In the competitive landscape of glass manufacturing, operational efficiency and product quality are paramount.
Arbonia Glas, located in Deggendorf, Germany, has long been recognized for its commitment to producing high-quality laminated safety glass, utilizing toughened and heat-strengthened glass as well as float glass for the interior sector. With an emphasis on rapid delivery times and reliability, the company recently undertook a significant project: replacing its pre-lamination system with a state-of-the-art LiSEC pre-lamination furnace.
Matthias Baumgartner, Technical Operations Manager at Arbonia, provided insight into the motivations behind this project. “The idea of replacing the pre-lamination system came about due to the increased energy costs, which are largely incurred in the pre-lamination system in the laminated safety glass (LSG) process,” he explained. Energy efficiency is a critical concern, especially in an industry where margins can be tight. Baumgartner emphasized that the LSG process is the final step in production, making it particularly crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly. “The glass has already been cut, drilled, contains cut-outs and countersinks, and is toughened at this point – we are talking about up to five days of production before the glass even arrives at the laminated safety glass line.”
Given these complexities, any delays or issues in the pre-lamination stage can jeopardize the entire production timeline. “If we have promised the customer a delivery time of two weeks, for example, we have to get it right the first time,” Baumgartner noted. With substantial labor and energy costs already invested in the product before it reaches the lamination stage, the stakes are high.
Reflecting on the implementation of the LiSEC pre-lamination furnace, Baumgartner expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “My advice for anyone looking for a new pre-lamination system would be to look at the complete package. The complete package that LiSEC offered us is perfectly tuned. We got what we were promised.” He highlighted the impressive throughput speed of the new system, noting that it has exceeded expectations in real operational conditions across various thickness distributions.
Baumgartner also commended LiSEC for their thoughtful design and effective solutions. “I think many things have been well thought out and cleverly resolved, and we have not yet identified any major weaknesses when it comes to maintenance requirements and accessibility.” This level of consideration is crucial in minimizing downtime and ensuring that production processes remain efficient.
While there have been minor adjustments needed for specific build-ups, Baumgartner praised the collaborative support from LiSEC. “From time to time, there has been a need for minor adjustments for special build-ups, but so far we have found a solution for every requirement together with LiSEC Support,” he stated. This partnership approach has fostered a strong working relationship, further enhancing the operational capabilities of Arbonia Glas.
As Arbonia Glas moves forward with its new pre-lamination system, Baumgartner remains optimistic about the future. “If the system continues to run for ten years like it has for the last two months, I will be very happy indeed.” This sentiment underscores the importance of investing in advanced technology and maintaining a proactive partnership with suppliers like LiSEC.
In conclusion, the replacement of the pre-lamination system at Arbonia Glas is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By embracing innovative solutions and fostering collaborative relationships, Arbonia Glas is well-positioned to meet the demands of the modern glass manufacturing industry while continuing to deliver exceptional products to its customers.
Source: LiSEC with additional information added by GlassBalkan
