Glass forming is performed in the tin bath area through a strong thermal kinetic process to achieve the required thickness and glass surface quality. The extraction of the glass ribbon from the tin surface involves a complex interaction between glass, tin bath and atmosphere where thermo-chemical reactions are adding to the physical disturbance created in the lifting operation. The lift out rolls which are designed for the initial transfer of the glass from the forming zone down to the annealing furnace, are involved in a difficult compromise where roll surface behavior is influenced by the plasticity as well as the chemistry of the glass. Fluctuations in the tin bath operating conditions create strong variations in the lift out roll environment.
The Importance of the Lift Out Roll (LOR) for High Quality Glass Production
A typical lift out roll ensures the conveyance of the glass during the more plastic stage of the ribbon when any structural contact could have a damaging influence over the glass surface quality (chemical physical, optical). A very smooth and inert contact between glass and LOR is important to the glassmaker.
