Operators of float glass plants want continuous production 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Conveying technology is the connecting element in a float glass plant. Provider of automation solutions for the global glass, building material and intralogistics market, Grenzebach is committed to transporting glass gently and safely.
“Every hour of standstill costs the operators of glass plants immense money” emphasises Markus Schmid, Senior Manager Mechanical Concept Engineering at Grenzebach. “With our new generation, we are once again increasing the availability of conveyor technology and significantly fewer resources are required for spare parts and maintenance.”
Advantages of direct drive
Grenzebach’s recently developed drive train with direct drive works without the usual belts and drive shafts to provide greater dynamics during transport, increase efficiency and also reduce requirements for spare parts storage and maintenance. “These service-intensive components have been eliminated and are now a thing of the past for conveyor technology” comments Markus Schmid.
The drive train also makes it possible to use all common motors. Recently developed bevel gears are used to transmit power to each roller for smoother running and more precise positioning.
Clear view of key components
Due to the system’s compact design, all components are arranged below the conveying level. Access to the drive train is provided by a continuous transparent protective cover, ensuring a clear view of key components such as gears and shafts at all times.
An innovative lock system allows quick and easy access for maintenance work. Made from a special plastic mixture, the durable protective cover is almost unbreakable – suited to the harsh requirements.
Swift conversion for substantial savings
“The advantages of the new generation of conveyor technology are also open to the operators of existing glass lines” underlines Florian Nagler, Head of Customer Service. “As a competent service partner, we retrofit lines so that they can benefit too.”
Provided that the necessary preparations have been made, conversion of a drive to Grenzebach’s latest generation conveyor technology can usually be completed in less than three hours. Downtimes due to maintenance work are eliminated and the production yield is increased. Maintenance intervals and scope, as well as spare parts requirements, will be reduced.
Operators’ wishes and requests were instrumental to the development of this conveyor technology generation. “As a sparring partner of the industry, an ongoing exchange of ideas to optimise the technologies is just as important to us as optimal support in day-to-day business” says Markus Schmid.
Less downtime, predictable maintenance and thus lower costs: With this focus, Grenzebach supports the further development of systems throughout their entire life cycle.
Collaboration app
In order to solve questions and problems on the flat glass line as quickly as possible, Grenzebach customers can now use the company’s collaboration app. “The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us what is possible in virtual ways” explains Florian Nagler. “With the collaboration app, we can provide customers all over the world with practical help directly at the plant, in addition to our existing service channels.”
Key functionalities include not only the classic communication channels via chat, audio or video call but also the option to use a graphic live annotation to incorporate specific notes and comments directly into the situation on-site.
“In the future, we will have our eyes and ears directly on our customers’ systems and will be able to provide even more extensive, targeted and better support” Mr Nagler concludes.
Image: Access to the conveyor system is possible via a continuous transparent protective cover that offers a clear view of the key components at all times (Source: Grenzebach).