dimensions that require tighter tolerances.
• Cosmetic requirements. Identify the visible face, printed artwork, clear areas and any restrictions on visible machining marks.
• Order information. Include sample and production quantities, the application and any inspection requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you drill holes in glass that has already been tempered?

For a thermally tempered panel, drill the holes and machine the cutouts before tempering. If the hole pattern changes, make a new panel using the revised drawing.

Does ±0.2 mm apply to hole diameter and cutout shape?

The ±0.2 mm figure refers to hole location on suitable designs and is confirmed during drawing review. Agree separately on limits for diameter, profile, recess depth and any dimensions that control assembly.

Can a panel combine round holes, irregular cutouts and screen printing?

Yes, subject to drawing review. Send the machining drawing and artwork with shared reference points so the locations of the openings and printed features can be checked together.

Request a Review of Your Custom Glass Drawing

Developing a glass panel for a cooktop, appliance control panel, display cabinet or other OEM assembly? Send ZITA Glass your drawing, glass thickness and mating component details. We can review the hole geometry, critical tolerances and sample requirements before you place a production order.