'Brilliant' acid-free holloware processing

After glass has been ground, it is often acid polished to obtain a smoother surface finish. However, this creates a number of problems through the use of acid. A mixture of high percentage sulphuric and hydrofluoric acid can remove up to 10% of the total glass in a few steps. An alternative to acid polishing is discussed here by German company Koenig Maschinenbau. By redesigning a high-speed grinding machine, an equally 'brilliant' surface finish can be acquired but one that eliminates the excessive removal of glass and overcomes the environmental hazards associated with acid.