As the exclusive UK & Ireland distributor for glass scanning specialist Viprotron, Flat Glass Solutions is offering IGU and glass manufacturers a way to maximise product quality and enhance production efficiencies.

When Flat Glass Solutions was established in 2014, managing director David Cahill had a clear objective for how the business was going to serve its IGU and glass manufacturer customer base.

That was to introduce advanced automation that could genuinely improve efficiencies, enhance quality, increase volumes or even introduce new product ranges, all backed by a level of service they would expect from a highly experienced and dedicated domestic supplier.

Over a decade later and David’s goals of bringing world class engineering into UK factories has been proven time and again, success that has been achieved by forging partnerships with a wealth of global brands, and building a portfolio of solutions designed to enhance every stage of a processing line.

That includes an introduction to Viprotron, a specialist in glass scanning technology, at the 2022 FIT Show.
Designed to detect defects such as inclusions, scratches, bubbles and dirt, Viprotron’s range of sophisticated scanners are designed to be easily integrated into existing or planned production lines.

As David explains, they offer a clear way for glass processors to improve production efficiencies, whether they are looking to enhance quality control, manage an upturn in demand while maintaining levels of service or even those who are looking for growth by scaling up operations.

“One of the biggest costs to glass processors is poor quality product,” he says. “If you’re struggling to balance output with consistent quality, there’s an immediate cost associated with remedial work but in the long term you could also struggle to retain customers let alone win new business.

“The introduction of a Viprotron scanner can help solve all these issues by identifying defects during the production processes, ones that would otherwise be very hard to spot for companies relying on traditional, manual inspection techniques but which can become visible later on when subjected to certain lighting conditions after installation.”

Viprotron’s range includes automated and manual scanning solutions that have been designed to suit a variety of budgets.

Entry level options include the ECO Scanner and ECO Scanner Pro. Featuring an intuitive user interface, they can easily be integrated into new or existing lines, after a washing machine, either vertically or horizontally and for single or parallel production of glass.

Viprotron’s Quality Scanner 3D system introduces more advanced glass defect detection systems with three camera channels that are designed to inspect glass from three different angles and under different illumination directions.

For the bright field transmission channel, the glass is examined in transmission with diffused back lighting which simulates cloudy weather conditions. Here defects with high contrast such as bubbles, scratches or fingerprints become visible.

The dark field transmission channel inspects the glass with a dark background and light from the side, simulating sunny weather conditions. This highlights defects such as half washed fingerprints, washer marks, scratches or white haze.

In the reflection channel, the Quality Scanner 3D scans for defects using direct light reflection. By doing so, pin holes, coating scratches or brush marks become highly visible.
Again, a user-friendly interface makes it easy to quickly and accurate locate the defects, making quality control much more efficient and reliable.

At the top of the range is the Temper Scanner 5D, which provides a complete metrology system – with five different defection channels after the furnace exit – which enables the identification of all kinds of distortion such as roller wave, edge kink, as well anisotropy, white haze, scratches and coating defects.

“In the current economic climate, it’s never been more vital for glass companies to operate as efficiently as possible,” says David. “If glass is delivered and it’s not up to standard, it can really damage customer relationships and that’s exacerbated if you’re dealing with a larger order – that could delay an entire installation – or with oversized units. Potentially it can lead to delayed payments and other indirect cost implications.

“With a Viprotron scanner you can operate as sustainably and efficiently as possible while delivering consistent, high-quality product,” he concludes. “There’s a clear benefit for existing customers but by introducing such a valuable USP, it’s an asset that can be demonstrated to win new business and reduce any requirement to compete on price as well.”