Flat Glass Solutions has introduced a range of compact, cost-effective handling equipment from Italian brand Elephant that are designed to help manufacturers improve efficiencies while ensuring that glass is handled as safely and securely as possible.

Demand for high-performance oversized glass, driven by ‘Grand Designs’ style projects and modern commercial applications, continues to generate valuable business for the industry.

And while modern machinery has introduced sophisticated automation into glass production, processors are still faced with the challenge of how to handle product that can weigh hundreds of kilos – from its starting point as a raw material into stock, to its journey around the factory floor and then onto transportation and final delivery to site.

Safety is always the primary concern but as the value and size of glass units increase, so too does the cost of getting handling wrong.
A dropped or damaged sheet is not only expensive to replace, but it can also disrupt production, delay an installation and negatively impact a hard-earned working relationship.

Handling equipment is therefore a crucial part of the wider manufacturing process and it is why Flat Glass Solutions (FGS) has introduced a range of cost effective and well-respected solutions to UK customers, through a partnership with Italian handling expert, Elephant.

“The latest innovations in glass processing have delivered impressive gains in productivity, consistency and quality, but if glass is damaged during manual movement around the factory, or when delivered to customers, those gains can be quickly undermined,” says David Cahill, managing director of FGS.

“Our partnership with Elephant gives UK processors access to solutions that can be as simple as plugging a gap in an existing operation, or as comprehensive as providing the handling infrastructure for a completely new production line. Either way, the objective is the same and that’s ensuring that glass gets from A to B and ultimately onto C, as safely, securely and efficiently as possible.”

FGS has highlighted two compact vacuum lifters – the VT2RP and the VT4PBP – that are designed to meet the vast majority of handling requirements, although a wide range of solutions are available, including equipment that can lift loads exceeding a tonne.
The VT2RP is positioned as an entry level option. Featuring two, 250mm suction cups, it has a 200kg lifting capacity and pneumatic rotation through 90°.

Incorporating both pneumatic rotation and tilting though 90°, the VT4RPBP can handle loads up to 400kg with four, 300mm suction cups.
Both lifters come vacuum safety circuits, meeting UNI EN 13155 standards, with additional safety features that include an audible and visual alarm system, a vacuum reserve tank, anti-fall valves and a colour coded vacuum gauge scale.

Powered by compressed air and utilising a Venturi system to generate the vacuum, both also present a cost effective upgrade for existing factory set-ups that already have a compressed-air supply in place.

“Elephant’s technology has been developed over 45 years of handling glass, marble, wood and metal,” says David. “The VT2RP and VT4RPBP are particularly well suited for glass companies that need to incorporate handling equipment into factory floors that are already restricted for space – and they can also accompany additional solutions from FGS that are designed to maximise production efficiencies.

“That includes our range of Hakon glass storage racks,” he continues. “Racks can often be overlooked but are a key element to glass processing lines, allowing glass of varying sizes to be stacked and manoeuvred via a simple drawer system.

“They save space, you can stack and store remnants, protect glass and improve productivity and health and safety.

“With Hakon racks and now Elephant handling equipment, the message is simple,” concludes David. “Whether a processor needs to improve one part of an established line, solve a specific handling problem, or rethink the movement and storage of glass throughout the factory, the right equipment can make the entire operation safer, more efficient and less vulnerable to costly damage.

“At FGS, we believe in identifying how production can be improved, and then putting the right piece of equipment in the exactly the right place.”