GPAD 2019: Tecglass and IGE Glass Technologies

The integration of new production technologies to improve working conditions and increase system performance, and the creation of new business models are changing the face of global industry. And that includes the glass sector, where automation is an accelerating trend aimed at improving efficiency and optimizing production.

Glass production and processing are no simple matter and yet, the quality of the end result depends on them. And if glass processing is precisely what makes it a high-quality product, the automation of this process is a trend topic of crucial importance at all of the international events focused on the evolution of this industry.

This element is certainly not underestimated by Tecglass: “Planning, control and automation through software developed to simplify and reduce our clients’ production times are of paramount importance in our growth strategy”, explains Xose Hermida, Director of the Architecture Business Unit and Asia Area Manager.

“Through the technologies we develop, by analyzing every aspect of printed glass production to find the most efficient solutions for our customers, we consistently aim to make our products easy to use. And, thanks to integrated process management software that almost entirely eliminates the need for machine maintenance or downtime for cleaning of our machines, we provide our clients with a highly functional product that is a versatile and efficient work tool”, he concludes.

A further example are two tools developed to increase automation of the print process presented by Hermida at the GPAD 2019 Conference in which the Spanish company participated in partnership with IGE Glass Technologies, North American sales partner for Tecglass technologies.

First was Vitro Scan – a glass sheet scanner, Vitro Scan is positioned on the machine, ahead of the printing arm. It quickly and automatically scans the glass panel to detect the orientation, positioning, thickness and dimensions of the glass (valuable information that is acquired before the printing process is initiated) to then produce a job that is perfect.

It is particularly handy for irregularly-shaped glass sheets, because it significantly reduces the possibility of error in setting up the print operation. Vitro Scan is equally useful for more regular-shaped glass because it can automatically compensate for production tolerances, making ink application even more efficient and precise, while enhancing the quality of the end result, optimizing production, eliminating unnecessary waste and errors, and providing greater reliability, while also simplifying the operator’s job.

But there’s more – every Tecglass machine is equipped with Vitro Cost, a tool developed to calculate the amount of ceramic ink needed for each print project. This provides an immediate appraisal of ink consumption for each print job and for every part of the design project, making for extremely precise cost estimations.