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Email: sales@glassworldwide.co.uk
At the beginning of 2021, the GKT Group from Brakel in Germany geared up for the future by expanding its production technology and implementing a new software system.
For even greater flexibility, automation and further growth, the company invested in a double edging and drilling machine, a highly automated float glass cutting system with a breakout system and an insulated glass line.
CelSian has announced that only a few seats remain for its Glass Technology training course on 27 September – 1 October.
The extensive course in glass melting technologies will take place via a hybrid on-line/on-site setting and will be presented by six dedicated experts.
The training is an excellent introduction for new entrants to the glass industry and a perfect refresher for more experienced professionals.
The course features a global overview of key glass making technologies from raw materials through to the glass forming process.
RATH, specialised in refractory technology, has recently built a new state-of-the-art pre-assembly area at its production site in Budapest, Hungary.
“The refurbishment of this area allows professional pre-assembly to be carried out to international standards, so that requirements of glass industry customers can be met even more perfectly in the future”, says Robert Nusszer, Managing Director of the global Sales Unit Glass, RATH Group.
In addition to the high product quality, absolute fitting accuracy is a top priority for RATH refractory products.
Hans-Peter Müller will join Heye International as Managing Director on 18th October 2021.
He will be responsible for the development and implementation of the future strategic approach of the company, delivering new business projects through sales negotiations in different countries, worldwide.
Mr Müller will be responsible for setting up a long-term sales and innovation strategy, aligned with the Heye vision and transformation into actionable operational plans, including clear goals for performance, cost competitiveness and growth.
Stacey Heafner has joined Ramsey Products as a Customer Service/Inside Sales Representative.
Her duties will include responding to customer inquiries and assisting them in determining the best silent chain product for their needs.
In addition, she will be responsible for generating quotes, processing orders, setting up shipments and coordinating with the manufacturing plant to assure timely product availability.
Sam Leaper has been promoted to Director of Glass Business Development at HFT. Mr Leaper has been with the company for 4.5 years and will lead Sales and Marketing Department as it continues to grow and offer global glass makers with turnkey project support and EPC solutions from initial conception, through development, design and execution.
HFT have announced the appointment of Mr Walter Gray as Director of Power Solutions.
Bringing over 20 years of power industry experience to the HFT team, having worked for E.ON, EcoSecurities and Centrica, his knowledge has driven successful energy projects across the globe, developing both onsite energy solutions and utility scale renewable projects.
Mr Gray’s expertise expands HFT’s presence in CHP, waste heat recovery, resiliency, and hybrid microgrids.
The HEGLA Group’s range of topics at Vitrum covers glass cutting, its automation and performance increase. Industry 4.0, the opportunities of networking, digitalisation and integrated processes will be shown, making it clear the importance of these issues.
Italian refractory supplier SIGMA has announced a new campaign of investments in both its plants in Italy and Bulgaria.
The goal is to increase both flexibility and production capacity to offer better services to its Italian and worldwide customers.
The site in Plovdiv, Bulgaria has been recently expanded by 6000sqm.
Two new controlled atmosphere shuttle kilns and dryers have been installed to fire refractory materials up to 1600°C.
VMA, a leading supplier of optical, non-contact measuring technology for the glass industry, has launched a new website and logo that more than ever represents the four VMA business divisions: container glass, flat glass, laboratory measuring equipment and special solutions.
It distinctly communicates the company’s core competence and reflects the solution-oriented approach with its straightforward and pragmatic design.
Demonstrating its desire to be close to global customers, Olivotto Glass Technologies exhibited at the 31st China Glass exhibition in Shanghai on 6-9 May.
Organisational and travel challenges brought on by the global pandemic were overcome and the company’s President and CEO, Sarvia Sergio, was able to personally represent the company, a leader in engineering, manufacture, installation and commissioning of hollow glass forming plants, systems and machines.
Mr Sarvia reported a successful exhibition with a large number of visitors and positive project meetings.
Driven to meet its climate commitments over the last years, China continues to focus on its solar glass production.
The country became the world’s biggest manufacturer of photovoltaic (PV) products aiming to reduce coal usage and increase renewable energy sources.
PV glass is a technology that enables the conversion of light into electricity by the means of transparent semiconductor-based photovoltaic cells.
While the PV glass demand is outpacing the production capacity, local glass manufactures rush to expand existing workshops and build new installations.
Polish glass-melting technology supplier Forglass has been commissioned to carry out the hot overcoating of two float glass furnaces for Saint-Gobain Glass, renowned manufacturer of energy-efficient coated glass and insulated glazing.
The repairs will take place at plants in Pisa, Italy and Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland.
A key factor in Saint-Gobain Glass’s decision to award the hot overcoating contracts to Forglass was the company’s business strategy, which combines engineering prowess and contract fulfilment under one roof.
Measurement and monitoring specialist VPInstruments has upgraded its VPVision energy monitoring software. According to the company VPVision 5.2 has been given “a complete makeover”: the modern design offers better navigation, improved stability and increased performance.
Updating can now be completed “in a matter of minutes” as updates can be done automatically over the air. The software is “more intuitive and self-explanatory, making a user manual almost unnecessary”.
German glass processing company Nowak Glas has installed a horizontal Viprotron ECO Scanner System at its factory in Wattenscheid, Bochum to optimise laminated glass production and maintain high standards of quality.
At the plant, which has a strong focus on insulation and safety glass, the compact scanner system with two camera heads covering a width of 2.80m was retrofitted into an existing Benteler line.
The new system was put into operation in summer 2020, producing “great results from the beginning”.
Manufacturer of thermal equipment for the glass industry Vidromecanica has developed an oven designed to make it easier and faster for operators to work.
The improved oven features mobile carrier cars that can circulate through the manufacturing floor, facilitating the transport of the moulds and eliminating transfer operations.
Vidromecanica produces modern mould preheating kilns adapted to the glass industry demands, furnished with advanced temperature controls and heating systems.
Supplier of conveying systems Vetromeccanica, a historical Italian company based in the Parma area known as Italian Packaging Valley, has announced some of its upcoming projects for the glass industry.
Among these are a cold end installation for a new furnace including inspection lines, decoration area and palletisers at a plant dedicated to producing different types of beer bottles.
Vetromeccanica will supply the feasibility study, design, manufacturing and installation of the cold end lines and related accessories as well as the palletisers and the shuttle car.
At the beginning of this year a large international customer commissioned furnace specialist ULG with the hot repair of the waste gas channel in one of its glass melting plants in Europe.
After a thorough inspection of the exhaust system the ULG team prepared works by cutting a slit into the side with the chainsaw and set up a water jacket into the port neck.
Float glass technology specialist Stewart Engineers has added four new engineers to its team.
The recruits include recent graduates from North Carolina State University and East Carolina University with degrees in Mechanical, Electrical and Computer Engineering. In addition Stewart has hired an intern from NC State double majoring in Computer and Electrical Engineering.
The fresh graduates stand to learn the ins and outs of the glass industry from Stewart Engineers’ veteran glass experts.
Glass melting and conditioning company SORG has developed new burner holders featuring integrated angle adjustment to make it easier to find the burner’s most efficient setting in light of new regulations.
Stricter furnace emission regulations have resulted in tightly controlled furnace operations. The legislation applies specifically to the burner’s settings because they have the most influence on emissions.
As a result, the burner’s settings and adjustment angle must be continuously monitored.
For its first investment in glass tube production in China, Schott selected Shanghai Precision Dosing & Weighing System Co., Ltd. – a company that focuses on design and supply of batch plant – and its German partner EME GmbH to design and supply a batch plant for a medical borosilicate glass production line.
Italian manufacturer Ser.Tec. offers a complete line of products for printing on glass, both with both digital and screen printing technology.
The company’s S3P screen printing machine for printing glass sheets up to 200cm x 300cm is equipped with solutions dedicated to glass printing such as a suction and blowing print table for easy handling and locking of the sheets, and an electric positioning pin to simplify the positioning of the glass.
A new rotating base combined with a CVB series of loaders/unloaders reinforces Schiatti Angelo’s commitment to Industry 4.0 automation for its glass processing machines.
The trolley allows glass sheets to be loaded and unloaded in a continuous cycle, reducing unproductive technical lead times.
The structure consists of a fixed ring base, on which rotates a slewing resting on rollers which, in turn, slide on the circumference of the base.
Refractory manufacturer RHI Magnesita plans to invest €23 million in modernising its Urmitz site in Germany over the next two years.
This investment, the Group’s largest in Germany, will be used to expand and upgrade the traditional plant as a hub for non-basic refractory products. Modernisation measures will increase the plant’s production volume and boost energy efficiency by 10%.
In addition, investment in recycling will allow RHI Magnesita to increase the share of secondary raw materials.
International refractories manufacturer RATH believes that high-quality refractory materials are the basis for superior production and crystal-clear results in all areas of glass manufacture.
From its eight production sites in Europe and America the company produces a wide range of glass melting crucibles as well as day furnaces in a variety of compositions, shapes and sizes. RATH’s portfolio includes standard compositions, sizes and shapes, and customer-specific requests are also available on request.
Products include:
Forming specialist Quantum has purchased a Mazak North America 4-axis CNC cutting machine to increase its capacity to meet market demand for plunger mechanism and process equipment used in the blank side of IS machine glass container production.
The VCN-530C model is designed to process large parts or multiple small workpieces in single machine setups.
Manufacturer of infrared measurement devices Optris GmbH has developed a system for temperature monitoring during thermal tempering that is compatible with glass that has a very low emissivity coating.
Used to produce products such as single-pane safety glass (SPSG), thermal tempering is the process of influencing the physical properties of flat glass with targeted heat treatment.
To meet market demand, particularly regarding hydrolytic resistance levels, OCMI Group has launched a completely new model of its index rotation forming machine for vials. The new machine has 18 upper and nine lower stations.
As a result of technological developments related to servo-controlled forming tools, OCMI’s FLA20/S vial forming machine is already penetrating growing Asian markets such as China and Pakistan.
Measuring systems specialist nokra is to release its laser-based ‘alpha.glassWS’ measurement system for the measurement of automotive glass bending curvatures early in the second half of the year.
The system comes in a revised design layout with high sensitivity sensors and a faster lateral adjustment of the sensor positions to allow for shorter cycle times.
The new system benefits from new ‘easy.glass’ software, which will also be available as a field upgrade to the installed base by July 2021.
Imaging systems supplier Lüscher Technologies is offering live demonstrations of its latest computer-to-screen and computer-to-plate software at its new showroom in Oftringen, Switzerland.
Prospective customers can request a general presentation tailored to their particular needs, or a demonstration where their own material will be processed for a preferred application, with the material returned afterwards for internal evaluation and testing.
For clients unable to travel to Switzerland, Lüscher offers live video demos on MS Teams.
Supplier of industrial weighing and dosing systems for the glass industry, Lahti Glass Technology Oy has developed a new batch controller for the dosing and weighing control of raw material components for glass batch. The new instrument offers an inexpensive way to upgrade dosing controls. It is designed to replace and fit into the space occupied by the old (Raute) Lahti WB-950 and WB-951 dosing controllers – users can keep the existing control system mainly as is; there is no need to modify the PLC program or HMI but the communication protocol must be changed to Profinet.
Facilitating advanced haptic and visual effects, Koenig & Bauer Kammann’s new HIL process enables multi-ink layer application on container glass products including drinkware, bottles and cosmetic flacons.
The technology is based on Koenig & Bauer Kammann’s well known digital print station and can be integrated onto machine bases such as the K15 and K20 series.
Wear protection specialist Kalenborn has reached its 100 year milestone in making plant components resistant to abrasion.
Co-founded by Dr Kurt Mauritz and based in Vettelschoss, Germany, the business entity that began in 1921 as Schmelzbasalt AG has evolved over 100 years to become a successful family-run firm with 600 employees, 12 companies and 25 distributors on five continents.
In line with its vision to create value from innovating world leading, high technology products, specialty chemicals group Johnson Matthey has developed 1S2020 to meet strict requirements for sunroof glass.
The installation of each glass part in a vehicle dictates properties of the glass and enamel system used. Critical for sunroof glass is the need to achieve the expected fired surface properties: colour; optical density; mechanical and chemical durability; using the minimum fired enamel layer possible.
Glass mould specialist Changshu Jianhua Mould Technology Co.’s tungsten carbide plunger project was successfully approved and officially put into production in 2020.
Traditionally, the surface of a plunger is spray-clad with nickel-based powder giving it a hardness of about 40HRC and enabling the equipment to be used to press molten glass at a temperature of about 1000°C into a mould.
Coated with tungsten carbide powder, Jianhua Mould’s NNPB plunger has a hardness that can reach more than 60HRC.
To combat the destructive effect cullet can have on wear plate in glass industry operations, provider of impact and abrasion wear solutions JADCO has further reduced nickel levels in its Chromeweld series of overlay plates.
The glass industry standard for maximum allowable nickel is 0.25%. JADCO has reduced this level by another 20% with quality controls in its manufacturing process.
The result achieves well below 0.20% total nickel in Chromeweld, which has been readily accepted by most glass producers.
Designer and manufacturer of machines for packaging decoration Isimat has adapted the patented InLINE FOILING process it developed with Leonhard Kurz for tapered glass bottles and conical glass drinkware.
The inLINE FOILING multicolour metallisation process uses only one foil, which can be overprinted immediately with a clear varnish or a tinted varnish; multi-colour metallised images can be achieved by over-varnishing with tinted varnishes of two or more colours.
Gas supplier HyGear Asia, a subsidiary company of HyGear, has signed an agreement to supply its gas recovery system to Obeikan Glass Company, the largest float/coated/laminated glass manufacturer in the Middle East region located in Yanbu city on the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Hydrogen and nitrogen gas mixtures are used in float glass production as a protective atmosphere to prevent oxidation.
These gases are injected into the tin bath where liquid glass is floated on molten tin. Commonly the mixed gases, once used, are vented into the atmosphere.
A new burner bracket from HORN offers several advantages for customers.
Accurate and rapid adjustment of the burner angle after burner replacement or cleaning is of utmost importance given the strong influence the burner angle can have on the melting process, furnace life and emission values during glass making; the burner also facilitates lower energy consumption.
HORN’s H-RAB Rapid Adjust Bracket offers simplified adjustment of the correct burner angle to get replicable values.
Honeywell Thermal Solutions has expanded its portfolio of combustion products for the glass industry with its PrimeFire FH burner. Featuring next generation oxy-fuel technology, the PrimeFire FH is Honeywell’s latest innovation in glass forehearth technology with a patent pending burner/block design that provides a maintenance-free, long lasting product for container, e-glass and wool glass applications.
The new burner is designed to be cooler running for longer burner life, while still providing improved fuel usage and NOx reduction.
Manufacturer of industrial chains from China, Hengjiu Group is expanding its production capacity for flat top conveyor chain through investment in Jixi Hengjiu Special Chain Co., Ltd., its subsidiary located in Anhui Province, China. The Hengjiu Group has been working with well-known international companies and dealers (including private labelling products) for decades and is established in seven locations with an annual turnover of €180 million.
Members from the glass, ceramics, steel, paper, cement and chemicals industries along with representatives from academia, government agencies and the energy sector attended an interactive workshop on the EnviroAsh project to investigate waste ashes, slags and mineral by-products as a source of secondary raw materials.
Manufacturer of lubrication and engineering systems Graphoidal Developments Ltd is preparing for the retirement of Mark Johnston, Managing Director of the Rondot Group company. Mr Johnston will be succeeded by Simon Holmes, a Rondot Group Board Member and Managing Director of Sheppee International and Rondot GB Limited.
Manufacturer of separator application systems Grafotec Spray Systems has successfully completed testing a liquid application system with a German customer.
Grafotec’s new roller application device can coat float glass with anti-corrosion liquid using a single, continuous roller.
The application quantity is regulated via a shutter control and automatically adapts to different web speeds in order to keep the desired application quantity constant.
Following successful completion of a project to modernise one of PT Mulia Glass’s production lines, automation specialist futronic has been tasked with retrofitting another of the Indonesian company’s lines.
Early in 2019, futronic received an order from glass manufacturer PT Mulia Glass to modernise one of the production lines at a plant south-east of Jakarta.
Indian furnace maker Furnotherm is currently handling four major glass furnace projects in four different locations.
The company has started a prestigious commission constructing the first float glass plant in Uzbekistan: a greenfield project for Zarafshon Oyna LLC, designed and supplied by HORN, Germany. Concurrently, Furnotherm is also building a greenfield 250tpd container glass furnace for Piramal Glass in Jambusar, Gujarat, India.
As part of its FUCHS 2025 strategy and the inception of its Global Business Segment dedicated to servicing the glass industry, lubricant manufacturer FUCHS has embarked on an ambitious strategy of expanding the global manufacturing landscape for its FUCHS LUBRITECH VITROLIS range of glass lubricants.
To support the full line of VITROLIS products coming out of the company’s UK plant in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, these products will now also be manufactured in other FUCHS facilities around the world as part of its ‘Act Global’ strategy.
Supplier of glass melting technologies Forglass has won a greenfield project to design and deliver a furnace and an entire batch plant for an international glass producer specialising in the production of amber beer bottles.
Based on technology developed by Forglass (with full automation and safety systems, including gas supply), the furnace at the company’s new factory in Poland will deliver over 400 tons of amber glass per day to three production lines.
Since its acquisition of Diegel Creative Coatings in 2018, coatings and colour solutions provider Ferro has continued to align its glass decoration products with many of the world’s iconic drinks and perfumery brands.
Ferro’s connections to these brands have been forged through its close relationships with glass manufacturers and specialist glass decorators such as Dekorglass S.A., based in Dzialdowo, Poland, which has become a longstanding partner for Diegel’s eco-friendly water-based organic coatings.
Glass melting specialist Falorni Tech defines ‘opportunity engineering’ as the early stage of an investment project in glassmaking. Working as a technical consultant for several investment projects in glassmaking, the company has developed an unconventional approach that remains embedded within the frames of the commercial phase of a project and not in the executive phase.
In addition to operations in the United States, Europe and China, ink manufacturer Encres DUBUIT is expanding its Asia manufacturing footprint by opening a new plant in Vietnam.
The company opened its first factory in Asia, China (Shanghai) in 2003 and then extended it in 2011. DUBUIT Shanghai is currently a R&D, production, sales and technical support centre for China and all of Southeast Asia.
Following EMS Group’s acquisition of Zecchetti SRL, supplier of turnkey automation solutions for transport and palletisation EMS Group USA has been created to offer clients product handling solutions for the food & beverage, glass, PET/HDPE and metal can industries.
Producer of batch and cullet treatment systems EME has applied intelligent control to its cullet scrapers to reduce wear and to save energy and labour.
Via interfaces with a customer’s IS machines, whether gobs or continuous trickle, EME’s control system intelligently determines the quantity of glass fed into the scraper conveyor and automatically adjusts running times and running speeds to optimise the system performance. In this way, changes in glass production are compensated for independently and without the intervention of an operator.
Manufacturer of shaped refractories DSF Refractories & Minerals has made two new board appointments as part of its strategy for future growth ambitions and to bring more focus on operations to the board.
Janette Flower and Matt Handley – both already part of the senior management team at DSF, and instrumental to seeing the company through the Covid-19 pandemic – have been promoted to the roles of Manufacturing Operations Director and Strategic Operations Director, respectively.
Manufacturer of metal moulds for the glass and crystal industry and conveyors for the hollow glass industry, Diverre is using its technical know-how to produce moulds for pharmaceutical vials that will contain vaccines to fight the Covid-19 coronavirus. Additionally the company’s conveying equipment is employed to transport glass vials before they are filled. To assist with extra measures of hygiene required during the pandemic Diverre is also offering its own hydroalcoholic gel dispenser that can be personalised by customers.
In cooperation with major glass manufacturers, coating specialist DinterS has developed a fully automatic Central Feeding Unit (CFU) for hot end coating chemicals.
The unit ensures better safety, reduced costs for chemicals, no waste material and less maintenance. A key advantage is offered by the self priming main transfer pump, which makes filling operations of the day tank much easier and therefore safer. Levels and pump settings are viewed on a 7 inch Siemens touch screen.
Two new models have been added to Bristol Instruments’ line of non-contact optical thickness gauges. The 157XLS (Extra Long Scan) and 137XLS systems are the latest additions, both of which extend the maximum measurement limit to 80mm. The longer scan measurement capability was added primarily to accommodate thicker, multi-element optical components and assemblies, as well as large diameter medical devices.
Provider of coatings for the hollow glass industry Bohemi Chemicals has developed a hot end coating that enhances the overall mechanical strength of the bottle. Startin S is pure (99%) monobutyltin trichloride, also known as MBTC, that is sprayed on the bottle just after the forming phase at 550–450°C. The high temperature causes all organic components to evaporate, laying down a homogeneous coat of tin oxide that closes any micro cracks on the glass bottle caused by the rough surface of the mould.
Electrical melting specialist Bock Energietechnik has developed a new risk-free process to install bottom electrode holders up to three inches in size.
The company’s service team has already employed this new method “with great success” on a 600 ton melting tank during ongoing operations (see photo).
Inserting or exchanging side electrodes is part of daily business for the team. Bock has a ‘tried and tested’ procedure for side electrodes and its equipment, which was developed in-house, is also unique in the glass industry.
Manufacturer of flat glass processing equipment Bavelloni has added a new model to its range of vertical washers.
The VW1600 OT is the smallest washer in the VW Series. With an open-top structure it can process up to 1600mm high glass sheets and also allows the passage of higher glass panes. The body of the machine consists of a washing area with three independent zones (pre-wash, washing and rinsing) and a drying section.
Understanding the cost and limitations rotary carousel machines place on manufacturers has been the key driver of Applied Vision Corporation’s mission to provide a non-contact, non-rotate empty glass container inspection.
The manufacturer of machine vision systems for the food and beverage industry is keen to reduce extra inspection legs necessary in cold end material handling, warehousing of container tooling, and complex and difficult job changes.
Supplier of quality assurance and process automation equipment to the packaging industry Agr International has appointed Steve Smith as Director of Sales to lead Agr’s North American sales organisation.
In this role Mr Smith will oversee all sales related activities within the United States, Mexico, Canada and several countries within Latin America and the Caribbean as part of Agr’s multi-year plan to strengthen and expand its sales and service organizations to benefit customers throughout the world.
The Impac IN 6/78-L by Advanced Energy is a new pyrometer specially developed to address the challenges posed by using infrared temperature measurement on ultra-thin glass.
Requiring high-quality display glass with a low-defect rate, products such as smart phones and tablets typically tend to use to thinner glass (<1mm) due to weight and energy reasons.
Manufacturer of release agents, special coatings and cleaning agents Acmos is confident that its innovative new patching product will revolutionise the delivery coating market.
Developed to patch-repair worn delivery parts, which typically would need to be removed and recoated – an expensive and time-consuming operation, Acmos 43-5004 is a water-based coating that can be applied directly to areas where the chute coating has become worn by glass gobs without removing them from the production to maximise gob delivery performance.
Originally scheduled to take place in Velke Karlovice in September 2021, the 16th International Seminar on Furnace Design – Operation and Process Simulation has been postponed due to the pandemic. New dates for the seminar will be announced in the second half of 2021.
The event takes place every two years and brings together over 150 glass experts from around the world to discuss the use of simulation and control tools with the goal of optimising the glass melting and forming process.
SEFPRO, a provider of innovative and reliable refractory solutions for glass manufacturers, is now a SmartMelter Certified Partner.
There is a natural synergy between the two companies that forms the basis of this partnership. SEFPRO is a major global refractory supplier offering top-of-the-line refractory solutions specifically to the glass industry; PaneraTech believes it to be the only company to offer radar-based refractory monitoring solutions to the glass industry.
Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), a leading strategic partner for OEMs and system builders, announces the launch of its next generation Atlas Image Quality (IQ) toolset, offering print quality enhancement for industrial digital printing.
The Atlas IQ toolset is a range of Image Quality tools – intelligent software to provide a superior level of image management and compensation for inkjet printheads, drawing on GIS’ wealth of expertise in the market.
Software specialist Vertech’ has developed Pallet Audit: a SILXQual module feature for controlling, tracking and certifying the conformity of finished products and pallets prior to delivery.
The Pallet Audit interface automatically generates quality check batches when the plant has an ERP – they can also be created manually.
Manufacturer of equipment for industrial non-contact temperature measurement, combustion efficiency and environmental monitoring AMETEK Land has appointed FLW Southeast Instrumentation Solutions (FLW Southeast) as its exclusive representative in the Southeastern region of the USA.
Israel’s Seebo, the predictive quality and yield solution, is extending its Series B financing round, for a total of $24 million.
The funding will be used to further expand its global reach and continue enhancing its process-based artificial intelligence solution. The round is led by Vertex Ventures with participation from 10D, The Phoenix and Leumi Partners.
AMETEK Land has added further features to its IMAGEPro software for use with the NIR-Borescope-2K Glass thermal imaging solution in glass melt tank applications.
The NIR-B-2K provides a thermal image with an outstanding definition of nearly three megapixels (1968 x 1472). It is not affected by the hot atmosphere or gases of the furnace and allows operators to measure from any of its three million fully radiometric-calibrated pixels, providing data to optimise furnace temperature.
SAATI SpA and CST GMBH have established a joint venture to further expand their long-standing relationship, strengthening their combined resources to support revenue growth for customers and partners.
The joint venture will leverage the capabilities of Germany’s CST in computer to screen and the considerable application and marketing expertise of Italy’s SAATI in the screen printing industry as a solution provider and global manufacturer of screen printing mesh, stencil systems, screen cleaning chemistry.
CutPRO Cut Resistant Clothing has reported its most successful year since its creation in 2017. It is also on target for further sustained growth during 2021, in spite of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The protective clothing brand has launched a series of garment designs, after consulting health and safety professionals of leading flat glass, sheet metal and air conditioning companies from around the world.
Forglass is known to many European glass producers for the design and build of glass furnaces and batch plants.
Less widely known is that it is also a multi-faceted engineering enterprise, including the design, construction and delivery of much of the auxiliary equipment for glassworks, such as conveyors, crushers and gas combustion systems.
Among the company’s areas of expertise is the design and delivery of demanding combustion systems that meet and exceed the most rigorous safety standards.
Bristol Instruments has added two models to its line of non-contact optical thickness gauges. The 157XLS (Extra Long Scan) and 137XLS systems are the latest additions, both of which extend the maximum measurement limit to 80mm.
These models maintain industry leading accuracy as high as ± 0.1 μm for the 157XLS models and long-term repeatability of up to ± 0.02 μm.
For less exacting requirements, the 137XLS measures accuracy as high as ± 1.0 μm and features a long-term repeatability of ± 0.05 μm.
American Glass Research will be conducting its latest in a series of educational webinars entitled ‘Spotlight on Fusing Container Design and Branding’ on 19 and 21 January 2021.
The company’s design experts will explore branding options, stress levels and performance implications for stock, custom and individual bottle categories.
Participants will also learn about a variety of branding opportunities and how they may be applied, while taking into consideration performance implications and other technical details.
To make it even easier to optimise its refractory products and services in the field, HarbisonWalker International has enhanced its mobile refractory tools app, based on customer input.
The free app for iOS and android devices is available with basic functionalities for all users. HWI customers and members of HWI's Contractor/Installer (C/I) network can log in on the app for more features and updates to existing functions.
Glaston Corp and Juha Liettyä, a member of the Executive Management Group and SVP Glaston Heat Treatment Technologies, have together agreed that Juha Liettyä will leave the company on 30 November 2020.
Juha Liettyä joined Glaston in 1986 and has been a member of the Executive Management Group since 2007.
As of 1 December 2020, VP, Emerging Technologies Miika Äppelqvist, Industrial engineering and management, has been appointed SVP Glaston Heat Treatment Technologies and member of the Executive Management Group.
Italy’s Falorni Tech has confirmed its commitment to ensuring business continuity while protecting its workforce during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The epidemic is described as a testing ground for the company’s IT infrastructure and latest work organisation methods, as a proven and safe video conferencing infrastructure further allows the business to organise meetings and keep daily contacts with customers.
For field service workers, however, who cannot work from home, the ‘office’ is the glass factory, in different locations throughout each day.
Forglass has been recognised in Poland as a company that is not only developing its international business rapidly but one that is doing so with excellence, innovation and establishing strong partnerships with foreign clients.
The ‘Ambassador of the Polish Economy’ is an annual competition organised by the Business Centre Club of Poland.
Its aim is to increase the involvement of Polish entrepreneurs in promoting the country in the international arena, as a reliable economic partner.
Leading glass melting technology supplier Forglass is involved in a campaign organised by the Business Centre Club (BCC) of Poland, the aim of which is to show respect and appreciate people for their efforts to fight the economic crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of this initiative, employees of BCC member companies take photographs with a card bearing the hashtag #RatujeBoPracuje (Helping because I’m working) and share them on a specially created Facebook event, fan pages of the companies they work for and on their personal profiles.
Kanthal has added a 60 kW heater to its range of flow heaters to meet demands for higher power in industries like glass and aluminium.
These sectors typically have high power demands and use open flame torches in their production processes.
According to a Kanthal statement, switching from gas burners to electric air heaters reduces carbon emissions, increases the speed of preheating processes and minimises the risk of explosions since no moisture and water is released in the equipment.
Glaston Corp has initiated co-operation negotiations concerning measures to adapt its operations to lower than expected demand.
The negotiations cover all companies in Finland and concern both temporary lay-offs and termination of employment contracts.
Glaston estimates that the negotiations could lead to the termination of up to 20 employment contracts.
The short-time work in Glaston’s Automotive business in Switzerland, implemented in the autumn 2019, continues until further notice and the organisation continues to monitor the situation closely.
Krosno Glass SA, one of Poland’s premiere makers of exclusive glassware, has selected Forglass again to perform upgrades on one of its main furnaces. The work, planned for November 2020, will include partial replacement of refractories, heat-up, fill-up and hot sealing.
Italy’s Falorni Tech is participating at glasstec VIRTUAL with an interactive web presentation on 21 October at 15:00 CET.
Anyone interested in attending is invited to register for free to discover the company’s solutions for the glass container industry, with a focus on the FLEX-COND glass conditioning system for NNPB production.
The live session will be hosted by Commercial Director Andrea Zucconi, who will offer an overview of Falorni Tech glass melting technology, including 3D visuals.
Condat SA and Kemno have reached the closing date of an agreement giving Condat ownership of the Italy-based lubricants company Kemno.
Kemno, like Condat, is a family-owned company. Created in 2004 by Novati siblings, the Italian firm specialises in the production of neat and soluble coolants.
Active primarily in the cold heading business, Kemno also offers metal working fluids, maintenance oils and greases, as well as quenching oils.
With energy regulations and climate policy targets establishing strict requirements for the construction of future buildings, selecting the most effective and a compatible system for controlling the presence of water, water vapour and achieving airtight transition seals in ventilated facades, curtain walls and window perimeter systems, can be a complex decision.
International engineering group Fives has launched a subfolder ‘Glass’ site, www.fivesgroup.com/glass, devoted to the group’s strategy to focus on greener glass manufacturing technologies.
The website is structured around four main axes that aim to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions and enhance operating life, as well as minimise downtime and maintenance costs:
* Melting: Electric melting and boosting systems, oxy-fuel and hybrid furnaces.
FM Global, a leading multi-national commercial insurance company, updated data sheet 7-26, loss prevention guidelines for the glass industry, in July 2020.
These updated guidelines include radar-based technology among a list of minimum activities recommended for an asset integrity programme, found in section 2.5.13-D. PaneraTech reports that SmartMelter is currently the only technology that provides inspections that meet this action.
Current restrictions have resulted in a significant increase in the usage of digital communication formats.
The companies Optris, greateyes and PhoenixTM are organising a webinar devoted to this topic on 17 September entitled ‘Getting precise - Three state-of-the-art technologies used in the industry to get high value data for analysis and process optimisation.’
The three companies will each present their technologies and systems but also place a strong focus on current applications.
Penico Gauges have completed its development of gauges to help in the inspection of plungers used in the moulding process for glass containers.
The UK company now offers two gauges that are of benefit to mould shops. Both are fully adjustable.
The plunger diameter gauge has an interchangeable diameter feature for different plungers and height blocks for setting the varying heights that occur on the gauging point of plungers.
Separately, Penico’s plunger straightness gauge is also fully adjustable to accommodate the many different types of plunger.
Companies involved in processing flat glass often need to unload containers of glass from delivery vehicles and to place them inside a facility for unpacking.
These containers are often loaded over-height (OOG).
A fast turnaround of the delivery truck is required to avoid demurrage costs. Conventional container handlers are unsuitable for this operation, as top lifting is not possible.
This equipment is also expensive and has extremely high axle loads that result in yard damage. It also cannot bring a container inside.
Hunprenco Precision Engineers Ltd has appointed Ivan McNeill as Managing Director. Mr McNeill has worked for the company for 17 years, joining initially as Maintenance Engineer and applying his knowledge and experience gained within other industries (precision engineering, industrial gases/cryogenics South Africa, plastics, rubber and chemicals).
This, coupled with his dedication, hard work and willingness to learn has enabled Mr McNeill to advance to his current position.
He will be assisted by Chris Houghton and Dennis Langfield, who are both named as Directors.
Orientis Technology, based in Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad Oblast, Russia, has been appointed Electroglass agent for Russia and the CIS countries.
With an established position as a supplier to the region’s glass industry, Orientis Technology will bring valuable local support to existing and new Electroglass customers in the region.
UK-based Electroglass specialises in the development, design and manufacture of electric glass melting systems and equipment.
Franklin Bronze Precision Components has introduced the next generation of automation upgrades for its shell room.
The investment casting company has been at the forefront of automation since introducing robots to its manufacturing processes in early 2005 and continues to stay ahead via its latest introduction of robotic technologies.
This year, Franklin Bronze has upgraded the robotic arm and supervisory system in Shell Room 2. Installed by Shell-O-Matic Inc, the robot arm was replaced with a state-of-the-art system.
In anticipation of a second Covid-19 wave, PaneraTech will be offering assistance to glass manufacturers by waiving SmartMelter equipment lease fees to qualifying customers. Some customers do not have access to technicians due to travel restrictions.
Others have tighter restrictions to protect their workforce that do not allow the plant to bring in external visitors. The free leases will allow customers to collect the radar data on their furnaces at their own pace with remote guidance, without being subject to cost and time pressures.
BASF has launched a website for EXACTUS optical temperature sensors, featuring downloadable software and documentation. The site also includes access to product drawings, user guides and BASF TemperaSure. This graphical software gives the user the ability configure instrument settings and to log temperature readings obtained from EXACTUS pyrometers.
In response to recent design trends and to help meet industry requirements for improved energy efficiency and aesthetics of modern architectural glass, Dow has developed advanced, crystal clear silicone bonding technologies that can structurally bond glass and metal elements without penetrating their surface, hence preserving energy while enabling glass aesthetics.
Linde’s US subsidiary, Praxair Inc will begin operating under the Linde name from 1 September 2020. This name change reflects the company’s evolution following the merger of Praxair Inc and Linde AG. Operating under the Linde brand, the company has established a vision to be the best performing global industrial gases and engineering company.
When a leading glass container producer in the Netherlands needed a replacement cullet return system, the company turned to Forglass, the furnace and batch plant technology expert from Poland, whose engineers have designed a latest generation scraping conveyor, equipped with ‘smart’ technology. The design has already been dubbed SmartScraper, due to the machine’s built-in intelligence.
One of the key elements of this intelligence is the overload protection system (OPS).
Sun Chemical has organised a Corporate Sustainability Committee to further strengthen its approach to addressing the sustainability needs of the packaging industry.
AMETEK Land is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its UKAS-accredited infrared temperature calibration laboratory in the UK. In 1970, the laboratory in Sheffield was the first in the country to be accredited by the then British Calibration Service (BCS), now the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), for the issue of calibration certificates for non-contact thermometry.
Vidromecanica, Portugal, has recently completed the expansion of its premises, the company’s third significant expansion in recent years, providing additional space for the design and manufacture of equipment for the glass container and tableware sectors.
Based in the glassmaking hub of Marinha Grande, Vidromecanica employs approximately 60 production staff.
Agr International has announced the appointment of Martin Küstner (shown left) and Davide Bartoli (right) to strategic international positions within the organisation.
These appointments are a continuation of the company’s ongoing plans to strengthen and expand its sales and service organisations, in order to better support the needs of customers throughout the world.
A 20 year veteran at Agr International, Martin Küstner is named International Sales Director, overseeing all worldwide sales-related activities, with the exception of the USA and Canada.
Quantum Engineered Products is now present in more than 50 different countries, having shipped mechanisms to hollow glassmakers in three continents in recent weeks alone.
This includes configurations for 6-section 2 1/8in triple gob, 8-section 3in triple gob, 8-section 3 5/16in triple gob, 8-section 5in double gob and 10-section 6 1/4in double gob.
AMETEK Land now provides in-furnace thermal glass surveys to increase efficiency, productivity and asset life in glass production.
The company’s surveys allow glass producers to gain essential insights to the thermal processes within their glass melt tanks, with accurate real-time temperature measurements.
Combining near-infrared borescope thermal imaging with portable multi-gas analysis, the survey is carried out by an experienced engineer at a specified number of furnace locations.
Available from RHI Magnesita, the INNOREG concept of customised regenerators for glass furnaces optimises energy efficiency and reduces the clogging risk for individual regenerators.
The increase in energy efficiency was realised mainly with the TLW chimney block design. Increased energy efficiency means lower fuel cost and at the same time, lower CO2 emissions.
The reduction of clogging risk was achieved with the LCP shape, allowing a larger channel width in the lower area of the regenerators.
Based on a three axis design, Revimac’s RSS100 servo stacker is capable of operating at speeds of up to 22 cycles/min.
The three brushless servomotors allow users to operate an approaching, pursuit, loading and back cycle, always maintaining full control in each phase.
Via the user-friendly interface, it will be intuitive for personnel to customise curves and movement profiles to fit any type of glass container.
The Bavelloni VE series is the latest evolution of flat glass edging machinery, regarded as a benchmark in the field for its reliability, user-friendliness and for the quality of end product.
VE straight-line edgers are available in various configurations for every need and for any glass fabricator.
VE 350 6D is a vertical edger, equipped with six diamond wheels, suitable for customers who need to grind flat edge with arrises at high speed (up to 8m/min).
The use of laminated glass is growing rapidly thanks to its safety and comfort qualities. The latest laminating oven from Bovone is designed to provide a valid production alternative.
With this technology, the hot air flow system is separated from the IR heating lamps.
The air can be independently heated by electrical heaters, so the two heating systems can be managed in an independent way to manage any type of interlayer.
A spin-off from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser and Production Technology (ILT/IPT), nokra has almost 30 years’ experience in designing and integrating state-of-the-art, laser-based geometry measuring systems for 100% inline inspection in fully automated production lines.
The first glass measuring system was installed in 2006 on a Saint-Gobain windscreen production line. Today, more than 30 systems are used worldwide, operated by Saint-Gobain, KAC, AGC and AGP.
ROSS Europa GmbH has developed a proportional pressure control valve with comprehensive real-time monitoring and analysis capabilities for functions like plunger-up, counter-blow, final blow or finish cooling.
The state of a ROSS proportional valve can be monitored in real-time, allowing users to identify potential problems (eg leakages downstream the valve, voltage supply, upstream pressure) before they result in product defects and unnecessary machine downtime, thereby optimising the glass container manufacturing process and avoiding unnecessary costs.
When a UK glass container customer of Standard Industrie International encountered a problem of material spillages during the conveying of in-house cullet, it was decided to modify the existing strip and install 32m of LIFTUBE.
During a short production stoppage, the LIFTUBE was installed on a conveyor running in a tunnel of approximately 1500mm sides.
All original rollers and skirts were removed and taken out of the tunnel in turn.
The LIFTUBE parts were then transported by hand and installed on the original conveyor frame.
A key challenge for Italy’s Vetromeccanica is the performance of its recently created cold end department.
In addition to the company’s long-term experience in conveying solutions for containers, its goal is to consolidate the turnkey cold end and palletising solutions provided.
Capitalising on the success of previous advanced designs, BASF has recently developed enhanced thermocouple designs that utilise 20%-40% less precious metal than their traditional equivalents.
These designs use advanced high strength materials that allow for the use of less precious metal without sacrificing, form, fit or function of the thermocouple.
The designs can be used in forehearth, crown and bottom applications. The biggest benefit is a significant cost saving, without sacrificing longevity, quality and overall performance.
Based on 25 years’ experience in the glass container industry, DinterS has improved the operation of coating hoods to reduce the consumption of chemicals.
Developed in co-operation with leading glass producers, the company’s coating equipment minimises the environmental impact and daily costs of production.
Pictured: Latest DinterS coating hood.
Proell's core business lies in the development of custom-made chemical products for coating/decorating glass, metals, plastics and other materials, as well as innovative ink systems for IMD/FIM technology and screen and pad printing inks.
Among the company’s latest innovations is NoriGlass OR, a glossy, silicone-free, two-component glass screen printing enamel ink.
This outdoor-resistant ink has been developed for the second surface decoration of glass, particularly for backlit displays of vending or ticket machines.
According to Italy’s ADI, the Application of Industrial Diamond, good diamond tools mean reduced scrap, better results, higher productivity and ultimately, lower cost per metre.
The company’s UHS family of tools is used widely on most common vertical CNC machines. This special bond is formulated to give the best performance levels at high speed. It also delivers long tool life, contributing to reduced machine downtime.
Fuchs Lubricants has recently launched the first in a series of manual swabbing compounds for application in the glass container industry.
Part of the company’s comprehensive glass lubricants product range covering the container industry, flat glass and pharmaceutical/medicinal ware, Vitrolis MM premium is targeted at extended swabbing cycles and improving efficiency.
Available in 18kg sample pails, as well as 200kg drums and 1000kg IBC, the product is commercially available from Fuchs facilities throughout the world, together with local technical and commercial support.
In order to deliver ‘fresh’ glass to its customers, an established float glass production plant in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany is using a Grafotec Liquid Applicator - LA C-Protection on its line.
The system applies an anti-corrosion agent to the glass ribbon in liquid form, which can delay the resulting corrosion.
Dow is offering architectural designers and specifiers the opportunity to realise an aesthetically pleasing ‘one colour edge’ for insulating glass, which is a key design element in modern glass facades.
This colour matched edge sealant system comprises a DOWSIL primary and secondary sealant which when combined, offers high performance in gas-filled insulating glass for a homogenous appearance and improved aesthetics at the glass edge.
Mappi has again taken up the innovation challenge with its latest range of tempering furnaces, powered by Siemens.
Both the smallest of the company’s Fox series and those of its flagship ATS 4.0 series have been prepared to be integrated into MindSphere, the Siemens operating system, created specifically for Industry 4.0 and its infinite applications.
Cefla’s MITO Glass automated spray solution for flat glass decoration increases production output while simultaneously ensuring application uniformity, process quality and reduced rejects.
The speed and ease of use of the patented JIT system allows for extreme flexibility in colour change. A wide range of configurations allows for spray system customisation and increased variety in production output possibilities.
The contactless reading bar accurately scans the size of each glass sheet as it passes through the machine, ensuring reduced paint usage.
Following the retirement of Garry Fisher, Ondrej Bunda has been named Project Manager by Tecoglas, a member of the TECO Group of Companies.
He directly manages glass plant installation projects from early development through to project completion and is responsible for project scheduling, technical and budget evaluation, as well as construction co-ordination.
Ondrej Bunda (pictured) originates from the Czech Republic, where he received his Masters’ Degree in Structural and Transportation Engineering from the Czech Technical University in Prague.
Since signing a licensing and co-operation agreement with Verallia in May 2019, manufactIS GmbH has been supplying original spare parts, mechanism and assemblies for all GPS brand IS machines on an exclusive basis.
The development and installation of innovative technologies and safety solutions, as well as modernisations are part of the service and product portfolio provided.
Belgium’s Belref SA specialises in the production of dense and insulating bricks, monolithics and preshaped refractory products for the glass industry, supplying customers in more than 50 countries.
To remain at the highest level of quality and innovation, the company is currently investing in people and equipment, a PhD engineer having been welcomed from the University of Limoges, specialising in refractory materials, while specialist cutting equipment has been acquired for the finishing department.
India’s Shamvik Glasstech is undergoing rapid transformation via the involvement of third generation family members.
The company’s IS machinery expertise optimises cutting edge automation technologies to deliver end-to-end solutions with enhanced safety features. Vikram Munshi, Managing Director has created a global footprint in his 27 years at the helm. “To continue the legacy of the founding father, we will always try to provide up-to-date technology solutions to all customers who wish to establish a glass bottle plant” Mr Munshi confirms.
Metal powder producer Höganäs AB has developed a method to coat glass moulds using laser cladding rather than plasma transferred arc welding. Höganäs is a reliable and long-term partner for surface coating of moulds in the glass industry, with product offerings including nickel spray and fuse alloys and its blends with carbides, as well as extensive technical support from the Höganäs application development centre, ArcX.
Portugal’s Meta Global Lda reports growing sales to such countries as Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, Italy and the UK, in addition to its traditional business in support of glassmaking customers in Portugal and Spain.
Since its creation in 2006, Meta Global has maintained its focus on supplying the glass packaging, tableware and mould industries with quality products and services in close co-operation with customers. Technical, commercial, logistics and after sales support are conducted from locations in Lisbon and Leiria.
UK-based Pennine Industrial Equipment Ltd has been granted a European patent (EP 3348497) for its Swiftlink head protector link.
This follows the company having already been granted a US patent (US 10,358,293 B2).
Swiftlink has been designed to provide a different style of head protector that not only creates an uninterrupted transfer surface during hot glass container handling but also provides the ability to connect a chain rapidly when combined with Pennine’s Pennlock system.
HyGear, a supplier of industrial gases via on-site generation, will host a webinar on 7 July 2020 at 14:00 CET, discussing how companies can recover the mixed hydrogen and nitrogen gas streams that are usually vented, in an economical and environmentally-beneficial way.
Speakers at this webinar are Dr Ellart de Wit, Chief Technology Officer and Niels Lanser, Chief Commercial Officer. They will discuss the technology and its functions and cost savings respectively.
UK-based Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), a developer and supplier of industrial inkjet solutions, has named Steve Jeffels as Chief Financial Officer. He brings a wealth of financial, strategic and commercial experience to the role, enhancing the company’s financial and corporate planning capabilities for the next phase of its growth.
Poland’s leading batch plant and furnace technology supplier is at the forefront of factory operating changes, where machines are able to make decisions by themselves or at least make the decision-making process easier for humans by seamlessly communicating with them.
The Forglass R&D department, in collaboration with The Main Mining Institute in Katowice, AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow and other prestigious technical universities, has developed an array of innovative technological solutions for both batch plants and furnaces.
Frazier-Simplex is to utilise the Covid toolkit from Vigilant Technologies for all future construction project job sites to help eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses before they happen. The toolkit automates symptom screening, contactless temperature checks and contact tracing.
Turkish glass container specialist Gurallar Cam Ambalaj has selected Applied Vision’s
Volcano glass inspection systems for its second furnace project later this year in Kutahya. USA-based Applied Vision has continued its strategic growth into the glass container market due to its advancements in glass inspection technology and global support network.
‘Recycle for the world’ is the slogan adopted by Siam Glass in Thailand. Germany’s ZIPPE is now part of this cycle, as it helps the glassmaker to avoid wasting valuable raw materials.
Glaston President and CEO, Arto Metsänen is to retire on 1 January 2021 and has agreed to step down as CEO next month. The Board of Directors has nominated his current deputy, Sasu Koivumäki as acting CEO, with the recruitment process for a new CEO already underway.
Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, the MSK Covertech Group is cancelling its participation at glasstec this October 2020 and is planning alternative product launches.
VPInstruments, manufacturer of flow metering equipment for easy insights to energy flows, has provided a major update to its VP Academy online e-learning platform. The update contains the addition of the VPFlowScope DP, VPFlowScope Probe and the VPFlowScope in-line product range.
After 15 years as President at Bucher Emhart Glass, Martin Jetter is handing over to Matthias Kümmerle, who has headed the company’s technology efforts since 2011. The change will take effect on 1 January 2021.
Martin Jetter has been President of Bucher Emhart Glass since January 2006. In parallel, until 2013 he managed the automation company Jetter, which he founded independently. Bucher Industries acquired a stake in Jetter in 2005 and took over the company in 2013.
For a second year in succession, Forglass has been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Gazelles of Business ranking of the most dynamically growing businesses in the small-to-medium enterprise sector in Poland.
According to the company, this recognition reflects its positive reputation and credibility which, thanks to its dynamic development, can cope well even with much larger competitors.
Eurotherm by Schneider Electric, a leader in process automation and power control solutions, is staging public online training sessions on 12 and 19 May via the Microsoft Teams medium. Theme of the training sessions is ‘The Energy Source of the Future from an Energy Market Perspective’.
René Meuleman (pictured), Business Leader Global Glass, outlined some of the topics to be covered with the following commentary:
Tobias Wachtmann is to take over as Head of Vertical Glass & Solar at Siemens in Karlsruhe, Germany on 1 June, succeeding Bernhard Saftig, who retires in early July.
Mr Saftig has served glass industry customers at Siemens in positions of responsibility for more than three decades and leaves a strong foundation on which his successor can build.
Hotwork International, together with its subsidiaries worldwide, continues to serve clients with an urgent need for heat solutions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Many float furnaces, oxy-fuel and electric furnaces around the world have needed to install backup systems to temporarily keep furnaces or working ends hot in case of a hot hold or when the oxygen supply or transformer fails.
In some instances, urgent attention has been needed to avoid critical machine problems and in others, a furnace drain was called for.
Glaston’s first quarter 2020 results confirm a stable order book value of €45.6 million, driven by the insulating glass sector, where orders have grown by more than 70% year-on-year. Heat treatment equipment orders were also positive. Net sales grew by 6% to €46.9 million.
Glass melting technology specialist, Horn Glass Industries reports positive progress with a planned expansion of the company’s Ploessberg headquarters in Germany.
When the project is completed by mid-2020, 60 employees will benefit from the new complex’s productive working environment, designed for the creation of small office units, each fitted out for two-three people, instead of open plan offices.
A recent statement from Glaston confirms that production facilities in Finland, Germany, Switzerland and China have successfully maintained operations throughout the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
From the outset, the focus has been on securing the operations, the safety of employees and on continuous support for customers. This means that machines and lines for processing architectural, automotive, solar and appliance glass continue to be delivered to customers throughout the world.
Following a period of temporary closure to ensure the wellbeing and safety of staff, UK-based Glass Technology Services has reopened its laboratories for essential product lines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Combined Coating Measurement System (CCMS) from Agr International provides operators with a one-stop, single operation testing station for measuring and managing the container coating process.
This system utilises Agr’s proven reflective coating measurement technology, features a fully automated measurement approach and incorporates a number of technological advances.
It provides a 33% improvement in testing throughput and a 70% improvement in precision over previous Agr coating measurement systems.
As packaging markets continue to expand throughout Asia, Agr International has recognised significant demand for its quality management and process control equipment for glass and plastic containers.
This is evidenced by an ever-expanding customer base in the region.
The recent establishment of a sales and service office in Japan, headed by Satoshi Okura (pictured), is intended to meet this growing demand, using factory-trained Agr personnel.
Poland’s Forglass has recently completed a batch plant expansion project on behalf of glass wool production specialist, Saint-Gobain Isover.
The Chemillé plant in France was constructed some 10 years ago and recently the company decided to expand its glass wool production by constructing a second furnace. Calculations showed that the capacity of the batch plant was sufficient to supply both furnaces.
What was needed was an additional line for transporting the mixed batch to the new furnace, fully integrated with the client’s existing control system.
Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), a strategic partner for OEMs and system builders, has introduced its latest Atlas Graphical User Interface (GUI) industrial print software, offering significant usability and functionality, with interface options and language packs.
The Atlas Software Suite enables rapid integration of software components from GIS, system builders and third parties to create entire digital print systems covering workflow, RIP, VDP, drive electronics, ink delivery systems, transport control and subsystems.
Czech Republic-based Glass Service is celebrating 30 years’ service in support of the international glassmaking industry.
Together with affiliated companies FlammaTec spol s r o, FlammaTec Germany GmbH, FIC (UK) Ltd, FIC Germany GmbH, Augmented Sensors and Systems d o o (A-SENS), Glass Service provides extensive consulting and engineering services to customers.
HarbisonWalker International (HWI), the largest supplier of refractory products and services in North America, has announced Michael D Van Hill as Vice President, Supply Chain.
Mr Van Hill oversees all supply chain-related functions across the company’s international network, including customer service, demand and supply planning, transportation and logistics operations, as well as HWI’s 30 global sourcing centres and warehouses.
An investment group led by the owner of a worldwide construction company has acquired Henry F Teichmann Inc, the global process engineering and contracting firm dedicated to serving the glass industry.
Stephen F D’Angelo, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Pittsburgh-based dck worldwide, completed the transaction in mid-February, positioning Teichmann as an affiliate and strategic partner of the construction firm that has completed building projects in 125 countries.
Twenty seven Heye International service experts from around the world attended a week-long service workshop in Obernkirchen, Germany recently.
“What characterises the perfect team?” was among the important questions addressed, alongside “Which skill diversities can enrich the quality of a whole service team?” and “What are the benefits for the customer?”
Vibratory batch chargers with two pusher paddles and either servo- or frequency-controlled drives from HORN Glass Industries AG are increasingly specified in the glass market.
The reliability of this equipment has been reconfirmed by Wiegand-Glas in Steinbach, Germany in recent months. In 2018, HORN delivered a melting furnace together with an HRV 700S-2P batch charger, equipped with servo drive.
The servo drive allows the improved adjustment of the movement of the pusher paddles. Thus, the batch layer on the glass surface can be influenced more precisely.
Following the latest birthday honours awarded by the United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth 11, Hunprenco Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Edwin Neesom has received an MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for services to exports and to the rural community in North Yorkshire. He received the award from HRH The Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace, London.
In response to the international glass container industry’s growing acceptance and adoption of ‘smart’ manufacturing practises, IRIS Inspection machines has expanded its NEO range of smart inspection solutions.
Created in close consultation with key customers, the latest NEO technology goes beyond the conventional boundaries associated with specialist inspection machines, delivering a more comprehensive offering to face the challenges presented by the smart factory.
Nottingham, UK-based drying technology specialist for the industrial print market, Natgraph has appointed Andre Goodson as Managing Director and George Atkinson as Sales Manager for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Mr Goodson (pictured) brings a wealth of commercial leadership experience, bringing fresh ideas to the company, with an initial focus on growth. His core involvement will be with Natgraph’s global sales team and its operations group.
Germany’s NOGRID GmbH, leading supplier of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has relocated its headquarters to Mainz. Larger office space and training rooms (pictured) will help the company to prepare for further growth.
Separately, NOGRID has also announced its latest pointsBlow 3.2.5 software release (software especially for the simulation of the glass container forming process in full 3D) and NOGRID points 6.7.3, a general-purpose simulation software. Both releases provide a series of innovative features, with faster computation time ensuring reliable solutions.
Following its recent acquisition of Spain’s Kyp Accessories, the positioning of OCMI-OTG as a world leader in the supply of complete lines for the production of borosilicate glass containers for medical and cosmetic use is gaining momentum. This is illustrated by growing research and development activity throughout the group.
According to PaneraTech CEO Yakup Bayram (pictured with Fred Aker, Vice President of Sales and Marketing), self-service SmartMelter inspections will be available to new customers for initial inspections effective immediately. This service, previously extended only to repeat customers, will help glass manufacturers ensure safe and reliable furnace operations as they are forced to adjust maintenance and repair schedules.
Ramsey’s experience in the manufacture of two pin silent chains for almost 100 years has helped the company to produce what is described as a superior glass bottle conveying chain. Continuous R&D efforts have resulted in the development of innovations and special production methods for 100% steel Sentry two pin chains.
Following the departure of Miikkael Niemi, Jukka Manner (pictured) has been appointed CEO at Sparklike Oy, Finland’s leading supplier of non-destructive insulating gas analysers. Mr Manner has been Sparklike’s Sales and Marketing Director since early 2019, a position he will continue to perform in parallel.
Working alongside him is Iiro Jantunen, Chief Technology Officer, who has been responsible for product development, production maintenance and quality assurance since joining the business last November.
FlammaTec has introduced a hydrogen carbon-free burner in response to environmental challenges to reduce the glass industry’s CO2 footprint. A combined team of German and Czech FlammaTec engineers has worked with the Glass Service Simulation Department to create this latest generation technology.
The project required extensive computer simulation and engineering work, followed by testing at a high temperature combustion facility. The results have included proven burner parameters, flame flexibility and a highly efficient, stable combustion process.
Glaston Group has been awarded a contract for an FC Series tempering line with Dutch company Steinfort Glas, an expert in glass processing serving the construction, furniture, interior design and automotive industries. The order was received in early February 2020 and the line will be delivered during the last quarter of 2020. In addition, the deal includes a co-operation agreement sharing resources and linking companies core knowhows to a common learning curve.
Since introducing the all-electric furnace 50 years ago and providing boosters for more than 500 fossil-fired furnaces worldwide, SORG has an entire department dedicated to electric melting. The VSM cold top all-electric melter was first patented by the company in 1970. Subsequently, over 100 have been supplied, producing all kinds of glass, especially high quality glassware, while ensuring low energy consumption, low waste gas quantities and a dust-free factory environment.
