The recent Glasstec 2024 showcased HEGLA’s innovative SortJet IG sorting system, a game-changer for the logistics of insulating glass unit (IGU) production and shipping.
This system addresses critical inefficiencies in current IGU handling, focusing on consolidation and continuous provision to streamline the entire process.
Traditional IGU production often suffers from a rigid coupling between production and dispatch. Orders are typically processed in descending size order to facilitate direct loading onto shipping racks, minimizing restacking. However, this creates significant challenges when post-production adjustments are necessary, such as replacing damaged units. The current system often necessitates halting the dispatch process, relocating racks, or resorting to cumbersome manual restacking – all of which consume valuable time and resources.
HEGLA’s SortJet IG system elegantly solves these problems by decoupling production and dispatch through intelligent buffering. Immediately after production, up to four IGUs are automatically transferred to a transfer plate and temporarily stored in a drying tower. Following curing, they are moved to a horizontal sorting store. This buffering allows the IGU production line to operate independently of the dispatch sequence.
The system’s efficiency becomes particularly apparent when fulfilling customer orders. Once all units for a specific order are complete, the operator or software initiates the provisioning process. The system then ejects the IGUs in the precise sequence required for dispatch, eliminating manual intervention and the associated risks of error. This intermediate storage and optimized merging ensure reliable sequential glass transfer, even facilitating the future integration of robotic systems for further personnel relief.
By breaking the direct dependency between IGU production and dispatch, the SortJet IG unlocks significant optimization potential. The flexibility allows for prioritizing production runs based on factors like glazing type (single-variety double or triple glazing) or shared characteristics such as gas filling or sealant. This optimized sequencing can lead to substantial reductions in setup times and overall processing time, resulting in increased efficiency and throughput.
In conclusion, HEGLA’s SortJet IG represents a significant advancement in IGU logistics. Its intelligent buffering and automated sorting capabilities not only streamline the process but also unlock opportunities for optimizing production scheduling, ultimately leading to improved productivity and reduced operational costs for IGU manufacturers. The system marks a significant step towards a more efficient and responsive manufacturing process within the glass industry.
Source:HEGLA with additional information added by GlassBalkan
