What Is Arrissing? The Hidden Process That Strengthens Glass Edges 

Ever wondered why the edges of high quality glass feel smooth and refined instead of dangerously sharp? That’s thanks to arrissing, a crucial but often overlooked step in the glass manufacturing process. 

While cutting glass to precise dimensions is essential, the sharp edges left behind can lead to breakages, injuries, and processing issues if left untreated. This is where arrissing comes in—it helps smooth and reinforce the edges, making the glass safer, stronger, and more durable. 

For glaziers, builders, and window manufacturers, understanding the importance of arrissing ensures better handling, improved safety, and reduced production waste. In this blog, we explain what arrissing is, why it matters, and how Glasscraft’s advanced process ensures superior glass quality for trade professionals. 

What Is Arrissing? 

Arrissing is the process of lightly grinding the sharp edges of cut glass to: 

Reduce the risk of breakage during handling and installation. 
Improve safety for installers, manufacturers, and end-users. 
Enhance the glass’s ability to withstand stress and impact. 

When glass is cut to size, the edges remain sharp and fragile, making them prone to chipping and cracking. By carefully removing the sharp edges and micro-fractures, arrissing helps strengthen the glass, preparing it for further processing, transportation, or installation. 

Why Is Arrissing Important? 

For professionals in the glazing, construction, and home improvement industries, arrissing offers significant benefits. Without this crucial step, raw cut glass edges can cause serious handling risks and processing challenges. 

1. Preventing Injuries from Sharp Edges 

Handling unprocessed glass is hazardous due to its razor sharp edges. Arrissing smooths out these edges, significantly reducing the risk of cuts and injuries for installers, manufacturers, and end users. 

2. Minimising Breakage & Reducing Production Waste 

Glass edges are naturally weak points—tiny imperfections or micro-cracks can grow under stress, leading to unexpected breakages. By reinforcing these edges through arrissing, manufacturers can reduce production waste and improve overall glass durability. 

3. Ensuring Compliance with Safety Standards 

Many safety regulations require glass to be processed and handled in a way that minimizes risks. Arrissing helps trade professionals meet industry standards, particularly for double glazing, toughened glass, and laminated glass applications. 

Without arrissing, improperly processed glass is more likely to fail during installation, transportation, or thermal toughening. 

Our Arrissing Process at Glasscraft 

At Glasscraft, we use high-precision edge grinding machines to ensure that every piece of glass is processed to the highest standard. Our state-of-the-art arrissing process includes: 

1. Precision Edge Grinding to Remove Micro-Fractures 

Tiny micro-fractures can weaken glass over time. Our advanced grinding technology eliminates these imperfections, making the glass stronger and more resilient. 

2. Creating Smooth Edges Without Weakening the Glass 

Unlike traditional hand-grinding, our automated arrissing machines provide consistent, uniform edge processing, ensuring smooth but structurally sound edges. 

3. Preparing Glass for Further Processing 

Arrissing is a critical pre-treatment before additional processes such as: 
Toughening (Tempering) – Prevents weak points that could cause the glass to shatter unevenly. 
Laminating – Ensures better adhesion for laminated glass. 
Sealing in Double Glazing Units – Eliminates potential flaws that could lead to IGU failure. 

By perfecting our arrissing process, we ensure that every glass product meets the strictest safety and quality standards. 

Why Trade Professionals Should Care About Arrissing 

For builders, glaziers, composite door manufacturers, and home improvement specialists, sourcing glass that has undergone proper arrissing means: 

Safer Handling & Installation – No sharp edges means fewer injuries and a smoother installation process. 
Reduced Waste & Breakage – Lower risk of cracked or damaged glass during production and transportation. 
Enhanced Product Durability – Longer lasting, stronger glass that meets safety requirements. 

Skipping arrissing may save a small step in production, but the risks—increased breakages, installation difficulties, and customer complaints—far outweigh any cost savings. 

While arrissing may seem like a minor step in glass production, it plays a huge role in ensuring safety, durability, and quality. This hidden process strengthens glass edges, prevents breakages, and makes handling safer for trade professionals. 

At Glasscraft, we take arrissing seriously, ensuring every piece of glass is expertly processed for maximum strength and reliability. Whether you need double glazing, toughened glass, or composite door glass, our precisely arrissed glass provides exceptional quality and safety. 

Contact Glasscraft today to learn more about our expert glass processing solutions and how we can support your business!