The potential of triple glazed units with thin glass as the central pane is hard to resist: their lower weight and slim structure allow them to be used for applications that were previously incompatible with triple IGUs.
This includes building renovations, where double-glazed windows can now be replaced ‘like for like’ with higher performing triple-glazed units.
Hegla offers automated solutions for handling and cutting the glass.
Robust and flexible
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, properties that make it possible to manufacture and process.
Until now, it was primarily used for technical applications and the production of displays. 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’s 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.”
Special technology
The thin glass for architectural applications is usually at least 0.5mm thick. To ensure reliable production processes and prevent damage, Hegla recommends an automated overall process. 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 and a special cutting head scores panes between 0.5 and 2mm. The combination version with an additional cutting head for conventional float glass can process panes up to 12mm thick.
High edge strength
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,” explained Bernhard. In order for the pane to be safely transported and processed on the IGU line after cutting, he adds that 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.”
For further handling and non-destructive, professional transport on the shop floor, Bernhard 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.
For example, an 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.
According to Hegla, the U-value achieved is comparable to that of conventional triple glazed units. However, the overall thickness and weight of the unit is considerably smaller and the thinner material also contributes to a lower carbon footprint.
