The HEGLA Group’s range of topics at Vitrum could scarcely be wider, but it is an example of just how diversely the glass industry has developed in recent years.

Thanks to laser technology, the glass industry can do something that would be almost inconceivable in any other sector. Laser finishing treatment enables manufacturers to enhance the value of largely standardised products and increase their functionality. With prices for traditional IG units and facade cladding coming under increasing pressure, using laser upgrades to create bird protection glass, RF-transparent glass and anti-bacterial glass gives manufacturers the chance to tap into new target markets and increase their profit margins.

More often than not, it’s the minor activities and extra jobs on the side that take up staff time and inhibit productivity. While optimisation almost always refers to machines and their availability, digital support for staff holds the promise of additional potential, too.

Score, heat, break out, slit, and separate the film – this is the classical process used for LSG cutting. Despite all the advancements and digitalisation of recent years, it is still very time-consuming. Due to the physical requirements involved, heating up the film is the part of this process that takes the longest. New laser separation technology now offers the potential to significantly shorten the processing cycle and improve edge quality.