Efficiency is the foundation for long-term corporate success. LiSEC's modern glass manufacturing concepts allow you to increase productivity – not only by building a new production line, but also by retrofitting existing machines.
It is essential to select the right machines, which fit the production objectives perfectly. This guide details the most important factors to consider in order to optimise your laminated glass production. On this basis, LiSEC continually develops new machines for their customers, such as the new generation of a laminating system, which can be perfectly integrated into the production chain and bring a noticeable increase in productivity.
How should the laminated glass production system be designed?
The layout of the laminated glass systems depends on 1) where your laminated glass products are going to be used, 2) your planned yield and 3) your mid to long-term business and production plans.
1) Where will your laminated glass be used?
It is important to have a clear idea at the outset of how the laminated glass will be used. Laminated glass for shower cubicles, facades, balustrades or bullet-proof glass not only differs in terms of the type of film used or the construction. They also need to meet different minimum statutory requirements. These points need to be borne in mind when the production systems are being conceived and designed. Special products and niche products can be produced economically, even with low capacity, when you have the right equipment.
The information of where the products are going to be used allows LiSEC to determine which types of film can be used in manufacturing. This will have an influence on the design of the climatic room, the assembly room and the film stockroom.
2) What is your planned yield?
Laminated glass systems can either be designed as fully or semi-automatic versions, depending on requirements.
If you are processing diverse types of film, tempered and coated glass as well as multi-laminates and are planning a manageable yield, we recommend the low-pressure autoclave system.
If you plan to achieve high yields (series production) and process a diverse range of films, lines with a laminating tunnel or a standard autoclave system would be appropriate. In fully automatic lines, the raw glass is fed into the line by means of PKL/SBL systems. After assembly, lamination and quality control, it is stacked on the delivery station.
3) What does your production plan look like for the next 5 to 10 years?
Flexibility and energy efficiency are the critical factors for reducing production costs and ensuring the long-term success of your business.
LiSEC provides smart solutions for ensuring both of these objectives are achieved: the laminating tunnel, for example, with separate heating and cooling chambers, allows high energy savings and extremely short cycle times due to the two chambers being loaded simultaneously. Or the low-pressure autoclave: it operates at a pressure of 1bar, without the need for a powerful compressor. It is suitable for standard PVB films as well as EVA and ionomer films and achieves the same quality as a high-pressure autoclave.
The modular LiSEC equipment ensures maximum flexibility – from simple, manual systems to fully automated systems. Your laminated glass production will grow along with your volume of business. Modular designs also let single components be exchanged progressively. This allows production lines to be easily modernised.
The benefits of automation and software products
Automation achieves tangible gains in productivity and optimises your energy balance. Take, for example, the laminating tunnel: instead of manually optimising the position of glass sheets on the horizontal transport systems, the best use of space is automatically calculated based on the production plan. This provides the laminating tunnel with up to four times higher capacity – 800kg of glass can feed through, instead of just 200kg.
Fully automated systems also increase the quality of the laminated glass, because impurities can be introduced with every manual step.
Need advice? We are pleased to help.
Based on the products that you wish to manufacture, your yield objectives and your production plan, we draw up your individual concept and support you through planning and installation. In addition, we are a reliable partner who is able to supply an extensive range of services to customers across the world. Exploit the full potential of your laminated glass production!
