Intelligently automated: Grenzebach’s highlights for the upcoming glasstec show

New cutting head applies constant pressureCome and visit us in hall 15 at booth D23 to learn about Grenzebach’s novelties, one of which is the brand new cutting head developed specifically for thin glass.

While it is quite challenging to apply constant pressure onto the glass using a preset value, the trick is done by the strain gage, added to the cutting head, which records the applied pressure in real time.

The enhanced Cutting Force Controller (CFC) can automatically adjust pressure diverting from the set value. Werner Rührer, Sales Director Float Glass, adds that the strain gage data allows for generating a constant cutting pressure even on wavy glass.

Consistent cutting pressure produces significantly less waste compared to conventional cutting approach while at the same time an improved scoring and snapping quality can be accomplished.

Furthermore, the collected data can be stored in a database for analysis and subsequent control system optimization. "If the data shows a consistently moving up and down cutting pressure, this might be an indicator for improper glass thickness settings." says Rührer. The cutting head is available not only for new but also for existing Grenzebach processing lines. It is suited for all glass thicknesses with particular focus on thin glass ranging between 0.1 and 1.2 millimeters.

Grenzebach supplies the “Cold End” for flat glass lines - including glass stacking onto racks. The goal is to automate glass pack transportation to the distribution point with Automated Guided Vehicles.

The L1200S (first on the left) is just one of the self-guided vehicles Grenzebach can supply. They not only transport glass racks from point A to point B automatically but other materials as well.

Automated Guided Vehicles with direct interim store access

A special highlight at the show will be an Automated Guided Vehicle for the distribution of glass packs. Markus Gruber, representing the company's "New Business" states: "We want to automate the individual glass pack distribution."

Although Grenzebach supplies complete processing lines, process automation stops with glass off-loading onto racks. In-house transportation to the distribution point or interim store and further to truck loading is mainly handled with fork lift trucks. Drivers work three shifts around the clock.

Grenzebach developed a system to bring the racks to the distribution points automatically. The vehicles are customized for the specific demands and use "contour navigation" states Roland Jenning, Manager Research and Development.

They explore their environment by means of laser scanners to allow autonomous orientation. This entirely new self-learning system requires no modifications to existing sites. The presented L1200S is a futuristic looking vehicle suited for loads of up to 1200 kilograms.

"We can build transport vehicles with a carrying capacity of up to 5 tons", says Roland Jenning. The design is customized to actual needs. For Grenzebach, automatic transportation from the stacking area to the distribution center is just the first step.

The next step will be to automate transportation between the distribution point and the truck loading point. Gruber: "We trust to accomplish this step in a foreseeable future."