The handling of thin and ultra-thin glass between
individual production steps is a real challenge. Alongside profitability, safety
also plays a decisive role in a successful manufacturing process. Sensitive
handling technology enables even the thinnest glass panes to be moved safely
without any damage.
Torgauer Maschinenbau GmbH is working on a robot solution that allows glass
panes measuring up to 1,500 x 1,000 mm and with a thickness of 0.1 to 1.1 mm
to be changed over in cycle times of three to eight seconds. The greatest
challenges are the fragility of thin panes and avoiding any damage to the
surfaces and edges. The company’s expertise becomes evident both in the
entire movement sequence and in the material combination of the individual
components, which enable the panes to be handled gently and without any
scratches. According to the manufacturer, the system itself prevents
contamination. To guarantee process reliability in the long term, the entire
system must be designed such that it remains free from contamination. No staff
need to enter the immediate vicinity of the machine due to the system’s high
degree of horizontal and vertical connectivity.
Glamaco GmbH from Coswig is also involved in the handling of thin and curved
glass, i.e. for automotive engineering. This market offers tremendous growth
opportunities in the field of chemically hardened glass (aluminosilicate glasses).
Glass thicknesses of approx. 0.5 - 1.5 mm are used for the vehicle interior,
while glasses with thicknesses of 0.5 - 1.2 mm and dimensions of up to 1,850 x
1,250 mm are deployed for the exterior. Here, too, the rule of thumb is: the
thinner the glass, the lower the rigidity of the panes. Therefore, the number and
arrangement of gripper points on the transport frame are among the most
important criteria for the secure and deformation-free transport of the glass
panes.
In particular, setting down the panes is a critical process step, as the sensitivity
of the edges plays a key role. The smart use of materials and optimum
movement control significantly reduce the risk of damaging the glass panes.
The requirements placed on the materials and material combinations used
become more demanding still when, alongside mechanical loads, thermal or
chemical stresses also come into play. This is the case when hardening
aluminosilicate glasses, for instance. In collaboration with JSJ Jodeit GmbH,
Glamaco GmbH has developed a solution for these, too, which increases
process reliability before, during and after chemical hardening. Visitors to
glasstec can find out more at the trade fair stand.
VDMA highlights at the trade fair
The major focuses at glasstec 2018 will be Industrie 4.0, thin glass, façades and
smart glass, as well as skilled crafts and interiors. Numerous VDMA member
companies have registered as exhibitors. Take the opportunity to visit the
“function meets glass” technology conference in CCD Ost from Monday, 22
October 2018. Functional glasses and their applications, cutting techniques for
complex surfaces and new coatings will take centre stage at the conference.
On Wednesday, 24 October 2018, the “Technology by VDMA” symposium will
be all about networked production and new technologies. The symposium will
illustrate the complete production chain for flat and hollow glass and will take
place in the new conference area in Hall 10, Room 3.
Important links: www.glasstec-online.com, glass.vdma.org/en/
Do you have any questions? If so, Gesine Bergmann from the Glass Technology Forum (+49 69 6603 1259 or gesine.bergmann@vdma.org), will be happy to assist.
VDMA represents more than 3,200 mostly medium-sized companies in the mechanical engineering industry. With over 1.35 million employees and sales of around 226 billion euros (2017), the sector is the largest industrial employer in Germany and one of the leading German industrial sectors.
VDMA Press contact:
Martina Scherbel
+49 69 66 03-1257
martina.scherbel@vdma.org
