As a prominent leader in the European glass manufacturing sector, Pilkington Poland, a key entity within the global NSG Group, holds an unwavering commitment to delivering products of exceptional quality and performance. This dedication is particularly critical in the production of Insulating Glass Units (IGUs), where precise gas concentration is paramount, especially for advanced, high-performance units. Pilkington Poland sought a method to swiftly and reliably verify gas fill levels during the production phase, crucially, without causing any damage to the finished product.
The challenge lay in ensuring the integrity of the IGU while simultaneously confirming crucial quality parameters. Traditional, invasive testing methods were unsuitable as they would compromise the seal and render the unit unusable. A solution was needed that offered speed, accuracy, and non-destructiveness, capable of handling the complexities of modern IGU constructions, including those incorporating coatings and laminates.
To address this critical need, Pilkington Poland strategically invested in the Sparklike Laser Portable. This innovative, non-invasive device is specifically designed to measure the insulating gas concentration within double and triple glazed units. Its capabilities extend to analyzing IGUs with various configurations, including those featuring coatings and laminates, a significant advantage in today’s advanced glazing market. The accuracy of the Sparklike Laser Portable has been rigorously validated by the testing facility ift Rosenheim, confirming its reliability when compared to the established standard of gas chromatography.
A key differentiator for Pilkington Poland is the Sparklike Laser Portable’s ability to perform gas content verification without breaking the IGU’s seal or compromising its structural integrity. This capability is in stark contrast to invasive testing methods, which inherently damage the unit. The device’s proficiency in handling the intricate glass structures prevalent in Pilkington Poland’s production further underscored its suitability. 
The implementation of the Sparklike Laser Portable at the Pilkington Poland production line has yielded tangible benefits:
- Enhanced Quality Control: The ability to perform fast and accurate gas concentration measurements directly on the production line significantly reinforces Pilkington Poland’s commitment to maintaining high product quality standards.
- Improved Response Time: Should a deviation in gas concentration be detected, the device facilitates immediate verification, enabling rapid decision-making and corrective actions, minimizing potential issues.
- Increased Confidence in Compliance: Verifying gas content non-invasively provides Pilkington Poland with greater confidence that their products meet specified requirements, reducing the risk of underfilled IGUs reaching their customers.
- Smooth Implementation: The onboarding process was notably smooth. Training provided by Sparklike’s local partner, Polver, was quick and effective, and the device’s intuitive interface made it simple for the production team to integrate it into their workflow.
In conclusion, the integration of the Sparklike Laser Portable has significantly strengthened Pilkington Poland’s production quality control processes. For manufacturers working with advanced IGUs, the capacity to non-invasively measure gas content – even in complex units featuring coatings or laminates – is not merely a convenience but a critical factor that distinguishes assumed quality from demonstrably proven performance.
To learn more about how Sparklike devices can optimize your quality assurance processes, we encourage you to get in touch with your nearest distributor.
Source: Sparklike with additional information added by GlassBalkan
