Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a glass blank having a predetermined contour from a plate glass. In this method, first, the plate glass PG is scored with an outline OL surrounding a part GB to be the glass blank. Next, the plate glass is scored with cutting lines CL connecting the outline with the outer edge of the plate glass. Thereafter, the plate glass is substantially horizontally supported such that only the inner part inside the outline is kept into contact with a support and the other part is floated. Finally, the plate glass is broken along the cutting lines and the outline by blowing hot air onto the outline and the outline to generate thermal stress on the plate glass along the cutting lines and the outline. Thus, the glass blank of which the edge is flawless is obtained.

Abstract: A glass plate 2 is supported on a heat-resistant fiber sheet 3 stretched on a support base 1A of a carriage 1 without using a ring-shaped holding tool. The glass plate 2 transported on the carriage 1 into a furnace undergoes press working together with the heat-resistant fiber sheet utilizing a press-working mold in the furnace. The glass plate 2 can be bent evenly without leaving any traces on the worked surface of the glass plate.