Glass waste is costing your business – Bohle
Glass processors are under increased pressure to reduce overheads and optimise their use of glass as margins are being eroded at an alarming rated because of rising energy and raw material prices, according to Dave Broxton, MD of Bohle.
A perfect storm of excessive demand, logistical problems associated with Covid, and rising energy prices has put a huge amount of pressure on the glass industry, with increased prices being pushed through the supply chain to the glass processor.
As an indication of what is to come, the energy surcharge on one lorry load of glass from one manufacturer went from £350 to £6,500 during March.
“I think it’s inevitable that there will be significant price increases in the price of glass over the coming months,” said Dave. “And the problem with that for the glass processor, whether they’re a large sealed unit manufacturer or a small glass processor, is that they really can’t afford to waste glass anymore.
“They need to optimise their production through software, but they also need to ensure that they have a limited amount of wastage, and they can do that by improving the way in which they cut and process glass.”
Bohle has launched its own Silberschnitt cutting fluids, which form a critical part of the Silberschnitt range of cutting wheels and other consumables.
Silberschnitt V55 is the standard product for general glass cutting, including mirrored and low-e glass, and it has a standard evaporation time. Glass processors can choose to switch to Silberschnitt V59 for a longer evaporation time, or Silberschnitt V52 for a shorter evaporation time – usually required for cutting laminate and coated glass. For demanding shape-cutting, or for thicker glass, Silberschnitt W60 is recommended.
Choosing the right cutting fluid is essential for cutting glass efficiently: cutting fluid lubricates the cutting wheel, which provides a more precise, stable, high quality cut.
The cutting fluid penetrates into the smallest micro-fissures and stabilises the built-up tensions for a longer period of time. By lubricating the cutting wheel and glass with cutting fluid (with machines by continuous flushing), part of the glass dust is bound and flushed away. The cutting fluid binds small glass chips and stops them from moving onto the glass surface and scratching it.
“We have nearly a century of expertise in glass cutting at Bohle, and Silberschnitt is a brand of cutting wheels, pillar posts, axles and wheel holders, that is well known throughout the world,” Bohle MD Dave Broxton said.
“The other thing that makes a huge difference in the quality of cutting glass is the cutting fluid. In the past we’ve sold cutting fluid manufactured by other specialist companies, but we’re now in a position after more than three years of development to launch our very own Silberschnitt cutting fluids, and these have been designed to work perfectly with the whole Silberschnitt system.
“Our system works with every single cut and you will come out with a better quality product with a much higher degree of edge quality, and you’ll be able to reduce your waste, which adds value to the bottom line. It’s a no-brainer.”
