Thin glass slims down triple insulated glass units

From a chemical perspective, the thin glass is a borosilicate glass. Compared with classic soda-lime glass, it is characterised by higher durability and heat-resistance at the same thickness. These material properties make it possible to manufacture and process extremely thin glass in the first place. Until now, it was primarily used for technical applications and the production of displays, to name but one example. Although the thin glass is more shatter-resistant than typical float glass, its low material thickness results in the need for greater care during handling, further transport and edge quality during cutting. “There’s no need to worry,” says HEGLA Managing Director Bernhard Hötger: “The borosilicate glass is slightly more demanding, but can easily be processed with the right systems and a few adjustments to your operational procedures.” 

The thin glass for architectural applications is usually at least 0.5 mm thick. To ensure reliable production processes and prevent damage, an automated overall process is recommended. This allows, for example, the placement of panes with a specially adapted floor loader and correspondingly spaced suction devices. A continuously flat conveyor belt replaces the typical felt coating on the cutting system and provides a secure, slip-resistant hold. Sensors detect the position of the pane, eliminating the need for alignment. The special cutting head scores panes between 0.5 and 2 mm precisely according to the cutting diagram. The combination version with an additional cutting head for conventional float glass can process panes up to 12 mm thick. 

For maximum precision, travel accuracy and edge quality, the cutting tables in the Galactic TG series are equipped with electromagnetic linear drives. “Here at HEGLA, we have more than 30 years’ experience in cutting technical glass. Precise drive technology, high smoothness and travel accuracy are the key factors in this product area,” explains Bernhard Hötger. In order for the pane to be safely transported and processed on the IGU line after cutting, high edge strength is required. “Our coordinated cutting technology and system-controlled processes allow us to achieve a homogenous cutting edge that is indispensable for subsequent processing,” says Bernhard Hötger. 

For further handling and non-destructive, professional transport on the shop floor, the HEGLA Managing Director recommends automating the processes on the systems and between the processing stations. As a solution, specially designed harp racks with automatic loading and unloading can be used for internal logistics. For this purpose, the cutting system automatically transfers cut panes from the system to a compartment via a tilting table. The glass removal and transfer to the insulated glass line is also automated, reducing the chance of mix-ups or edge damage to a minimum. 

For example, the IGU with thin glass as the central pane and TPS spacers is produced on a specially developed production line from Glaston. This allows the composition of the triple IGU to be configured precisely to the dimensions of the double IGU that it is replacing. The U-value achieved by the insulated glass is comparable to that of conventional insulated glass units. However, the overall thickness and weight of the unit is considerably smaller. The thinner material also saves glass and CO₂.

HEGLA GmbH & Co. KG
37688 Beverungen

Carsten Koch
Telefon: + 49 (0) 52 73 / 9 05 - 121
E-Mail: carsten.koch(at)hegla.de