The marks are smudge-free; they do not rely on the operator's steady hand. There are no consumables such as inks or templates. More advanced benefits include the ability to apply data codes or human-readable codes which identify individual panes of glass. These can be used for sorting at the end of a tempering furnace for example, where a three digit number like 123 would indicate rack 1, slot 23.No more running around with a measuring tape and a list of glass sizes.
Lasers have been installed on more than 50 ASHTON fully automatic arrissing/seaming lines, although for many years there has been a solution for manual arrissing processes too.
The laser and its PC-based controller are mounted safely within an integrated air floatation table, which can be positioned adjacent to a manual arrissing machine (for example) or an IG line, or any other process.
Recent orders for ASHTON's laser table include Egybel International in Egypt, who use a marked code within their logo to automatically route glass from their arrissing line to tempering, or to laminating or spandrel painting.
Similarly, FA Glass in Dubai see the benefit for marking all non-rectangular work as well as their standard production.
Mid-Devon Glass have invested in this system mounted alongside a new ASHTON 'UNIX Airflow' arrissing machine, ergonomically planned so that glass is lasered and arrissed and then simply slid straight into a horizontal washer.
Nicholls & Clarke have opted for the same solution at their busy Dunstable plant.
Ashton Industrial: Business Is 'Beaming'
Date: 30 September 2009
Source: Ashton Industrial
LASER MARKING brings state of the art benefits to glass processors. Apart from marking of company logos, production dates for warranty purposes, and the usual fixed text like EN Standards codes, laser marking offers a range of additional benefits for glass factories.