Vertical Glass Drilling and Milling Machine: FV Series

• SchvAdm7
• September 30, 2026
• Industry Applications
• Drilling and Milling Machine, FV1000, Glass Drilling Machine, Milling Machine, Schiavo Srl, Serie FV
• 0 Comments

FV1000 Vertical Drilling and Milling Machine: Drilling, Milling and Countersinking on 4–25 mm Glass

Schiavo’s FV1000 is a 4-axis CNC vertical drilling and milling machine, designed specifically for the drilling, milling and countersinking operations required to cut hinge and fitting notches in glass doors and shower enclosures. It processes sheets from 4 to 25 mm thick, with a 200 × 1000 mm working area and a maximum sheet size of 3210 × 2400 mm.

How it works

The machine has 4 controlled axes: 3 in the central body, driven by ball screws under CNC control, and 1 dedicated to positioning the sheet automatically by means of a clamp.

The operator loads the glass sheet onto the rack and presses the foot pedal to start the machine cycle. From then on, every operation is carried out automatically by the machine. The operator steps in again only once the cycle has finished, to unload the glass.

The clamp picks up the glass and moves it into the machining position. The machine then runs the loaded program automatically, producing holes and notches fully countersunk on both the front and the back.

Software: advanced CAM for every requirement

The machine’s programming software is simple to use, yet includes the most advanced functions. It comes with an extensive library of predefined shapes, organised by hardware supplier (CRL, Dorma, Metalglass, etc.). Every shape can be edited and saved to a custom library, ready to be recalled for future jobs.

Custom shapes in DXF format can also be imported into the software with ease and saved to the custom library. The software prints barcode labels that identify the glass and the order, together with the machining operations required. When the operator scans the barcode, the machine immediately loads the machining program, ruling out operator error.

Two options that change production times

Quick tool change cuts a job that takes more than 5 minutes by hand with spanners down to just 5 seconds. The operator presses a button and the taper tool holder releases. The operator then fits the new tool holder on the spindle, and a second press locks it in place. This matters every time the glass thickness changes, because different thicknesses require tools with a different countersink profile. The taper tool holder is the same type used on horizontal and vertical machining centres.

The barcode scanner links the label printed in the office to the machining program. The operator scans the code and the program loads into the machine automatically, so the wrong program can’t be loaded through human error. Barcode scanner video

Water recycling and continuous production

The machine has two tanks. The first collects the water during machining and lets the glass dust settle; the second has a pump and filter for operation in recycling mode. The operator chooses between direct water supply and recycling mode.

Vertical processing

The machine works vertically at a working height of 800 mm, compared with 900 mm on the previous FV1000. The glass stays upright from loading to unloading, so production flows continuously with no manual adjustment, even between different pieces.

The glass is never turned from vertical to horizontal and back again, as it is on horizontal machining centres. The advantage is clear: higher productivity and greater safety for operators.

The machine can also be connected in line with Schiavo vertical washing machines to create a continuous workflow. At the end of the line, the glass comes out machined, clean and ready for toughening.

What are the advantages of the Schiavo FV drilling and milling machine?

The Schiavo FV drilling and milling machine offers many advantages, summarised below:

• Compact footprint – The machine takes up a floor area of just 5.6 × 1.5 m. That is very compact for a machine that handles sheets of up to 3.3 × 2.4 m.
• Vertical processing – Shorter set-up times, less and safer glass handling, a lower risk of breakage and greater safety for operators.
• Flexibility – Moving from the largest to the smallest sheet requires no change to the machine set-up. The machine handles sheets of widely differing sizes.
• Quick tool change – The taper tool holder is the same type used on vertical and horizontal machining centres. It allows the tool to be changed in 5 seconds, compared with more than 5 minutes for a manual change. This raises productivity and makes the operator’s job easier, since the tool has to be changed every time the glass thickness changes.
• Different hole diameters with the same tool – A single tool performs three different operations: drilling, milling and countersinking. It first drills the hole, then changes position and mills it out to the required diameter, up to a maximum of 200 mm. Finally, it changes position again and countersinks both the front and rear edges in a single pass. The smallest hole it can make is the diameter of the tool itself.
• Software – The programming software is simple to use but also includes advanced functions. The shape library is extensive and organised by hardware supplier (CRL, Dorma, Metalglass, etc.). The software can be installed in the office or on the machine.

Frequently asked questions

How many electrospindles does the machine have?

The machine has a single electrospindle. Double-head vertical drills on the market use two heads, but the FV drilling and milling machine can produce a hole fully countersunk on both sides of the glass with one head, thanks to the tool it uses. That tool has three functions: drill, milling cutter and countersink.

What hole diameters can it produce?

Holes of various diameters up to a maximum of 200 mm, with or without edge countersinking, all with the same tool. There is no longer any need to buy a dedicated tool for each hole diameter.

Can it be integrated with other machines in production?

Yes. The FV1000 can be connected to Schiavo vertical washing machines, or to those of other manufacturers, as long as the working height is the same.

What after-sales support is provided?

The machine includes remote assistance. If the customer has an internet connection, Schiavo can work directly on the machine from its own offices, giving technical support and helping the operator through first use.