Glasstec
2004 Review: Part 1: Click Here
Glasstec 2004 Review: Part 2: Click Here
Glasstec
2004 Review: Part 4: Click Here
Glasstec
2004 Review: Part 3.
Glasstec 2004 closed its doors having notched up in the region of 54,000 visitors from 81 countries. This week we have reports from Bystronic, Ashton Industrial, Edgetech (GasGlass), Bassra Machine Tools, ESC (Screenprinting Machinery), Fusion Glass Designs, Langendorf (Floatliner), Inagas, Grenzebach (stacking and loading), WITT (gas filling).
Bystronic
at glasstec 2004 - System Solutions for Tomorrow’s Glass Processing
'In
the run up to the exhibition there was never any doubt that glasstec 2004
would once again justify its claim to be the world’s no. 1 exhibition
in the glass sector. However, in light of the current difficult economic
situation, no one quite expected it to be the huge success that it was:
this was something that simply could not have been foreseen.’ says
Bystronic.
‘Without doubt a decisive factor in glasstec 2004 being so successful
for Bystronic was the fact that Bystronic, in its role as a global supplier
of total solutions for the economical, application-engineered manufacture
of architectural and automotive glass, has an excellent reputation internationally.’
says the company.
‘With its innovative system solutions, technologies and services
for integrated glass applications, the brand stands for lasting customer
benefit, reliability and the best products on the market.
‘Bystronic operates globally, with customer advice and services available
locally.’
This year on the Bystronic exhibition stand in Hall 14 the following new
or advance developments were the focus of interest:
• smart’verticut – Innovative vertical shape cutting
machine for float and low-E glass cutting, subplate by subplate, in combination
with the automatic subplate feeder for optimum production processes
• smart’lamicut – Entry-level solution for laminated
glass cutting
• first’tps - TPS® ‘warm edge’ insulating
glass production line with the integrated component first’arris,
an automatic vertical arrissing machine for rectangles and shapes with
straight edges
• spacerbender – Fast spacer bending machine for unfilled
aluminium profilesOnce again this year Bystronic presented its product
innovations under real production conditions as part of 5 daily demonstrations.
These presentations were supported by a professional presenter and the
entire demonstration was shown on plasma screen displays, so that every
visitor to the stand could see the details of the system at close hand.
Individual exhibits:
smart’verticut – Innovative glass cutting
The
vertical shape cutting machine smart’verticut enables glass pairs
to be arranged quickly for I.G. manufacturing. In combination with the
innovative storage system feeder, an upstream, vertical subplate feeder,
the system offers distinct demonstrable advantages: due to its rapid changeover
of glass types without any need for manual handling.
The outstanding feature of the smart’verticut is its subplate by
subplate cutting process. This means that glass types can be changed after
only 3 to 5 glasses and the formation of pairs for insulating glass production
can ensue significantly faster and more flexible. This in turn shortens
processing time and thus greatly reduces the sorting workload.
Through the direct availability of the glass plates upstream of the cutting
machine, and taking planning orders into account, an almost 30 % increase
in the yield of glass plates can be reached. This combination enables
a highly-versatile operating method to be used, which is adapted to contemporary
requirements for post cuts and express jobs.
As demonstrated at glasstec 2004, loading the smart’verticut can
also be performed using Bystronic-Armatec Technology ergonomic handling
equipment.
Convincing on account of careful load handling, ergonomics and safety,
minimised effort for the operator as well as time saving and cost reduction
in the manufacturing process.
The glass plates are buffered in the feeder and then sent straight to
the cutting machine. Following edge deletion, rectangles and shapes are
cut precisely and broken subplate by subplate using the automatic X-breaking
module. In this system version all Y- and Z-cuts as well as shapes are
manually broken.
Naturally, Bystronic also has modules for automatic Y- and Z-breaking
in its product range. The entire concept can be extended at any given
time to form a fully-automated cutting system – and it can be connected
to the automatic harp rack sorting system.
Last, but not least the smart’verticut excels on account of its space-saving
design concept, which permits layouts to be up to 40 % smaller in comparison
to horizontal cutting installations.
smart’lamicut
– Economical cutting of laminated glass
With its smart’lamicut, Bystronic-Armatec Technology presented a
semi-automatic cutting table for laminated glass with a previously unattainable
cost-to-performance ratio.
The smart’lamicut enables precise cutting and separating of laminated
glass jumbo sizes up to a max. 3.70 m cutting width in a diagonal cut.
All cutting, breaking and separating processes are automatically controlled.
Only one operator is required.
Further advantages:
• Precise positioning of shapes down to a millimetre using a positioning
aid.
• Accurate double cutting by a torsion-proof and bending-resistant
cutting bridge
with high-precision and stiff linear guides.
The smart’lamicut guarantees efficient processing of laminated glass
and is thus the ideal entry-level solution for laminated glass cutting.first’tps
– Flexible ‘warm edge’ insulating glass production.
TPS‚ (Thermo Plastic Spacer) from Bystronic-Lenhardt Technology
considerably automates and simplifies the process of manufacturing insulating
glass.
The integrated, thermoplastic spacer production serves to improve productivity
due to flexible, order driven, lean production and simplified internal
organisation.
Additionally, the performance of the insulating glass unit itself is improved
with the heat insulating, or ‘warm edge’ elastic seal.
With
its automatic arrissing machine first’arris Bystronic presented
another innovation for economic high quality arrissing.
It enables the automated arrissing of rectangles and shapes with straight
edges.
In doing so the cup wheel technology used ensures the finest arrissing
quality at low operation costs.
The first’arris can not only be deployed - as seen at glasstec -
in the production of insulating glass as an integrated constituent in
a line, but can also be used as a stand-alone solution in tempered glass
and laminated glass manufacturing.
Further advantages of the first’arris are its space-saving, compact
design, the integrated rinsing zone that preserves the water demineralising
of the washing machine and the contactless processing of low-E glass.
The next highlight up was the visionmaster, a fully automatic,
visual in-line-inspection system for glass plates. Bystronic-Lenhardt
Technology is the only company in the world providing this system.
The visionmaster with its automatic recognition of any faults from 0.5
mm upwards serves to ensure optimum quality assurance during production
of insulating glass.
A statistical evaluation option means that for the first time fault-free
production can be documented.
For customers where space is at a premium, such as, for example, is normally
the case at an exhibition, Bystronic-Lenhardt Technology with its rotating
station offers a suitable solution without loss of cycle time.
spacerbender
– Fast spacer-bending machine
On the new automatic spacer-bending machine of Bystronic-Lenhardt Technology
- spacerbender – both aluminium and plastic spacers can be accurately
bent. It excels on account of its productivity, quality and flexibility.
The cycle time achieved sets new standards through simultaneous saw cutting
and bending of the fourth corner, with the result that the spacerbender
is currently the fastest automatic machine on the market.
There is no need to change tools for bending different spacer widths and
radii. The integrated coupling tool ensures a continuous production process
is given through endless connection of the spacer bars.
A drum storage for 8 profile widths enables material to be changed quickly.
The integrated residual recovery buffers the unused profile rests up to
the next processing.
To fill the bent spacers with desiccant, Bystronic-Lenhardt Technology
provides a desiccantfiller which is also a high-performance solution.
It enables the parallel drilling, filling and sealing of two sides of
the frame. Sensor-controlled monitoring of the filling process guarantees
an optimum desiccant filling level.
Further highlights
Two additional Bystronic core competencies namely, automotive glass pre-processing
solutions and complete solutions for laminated glass manufacturing, were
also presented at multimedia terminals on the exhibition stand.
As well as numerous product innovations, Bystronic held a Partner Forum
several times each day. Together with selected industry partners, Bystronic
used the forum as an opportunity to provide information on key issues
and current trends in glass processing.
Left:
Swiss Hour; Right:
Partner Forum
There
was no stinting on the festivities at the Bystronic stand this year either.
glasstec 2004 was the ideal setting for Bystronic to celebrate its 40th
anniversary together with customers, potential customers and friends of
the company. During the ‘Swiss Hour’, which took place daily
between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on the exhibition stand, Bystronic offered Swiss
specialities to its guests such as original Emmental cheese from the Emmental
Show Dairy Corporation in Affoltern.
Conclusion on glasstec 2004
glasstec
2004 was the most successful exhibition for Bystronic in many years.
‘Not least due to the many product innovations, the Bystronic stand
was once again the central meeting place for many visitors from home and
abroad. The quality and technical competence of the customers and interested
parties from around the globe was extremely high.’ says the company.
‘Alongside numerous contracts concluded with internationally renowned
companies, many extremely interesting contacts were also made, so that
one can look forward confidently to further, successful exhibition business.
‘With its exhibition presentation at glasstec 2004 Bystronic has
once again demonstrated to an international technical public that, with
its extended product range, it is rightly known as a supplier of system
solutions for the economical manufacture of architectural and automotive
glass.’
Web: http://www.bystronic.com
Ashton
Industrial at Glasstec
'It was a very good show despite the relatively low level of visitors compared to previous years. The line we demonstrated was a marvellous success and we anticipate some nice business.' said Steve Ashton of Ashton Industrial.
Ashton
arisser and unloader on the glasstec stand
'It
was the latest generation arrissing (seaming) line with the new Ashton
vacuum belt hold-down system, processing a sheet of glass every 7.5 seconds.....
arrissed, edge deleted, laser marked, washed and dried!.'
Web: http://www.ashton-industrial.com
GasGlass
Handheld - the ‘Go-Anywhere’ Measuring Station
‘Until
recently, determining the condition of insulated glazing has been something
of a problem. The argon or krypton content could only be measured by drilling
through the glass and inserting a probe. This is an unsatisfactory method
which permanently damaged the insulated glazing.’ says Edgetech.
With its GasGlass 1001, Finnish measuring device specialist Sparklike
last year presented a measuring device which made it possible for the
first time to determine the argon and krypton content without destroying
the insulated glazing. Sparklike has now gone even further. The GasGlass
Handheld has a battery-driven measuring station integrated into its compact
case scarcely bigger than a CD player. Edgetech is the exclusive distributor
of the new GasGlass Handheld in Central Europe.
Like its predecessor, the GasGlass Handheld uses a non-invasive measuring
method in which a high electric charge is passed through the glass. The
fluorescent light produced in the inert gas is measured by a photo cell.
The values obtained can be used to directly measure the inert gas content;
the percentage gas content is shown on a display.
Its compact size (24 x 18 x 17 cm) and low weight (only 1.5 kg) allow
the GasGlass Handheld to be used flexibly on the production line direct
or at the construction site, for example. And of course it can also be
used to determine the gas content of insulated panes already in place.
Measurement takes less
than one second, all the data collected can be stored and transferred
to a PC. And the GasGlass Handheld is extremely easy to use, just place
it on the pane, press a knob - and you're done.
Web: http://www.edgetechig.com
Exhibiting
for the first time, the company is known for manufacturing glass production
machinery in the United Kingdom. Providing consultancy services for the
glass industry, Bassra creates machines tailored to client requirements
ensuring total customer satisfaction by creating optimum solutions using
careful project organisation and best engineering experience.
Over its 2l year history Bassra has consistently been a UK market leader
in Hot Melt lnsulating Machines, Poly Sulphide Machines, Glass Washing
Machines, Glass Cutting Tables, Disiccant Filler, Frame Cutters, Butyl
PIB Machines and fully Automatic Lines. With in excess of 1000 clients
in 22 countries, the company prides itself on top quality products and
quick service deliveries either directly or through its distributors and
dealers.
Tel: +44(0) 870 750 7001
Email: mailto:bassramachinetools@talk21.com
Web: http://www.bassra.com
ESC-ATMATIC
GQ - Automatic Glass Screen Printing Machine
The
new ESC-ATMATIC GQ was launched at glasstec 2004. This fully automatic
screen printing machine is designed for printing on vehicle windshields,
window glass etc. as well as other rigid substrates up to a size of 1510
x 3010 mm and a thickness of up to 25 mm. The feeder is equipped with
a transport belt for automatic material transfer to the printing machine.
The feeder carries out prepositioning, which can be adapted to several
material sizes. Afterwards the printing machine's conveyor belt takes
over the substrate, brings it to the register position on the printing
table and then lowers. A Blow-Back system takes care of smooth and frictionless
material depositing on the printing table. Fast and precise fixing in
x-y direction is carried out by vacuum. After the printing operation has
finished, the conveyor belt raises again for executing the following operations:
transfer of the printed material to a connected dryer or stacker and simultaneous
collection of a new substrate. This leads to a significant increase in
printing capacity. The speed of both operating conveyor belts is adjustable.
All printing parameters of ESC-ATMATIC GQ, such as squeegee angle, printing
stroke and squeegee speed, are centrally adjusted and controlled. The
whole operation cycle can be observed via display.
ESC AT-P screen printing machines
The series AT-P for flat printing on rigid and flexible materials, which
has proven its suitability for glass printing, has been equipped with
improvements:
New linear guidings ensure exact vertical frame lifting. The frame movement
is controlled via a central control panel. The printing head can be lifted
pneumatically, screens are inserted from the front and the frame is locked
pneumatically by automatic control - this produces very short set-up times.
The printing head, moving in longitudinal axis from the right to the left,
is also driven by motor. All parameters of the squeegee and flood coater,
for example inclination angle, speed, squeegee pressure etc, even each
single machine step is adjusted via a central control box with clear PLC-control.
All models with moveable plates can be additionally equipped with an automatic
cleaning station with gummed tape roller.
The series ESC AT-P, fulfilling the ISO 9001 and 14001, consists of the
following models:
AT-6OP: max. printing size: 400 x 600 mm
AT-80P: max. printing size: 600 x 800 mm
AT-70P: max. printing size: 600 x 700 mm
AT-120P: max. printing size: 700 x 1200 mm
AT-160P: max. printing size: 700 x 1600 mm
AT-80PP/GR with moveable plate: max. printing size: 600 x 740 mm
There are also models for large format printing, up to 3,500 mm printing
length.
Web: http://www.esc-online.de
Fusion
Glass, a first time participant at glasstec, offers creative glass solutions
for
architects and specifiers.
Formed from the amalgamation of two smaller glass practices some seven
years ago, the company has grown to become a leading architectural, structural,
decorative glass design company in the UK. Designing and manufacturing
a diverse range of projects for both UK and intemational clients, the
company is currently working on a variety of projects, including 800 kiln
formed frit art glass panels for a hotel in the USA.
In 2003, Fusion Glass completed the world's largest kiln formed glass
project in Dubai.
Tel: +44 (0)20 7738 5888
Email: mailto:info@fusionglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.fusionglass.co.uk
Langendorf
at glasstec 2004 - Floatliner - the Professional Way to Transport Glass
At
this year's glasstec Langendorf presented its further developed Floatliner.
This Glass Innenlader combines the current technical standard for economical
glass logistics. The vehicle meets the requirements of the glass industry
and shows the flexibility and creativity of the company, implementing
optimal solutions for a customised transport job technically and economically.
A characteristic of the vehicle shown at glasstec is the solid construction
for bad road conditions. Two load security systems were shown in the vehicle.
Langendorf
Floatliners are produced according to the customer's wishes as a normal
construction or with neck to be loaded, as well as with two different
wheel bases. Further country specific equipment and load specific requirements
can also be considered.
Weight optimised chassis
Payload is an important theme in the glass logistique. Langendorf Glass
Innenladers are distinguished by their large technical payload of approx.
31,000 kg. This results from using modern materials, like high quality
steel for the complete box frame. This material allows for slim wall thicknesses
with bigger strength when compared to normal types of steel used in vehicle
manufacturing.
Weight is secured by using special, extremely resistant tarpaulins for
the closed body. The tarpaulin is tensed over the stabile light metal
frame tightened and completely smoothed. Deliverable in nearly all colours,
the tarpaulin offers a suitable area for the Corporate Design. The front
hood in aerodynamic form gives the vehicle a fuel saving aerodynamic and
a striking profile.
Different executions for flexible use
This profile identifies the standard execution of the Langendorf Glass
Innenladers. Their main use is the transport of large float glass.
3.600 mm loading length and capacity for approx. 5 tons of load can be
achieved with the long execution of the Floatliner. The platform on the
neck can be executed according to the customer's requirements. It meets
the regulations regarding the load security VDI 2700 and is usually used
for the transportation of smaller glass racks, broken glass buckets etc.
Also pallets can be transported on this platform.
Langendorf offers a number of variants regarding the entrance to the platform,
e.g. curtain-sider tarpaulins or Edscha covers for the load from the top
are available.
Load security system
Safe transport is a second main theme in the glass logistique. Some years
ago load securing in the glass logistique was combined with a lot of broken
glass and high risk for staff. The modern, hydraulically operated load
securing device in the Langendorf Glass Innenladers almost eliminate this
danger. Mixed loads with different glass dimensions can be fixed as safely
as glass racks with large unit glass packets.
For this Langendorf offers true to size solutions for the different transport
jobs of the branch. Two variants of the load security device were shown
in the Floatliner on the Langendorf stand at glasstec: Hydro Push and
Top Push. They are integrated components of the vehicle and make load
securing effective and safe.
The 2/4 Hydro Push system consists of two large fixing systems at each
side with two horizontal arranged plates with a length of 2,200 mm. Also
the spacers are caught with these, which are in irregular distances between
the glass panes. The systems can be exactly adjusted mechanically to seperate
in longitudinal direction to the different loadings lengths. Each system
is controled separately for fixing the load.
The Top Push system offers load security for almost all glass dimensions,
it is an extension of the Hydro Push system. Also with this system mixed
loads with different height and length pane dimensions can be fixed without
breakage.
More flexibility in the glass logistique offers the 6/12 Hydro Push system.
Here, 6 plates at each side are positioned vertically. They are also separately
moveable in longitudinal direction for the adjustment to the load and
are controlled hydraulically for securing the load.
Hydro Push and Top Push always have the load under control with their
intelligent supervision.
Protection against humidity
The third main theme in the glass logistique is humidity. The humidity
protection offers complete protection, and was developed together with
leading glass works. It was integrated in the vehicle shown at glasstec.
Humidity arises by the formation of condensation at temperatures between
vehicle and loading area by loading and unloading. The water binded in
the warm air of the loading halls condensates in the cold vehicle and
precipitates. But also during transport condensation can arise in the
vehicle because of spontaneous change of climate conditions, e.g. going
through a long tunnel, and fall down on the glass. If only a few drops
get between the glass sheets they stick together. The complete load can
be rendered useless.
The formation of condensation in the Langendorf Floatliner is prevented
from the beginning. A continuously breathing cotton tarpaulin under the
roof of the vehicle absorbs the humidity which arises during loading.
With this every single droplet formation is prevented.
The intelligent ventilation prevents the formation of condensation during
transport. Furthermore the load at the front is protected by an aluminium
stop with a brush, the magnet tarpaulin behind the glass racks protects
the load from spray water. Moreover a small roof spoiler prevents water
falling down from the vehicle roof onto the glass when unloading.
Dimensions
The Langendorf Floatliner standard execution has a wheel base of 7.650
mm and 7.700 mm loading length. The 'England' execution has a wheel base
of 8.050 mm with a loading length of 8.100 mm. With this the vehicle meets
the English registration requirements for 44 to perm. total weight. Langendorf
emphasised with this the company's flexibility to react to market specific
requirements.
The axle distance of 1.390 mm/1.410mm is identical in both vehicle executions.
The three axle chassis is an own construction by Langendorf. It is well-tried
over many years on Glass Innenladers and is distingushed by the special
robust construction as well as the excellent tyre saving track fidelity.
The stub axles of the single wheel suspension are from BPW, the manufacturer
with the most experience in this field.
4 circuit ABS (4S/2M) and Trailer-EBS are as standard in the Langendorf
Glass Innenladers, the electronical Roll Stability Support (RSS) is available
as an option. RSS identifies a roll-over tendency and intervenes by targeted
braking. With this targeted braking the speed of road train is reduced
and the danger of rolling over is reduced.
Lots of air for long stroke
The unusual technique of loading and unloading of the A- and L- shaped
racks used in the glass industry demands a long stroke of air suspension.
Also a very long stroke is needed for clearing difficult loading and unloading
conditions. For Langendorf Innenladers with its 'long' air suspension
this requirement is no problem. The vehicle can be lowered up to 90 mm
and lifted up to 450 mm above ground level . This also allows the loading
of older glass racks with feet. The ground clearance below the glass rack
is approx. 220 mm.
For these long distances of the air suspension the Innenlader needs a
lot of air. Therefore next to the 2 air reservoirs for the brake system
with approx. 8 bars the Floatliner is equipped with another 4 air reservoirs
for the air suspension with a volume of 100 litres each (or 5 as an option)
with an operating pressure of 10 bars. This guarantees safe loading without
running the engine of the truck, which is a must in glass factories. A
manomenter informs the operator of the current pressure in the air suspension.
Quality
Langendorf Floatliners as well as all other products from Langendorf are
produced to a high quality. The quality is endorsed by the fact that Langendorf
is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001 through the German Kraftfahrtbundesamt
(KBA).
Web: http://www.langendorf.de
The
UK supplier of gas filling and gas fill testing equipment for insulating
glass units exhibited the new IGA Series of gas filling machines. The
range includes machines suitable for every level of IG unit manufacture
with gas flow rates ranging from eight litres per minute on the smallest
unit, up to 180 litres per minute on the latest IGA200 model.
The IGA machines can be set up for one or two hole filling, usually vertically,
but horizontal filling is an option. They feature touch pad controls and
visual displays, with easy adjustment of percentage levels and swift fault
finding analysis.
Complementing the gas fillers was a new range of gas fill testing equipment.
Tel: +44(0)1442 832764
Email: mailto:info@inagas.com
Web: http://www.inagas.com
Cutting
and Stacking of Glass - Grenzebach Highlights New Developments
On
the company's stand at Glasstec 2004, Grenzebach Maschinenbau GmbH gave
special emphasis to cutting and stacking of flat glass. Producers of small,
middle or large format sheets experienced the latest developments in this
vital sector of glass production.
One of the highlights was the demonstration of Load Sharing Robots in
a processing line for large format glass (right). Using co-ordinated controls,
two industry-standard robots worked in tandem taking large glass sheets
weighing up to 600 kg out of the production line.
For stacking of small and middle sizes, the robots can also be operated
independently. In normal mode, they have a static function, i.e. the line
stops while the glass sheets are taken off. Alternatively, Grenzebach
also offers Pick-on-the-Fly Robots where the sheets are lifted from a
running conveyor belt.
Additional developments have further improved the capacity of the Tin-side/Air-side
Stacker (left), also featured on the Grenzebach stand. Important changes
in drives now facilitate cycle times of up to 12 cycles. By its ability
to take off glass either from the air side or from the tin side, this
stacker offers flexibility and cost-benefits to companies producing both
'normal' and coated glass.
Even
prior to its official introduction to the market great interest is being
expressed in Grenzebach's High Speed Stacker. It was developed for stacking
small glass formats with high cycle times and is currently the only device
which can stack glass sheets in a one second cycle. A packet of glass
sheets is created which is then taken off by a robot either from above
or from the side. Feeding can also be performed in a double stream, so
that two packets are built up and stacked in parallel. The High Speed
Stacker can easily be integrated into existing side legs, but is also
suited for off-line cutting operations.
A further Grenzebach innovation, Advanced Float Cutting (AFC) provides
for considerable savings of glass when cutting trapezium forms. By adjusting
longitudinal and cross cutting, the glass ribbon is divided into several
interlaced trapezoids, resulting in minimal glass loss. With this new
cutting method the net glass ribbon width can be reduced which further
raises profitability on the entire production line.
At glasstec 2004 there was a special exhibition area in Hall 11 where
Grenzebach presented Longitudinal Laser Cutting of a float ribbon. Advantages
lie in the clean and smooth glass edge and the high edge stability. Furthermore,
the initial rough cut can be eliminated allowing the width of the glass
ribbon to be reduced by 10 cm. In co-operation with BMBF, this development
has been made by Grenzebach and the company’s partners in a combined
project called LiST (Laser Induced Stress Separation).
Email: mailto:info@grenzebach.com
Mixed
Gases in Glass Production: A leap Forward in Productivity with the Digital,
All-in-One Gas Mixer
There
is an enhanced burner supply now on the market. When used in the manufacture
and forming of glass, it helps to reduce the costs incurred during set-up
and wastage during product changes. For this purpose, it is very important
to set up the mixed gas supply in such a way that it meets your requirements.
WITT-Gasetechnik, a company specialising
in gas mixing and analysis systems, says that it now offers a tailor-made
solution for this problem: the MDE product series of fully-electronic
gas mixing and dosing systems. This product series uses ‘MFC’
technology (MFC = mass flow controller), and not only keeps set-up times
extremely short but also supplies digital measurement data to ensure permanent
quality control.
The MDE series, a timely further development from the field of conventional
analogue instrumentation, will be presented for the first time to the
general public at the Glasstec (9th to 13th November, 2004 in Dusseldorf;
hall 12, stand D76). However, this new generation of devices is already
available. Even for experienced factory managers, product changes are
a touchy business if the burner supply for separating, shaping, tempering,
flame polishing, burling or rounding must each be set individually for
the product to be manufactured. This makes it necessary to optimally adjust
the mass flow of burnable gases and to counterbalance the ever present
disturbances such as primary pressure fluctuations, burner changes and
temperature influences. By the time production is running smoothly, many
hours may well have been spent getting things right, and many more hours
devoted to fine adjustments beyond the start-up phase – a procedure
which any businessman would be happy to avoid.
Product changes in the twinkling of an eye
Things go very differently when using the new MDE series, which should
now enhance the productivity of many a factory. This mixing and dosing
system regulates the supply to a burner or any other consumer with gas
mixtures consisting of two or more gases. Within this system, there beats
a digital heart which is equipped with CMos sensors and maintains contact
with the outside world via interfaces. Unlike analogue control engineering,
the control electronics developed by the Witten-based gas technology specialists
ensures exact reproducibility of any process parameter once it has been
ascertained. The deviations do not exceed half of one percent of the final
scale value, and in practice are negligible. In terms of its control characteristics,
the MDE series is a real sprinter as it reaches the required target values
in less than 0.3 seconds. The device is equipped with an auto-calibration
function to ensure rapid, accurate flow rate control. What does this mean
for production? Product changes can more or less be performed at the press
of a button, as far as the gas is concerned. The control function counterbalances
external interference and keeps the values stable throughout the entire
production cycle. Manual re-adjustment (if the temperature changes for
example) is not necessary.
Built-in quality assurance
In the MDE series, the integrated digital RS-485 bus system allows remote
control from a PC on the serial interface, PLC machine control or the
AWE/AWS evaluation systems from WITT. The electronics allow the machine
operator to influence the flame setting while a process is in progress
or even to navigate ‘ramps’ (slow increases or decreases in
consumption). The chief attraction: the MDE series delivers a continuous
data flow from the sensor to the control unit so that specific operating
parameters can be ascertained and monitored. The consumption levels of
individual gases can also be recorded accurately. In this way, the system
meets the requirements for quality and cost inspection in this area of
glass production as well. The only system of its type, the ‘MFC’
from WITT -Gasetechnik combines all components required for the burner
supply in a single device.
Separate backflow valves, filters and solenoid valves are already integrated
into it. This makes this WITT solution particularly easy to install. It
is even easy to combine several devices together, which can have positive
effects where space requirements and building costs are concerned. Equipped
with an integrated flame non-return finger, the MDE series meets the strictest
of safety requirements – in common with all other WITT products
Web: http://www.wittgas.com