Hegla at glasstec 2026: Value-added solutions in live operation

This will be a special Glasstec for HEGLA, as the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary almost at the same time as the trade fair. “A welcome overlap in the dates,” said HEGLA’s managing director, Toni Schön. “Glasstec is one of the most important events in our industry. That gives us two good reasons to get together in Düsseldorf. In keeping with our long-standing tradition, HEGLA will be looking to the future and showcasing modular systems and production lines that deliver high added value for our customers in a live demonstration.” Further innovations in the fields of software, laser applications and glass processing will be on display at HEGLA-HANIC, HEGLA boraident and HEGLA RS technology, which are represented at the stand as part of the partner network.

Thin glass: Greater value creation in new markets

“We are seeing two trends among our customers,” explains Toni Schön. “On the one hand, existing solutions are being optimised. On the other hand, the focus is shifting towards market niches in order to generate additional value.” Both strategies are combined in triple insulated glass units (IGUs) with thin glass as the middle pane. Their slim profile and low weight make it possible to replace energy-inefficient double-glazed units with better-insulating triple-glazed units in existing windows. New buildings, which no longer need to be designed to accommodate heavy glazing, offer further market potential. 

With the Galactic TG, HEGLA will demonstrate cutting technology for glass as thin as 0.5 mm. An automatic floor loader, the SingleCut TG special cutting head, and a harp rack transfer system ensure a reliable machining process for very thin glass. For example, the insulated glass can be produced on a Glaston line.

LSG cutting in line with the machine’s autonomous cycle

The ProLam Neo LSR is designed to deliver maximum automation and high throughput. The system cuts laminated safety glass fully automatically in line with the machine’s autonomous cycle. The patented laser diode heating system achieves at least twenty percent higher productivity compared with conventional heating technology. As a further benefit, the focused heating consistently produces perfect glass edge quality. The film is heated with pinpoint accuracy and separated without delamination. At Glasstec, a robot will automatically remove the glass and sort it into harp racks without the need for an operator. 

User-friendly ERP with AI integration

glass365 is HEGLA-HANIC’s new ERP system. Completely reprogrammed based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, it combines the intuitive user experience of the Microsoft environment with the Bochum-based software company’s many years of glass expertise. With its modular design, it covers all typical areas of application for flat-glass-processing businesses: all processes can be managed, from order entry with price calculation through to stock management, finance, production and data management in the CRM system.

 AI functions are available to ensure a high level of convenience, to help prevent errors and to support automated processes. For example, orders can be extracted from file attachments or emails and imported into the system once the user has approved them. It is even possible to generate quotations automatically or carry out an AI-based stock check, for example, including a recommendation for ordering raw glass. 

The browser-based ERP system glass365 is available on any digital device. It also offers a great deal of installation flexibility. This can be done locally on a server, in the cloud or using a hybrid approach. In addition, it offers access to the Microsoft Marketplace, where further apps with pre-defined data integration are available for download. 

Sustainable bird protection and RF-transparent glass as a source of added value

Bird protection glass or RF-transparent panes – both can be retrofitted using RetroWinGuard. “Requirements often only become apparent after new windows have been fitted,” explains Dr Thomas Rainer, Head of Organisation and Development at HEGLA boraident. “Once they’ve been fitted, there's no reception.” The integrated thermal insulation coating then blocks the penetration of mobile phone signals. Using a hair-fine, barely visible pattern, RetroWinGuard can still structure the metallic layer, even after the window is fitted, thereby restoring full reception. 

It is usually only years later that the need for bird protection glass becomes apparent. “Once the newly planted bushes and trees have grown taller and are reflected in the windows, they become a deadly trap,” said the laser expert. To prevent collisions, a protective pattern can also be applied to the assembled units using laser printing. Its effectiveness has been tested in the USA and certified by the American Bird Conservancy (ABC).

Edging, grinding, polishing, drilling and milling with no set-up time

The RS 8.14 VSS machining centre from HEGLA RS technology cost-effectively handles all types of wet processing, whether for one-off items or in series production. Whether edging, grinding, polishing, drilling, milling, internal grinding or step grinding – all glass thicknesses between 1.1 mm and 19 mm can be finished to a high standard of quality and with precision. The glass is positioned on the alignment table outside the machine’s working area. Loading and unloading then take place simultaneously. One of the system’s key advantages is the VarioSaugerSystem. The appropriate suction cups are activated to match the format and contour, and the workpiece is secured – eliminating any set-up time. In conjunction with the automatic tool-changing magazine, this means that even special types of glass can be processed at high throughput and without the need for manual intervention. The system is complemented by the patented multi-channel cooling system, which reliably dissipates process heat, even at high speeds, and ensures consistent edge quality at very high feed rates.

For series production, the system can be operated in dual-head mode, which allows capacity to be doubled, depending on the glass format. For maximum automation, the system can be expanded to include an automatic feeding system and an additional conveyor line that connects directly to downstream processes. 

“We are looking forward to Glasstec in Düsseldorf, along with its many innovations and the latest industry trends,” said HEGLA Managing Director Toni Schön. “At the same time, the trade fair is a welcome opportunity to meet up with long-standing customers and friends who have stood by the HEGLA Group for many years.” 

Come and visit HEGLA, HEGLA boraident, HEGLA-HANIC and HEGLA RS technology from 20 to 23 October at glasstec in Düsseldorf at Stand A62 in Hall.

Book an appointment? yourvisit@hegla.de