Precision Machining for the Glass Industry

Machining Capabilities for Glass Production Equipment

Glass manufacturers often rely on large and heavy mechanical components that must tolerate high thermal loads and continual movement. Our factory can machine parts up to 5,000 kg in weight and up to 1,060 mm in diameter. These capacities allow us to support the mechanical systems used across container glass, flat glass and speciality glass plants.

Large Turning for Critical Rotating Components

Many components used in forming and handling equipment require consistent surface finishes across long, cylindrical sections. Our large turning services deliver the accuracy needed for shafts, rollers and couplings that operate near high temperatures and repetitive movements. We regularly machine items such as conveyor rollers, drive shafts and forming machine components. All turning work is carried out with repeatable tolerances that support smooth and predictable machine operation.

Horizontal Boring for Precision Housings

Glass plants rely on housings and fabrications that must offer reliable alignment during continuous operation. Our horizontal boring machines create accurate bores and faces in large housings, bearing supports and fabricated structures. Reliable alignment is essential for high temperature forming equipment where even small inaccuracies can produce quality variations or premature wear.

Milling and Keyway Slotting for Drive Components

Precise keyway slotting and milling is often required for transmission parts within glass production plants. Our services ensure accuracy, so drive couplings, motor shafts, and other rotating parts fit perfectly. For stable torque transfer and longevity, milling and keyway slotting must be carried out to exact standards.

Key Components We Machine for the Glass Industry

• Drive couplings for Lehrs and handling systems: these parts need to be able to handle changes in temperature while maintaining alignment.
• Conveyor Rollers for the transportation glass containers or flat glass sheets through forming, annealing and inspection processes.
• Forming Machine Shafts that operate in areas of high heat and vibration within IS machines and other forming equipment.
• Bearing Housings and Support Frames for forming, handling and cutting equipment. These parts require accurate machining to maintain long term machine stability.

Supporting Reliable Glass Production

Glass production depends on equipment that must run for long periods without interruption. At Tomah Engineers Ltd, we focus on producing parts that offer dependable accuracy and consistent performance. We support clients with planned maintenance and also respond to machinery breakdowns in urgent cases. In both cases, our machining team follows strict quality standards to make sure that every part meets the required specifications.

Built on Experience and ISO 9001 Aligned Procedures

Our team has decades of machining experience, including regular support of glass manufacturers. Our experience has helped us to understand the importance of precision in demanding and high temperature operating conditions. Tomah Engineers Ltd aligned its internal processes toISO 9001 Quality Management System standards. The company is currently working on getting ISO 9001 accreditation. This approach supports consistent quality, clear documentation and traceable processes, which in turn helps our clients maintain stable production and reduce unplanned downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of components do you machine for the glass industry?

We have many years experience working alongside and serving the glass industry. We can support glass manufacturers with the machining of many significant production parts. Our facility is able to machine charge rollers, snubber rollers and discharge rollers for the forming and processing stages of glass production. We understand that parts have to be able to handle heat, wear and tear and constant use and, so must be machined to precise specifications.

Can you machine replacement rollers or shafts for glass production equipment?

Yes, we often make new rollers and shafts for glass handling and forming machines. With our long bed turning, we can machine parts that are up to 6,500 mm long, 1,060 mm wide, and 5,000 kg. This allows us to machine the oversized parts used in glass production

Do you provide rapid machining support during equipment breakdowns?

Yes. We support glass manufacturers during emergency breakdowns and can offer priority turnaround when production is disrupted. Fast response is important in glass plants, so we aim to machine critical replacement parts as quickly as possible. Lead times vary depending on the job, so we always advise contacting us with project details for accurate timescales.

What size or weight of parts can you handle for glass manufacturing equipment?

Our machines can handle parts up to 6,500 mm in length and up to 1,060 mm in diameter on our turning equipment. We can machine components weighing up to 5,000 kg. Horizontal boring operations provide travel of 1,600 mm in the X direction, 1,200 mm in the Y direction and 1,400 mm in the Z direction. These capacities allow us to support many large parts used across glass manufacturing.

How accurate are your machining tolerances for glass forming and handling equipment?

We can machine precision turned components with finished tolerances down to 0.025 mm. This level of accuracy is important for rollers, shafts, drive drums and other parts that must run smoothly, maintain alignment and operate under continuous thermal and mechanical loads.

Do you machine parts for IS machines, lehrs or conveyor systems?

Yes. We support a wide range of glass production equipment. This includes conveyor systems, oven and lehr technologies and forming equipment. Many parts within these systems require accurate turning, milling or slotting, and our workshop is equipped to handle heavy, long or large diameter components.

Do you offer keyway slotting and milling for drive couplings in glass production lines?

Yes. We offer keyway slotting and milling services that help with drive couplings and other parts that spin in glass production equipment. We have three keyway slotting machines in our workshop. One has a 24-inch stroke and a 10-degree tilting head for parts up to 2.0 meters in diameter. Another has a 16-inch stroke and a 7.5-degree tilting head for parts up to 1.5 meters in diameter. The last one has an 8-inch stroke and a 5-degree tilting head.

How do your ISO 9001 aligned procedures support precision machining?

Our internal procedures are aligned to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard. The company is progressing with its application for ISO 9001 accreditation. This structured approach supports consistent machining quality, good documentation and reliable traceability. It helps ensure every component is produced to specification, which is important in the high temperature and continuous operation conditions found in glass manufacturing.

How quickly can you turn around urgent machining work for glass manufacturers?

We offer fast turnaround and can prioritise work when a customer is facing an equipment breakdown or urgent maintenance requirement. Since every job is different, we provide accurate lead times once we understand the part, material and machining needs. We encourage clients to contact us as soon as the issue arises so we can respond quickly.