This significant achievement positions Thompson as a key partner within Vitro’s esteemed network of glass fabricators, a group recognized globally for their unwavering commitment to quality and exceptional performance in the architectural glass industry.

Vitro’s certified network, established in 2001, has grown to encompass 140 locations worldwide, a testament to the program’s rigorous standards and the value it provides to both fabricators and their customers. By joining this network, Thompson Innovative Glass demonstrates its dedication to upholding these high standards and providing customers with access to the very best in architectural glass solutions.

As a Vitro certified fabricator and laminator, Thompson is now authorized to offer the full spectrum of Vitro’s innovative product range. This includes the highly acclaimed Solarban® solar control low-E coatings, renowned for their energy efficiency and performance. Additionally, Thompson can now supply Starphire® ultra-clear glass, celebrated for its exceptional clarity and brilliance, along with Vitro’s comprehensive suite of laminated architectural glass solutions designed for various applications requiring enhanced safety, security, and acoustic performance.

This certification is particularly timely, following closely on the heels of Thompson’s recent announcement regarding its new West Michigan advanced lamination plant. With this state-of-the-art facility nearing operational status, equipped with advanced technology, Thompson is poised to significantly enhance its precision production capabilities, improve lead times, and increase overall capacity. The combination of Vitro certification and the new advanced lamination plant allows Thompson Innovative Glass to offer an unparalleled level of service and product availability to its clients, further solidifying its position as a leader in the architectural glass market.

“We look forward to leveraging our Vitro certification and enhanced lamination capabilities to continue providing our customers with the highest quality architectural glass products and services. This development marks a significant step forward for Thompson Innovative Glass, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, quality, and exceeding customer expectations”.

Source: Thompson Innovative Glass with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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The company currently has 60. Thanks to continuous innovation and high quality standards, Baros Vision has gained an excellent reputation and has been won several awards. In order to continue offering this quality, an investment was made in a new LiSEC laminated glass line.

The path to in-house production
Baros Vision initially purchased glass from external companies to manufacture this system. Due to larger tolerances with these glass deliveries, managing director Dzhamal Aliman was inspired to make initial contact with LiSEC. After multiple meetings and a visit to Austria, the high quality of LiSEC’s products was the ultimate convincing factor.

This partnership enabled Baros Vision to optimise its production processes further and to increase the quality of its glass railing systems. The cooperation with LiSEC was a decisive step in cementing and developing the market position of Baros Vision even further.

Tailor-made machine: Developed for a high quality end product
In addition to the existing LiSEC machine fleet in the glass cutting area, a specially-designed laminated glass line was installed. Among other things, the PLUSLAM S2040 COMPACT, the first of its kind on the Bulgarian market, comprises a PNM-B20 instead of a PNM-B20SN, as well as am FCC – Foil Cross Cut, FTC- Foil-Trim-Cut and FSS – Foil-Shuttle. This configuration is therefore tailored exactly to the customer’s requirements and ensures a high quality end product.

Material flow has been optimised by using additional drives known as the “Split-Drive.” Each of the transport sections is designed for lengths up to 2,000 millimetre and is therefore ideal for manufacturing balustrade glass. This reduces the distance between the glass lites sheets in order to increase efficiency and output. Despite this, producing lengths up to 4,000 millimetres remains possible.

In order to obtain support for any problems with the aforementioned machines, Baros uses LiSEC Online Support. This service has proven extremely reliable for Baros, and it is particularly remarkable that Support has been able to offer solutions even for machines that are not series products.

Sustainability and looking to the future: Ground-breaking for a green future
Baros Vision is also positioning itself as an innovator when it comes to sustainability. 80 percent of the energy used is generated by solar power. Purchasing the raw glass sheets that are produced using green energy underlines the company’s aim to reduce CO2 emissions significantly by 2050.

Baros Vision has continued to improve its market position thanks to continuous innovation, high quality standards and strategic partnerships, such as that with LiSEC. With a major focus on sustainability, efficiency and introducing innovative products, Baros Vision is well equipped to remain successful in the future.

Source: Baros Vision with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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We’re talking thinner and thinner sheets, often in larger plate sizes. This shift necessitates a corresponding evolution in machinery, with equipment being designed to handle the delicate intricacies of processing glass as thin as 0.5-0.7 millimeters. But what’s driving this demand for thin glass, and what are the implications for the future of the industry?

The most immediate advantage of thin glass is its reduced weight. This benefit extends beyond simple applications like flooring. It’s proving to be a game-changer in the nautical and aeronautical industries, where weight reduction is a critical factor influencing performance and efficiency. In these demanding sectors, every gram counts, making thin glass a highly sought-after material.

Beyond weight savings, studies in double glazing production have revealed a fascinating benefit: incorporating a single thin glass pane within an insulating glass unit (IGU) can dramatically reduce thermal conductivity. The thin glass effectively creates a “wall” within the unit, significantly improving its insulation properties.

However, working with thin glass presents unique challenges. Its inherent fragility demands reliable and precise machinery to ensure safety and minimize breakage. This is where advancements in tempering and lamination technology become essential.

Making Thin Glass Safe: A Multi-Step Process

RCN SOLUTIONS, a company with extensive experience in the glass industry, understands these challenges and offers comprehensive solutions to meet them. The journey from fragile thin glass to durable, safe material often involves the following:

• Chemical Tempering: To significantly enhance the mechanical strength of thin glass without compromising its optical clarity, chemical tempering is the preferred method. This process, involving ionic exchange between sodium ions in the glass and potassium ions in a liquid salt bath, results in glass that is mechanically more robust, exhibiting excellent optical quality and minimal distortion. This allows even glass thinner than 3mm to achieve a flexural strength of 250 N/mm² – a remarkable achievement.
• Lamination: While chemical tempering increases strength, chemically tempered glass still breaks similarly to monolithic glass. To achieve true safety glass, lamination is crucial. This involves bonding one or more glass panes together using a laminating interlayer. In the event of breakage, the interlayer holds the glass fragments in place, preventing shattering and minimizing the risk of injury.

Beyond the Basics: Further Considerations for Thin Glass

The possibilities for thin glass extend beyond simple flat sheets. It’s even possible to chemically temper curved glass, opening up new design possibilities. Furthermore, thin, tempered glass exhibits a unique characteristic: it can be cold-bent, allowing for even more creative and complex applications.

The Importance of Quality and Expertise

It’s vital to emphasize that the quality of machinery and consumables plays a critical role in the quality of the finished product. Cutting corners can lead to inconsistencies, defects, and ultimately, compromised performance. Partnering with a reliable supplier that offers added-value products and proactive customer support is paramount.

RCN SOLUTIONS, with its long-standing experience in the glass sector, is committed to providing consistent quality and active service to its clients. We understand the nuances of thin glass processing and are dedicated to helping our customers achieve their project goals. We believe in listening to our customers, understanding their specific needs, and providing tailored solutions that deliver exceptional results.

In conclusion, the rise of thin glass represents a significant advancement in the glass industry. By embracing innovation and investing in the right technologies, we can unlock its full potential and create a new generation of lightweight, high-performance materials for a wide range of applications.

Source: RCN Solutions with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Zippe , a leader in tailored recycling systems, understands this demand and works collaboratively with specialized partners to deliver high-quality, customized solutions for a wide range of recycling needs. One particularly impactful area of focus is the efficient and profitable recycling of laminated glass.

Laminated glass, composed of layers of glass bonded together with a polymer interlayer, was once a challenging material to recycle effectively. However, through technological advancements, Zippe’s integrated approach is now enabling laminated glass to become a vital part of the circular economy.

A key element of this success lies in the clean and smooth separation of the Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) film from the glass layers. This careful separation ensures that both components can be recycled and resold, maximizing resource recovery and minimizing waste.

Furthermore, Zippe incorporates cutting-edge crushing techniques into its systems. These advancements significantly reduce waste generation and eliminate the need for traditional, space-intensive outdoor storage often used to loosen the PVB layer. By implementing these innovations, Zippe’s recycling solutions offer significant advantages, including:

Space Savings: Compact design minimizes the footprint of the recycling facility.
Reduced Handling: Streamlined processes decrease manual labor and potential handling errors.
Elimination of Disposal Costs for PVB Material: PVB is recovered and resold, transforming a waste product into a valuable resource.

These benefits directly translate into cost savings and increased efficiency for Zippe’s clients. More importantly, they contribute to a more sustainable future by meeting the growing consumer and political demand for environmentally responsible recycling practices.

Zippe’s commitment to innovation and partnership positions them at the forefront of the recycling industry, driving the development and implementation of solutions that address complex waste challenges and promote a truly circular economy. The efficient recycling of laminated glass is just one example of how Zippe is helping to transform waste streams into valuable resources.

Source: Zippe with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Today, designers are demanding solutions that seamlessly blend visual appeal with robust protection. This is where Stratobel Mirox, the innovative laminated safety mirror from AGC Glass Europe, truly shines.

When it comes to interior design, safety and style go hand in hand. Stratobel Mirox is a laminated safety mirror that combines the functional and optical features of a standard mirror with the additional safety features of laminated glass, enabling mirrored wall cladding, partition walls and other interior applications that require a higher level of safety.

This new laminated mirror from AGC Glass Europe is available in two versions (Stratobel Mirox Mono and Stratobel Mirox Duo) to suit different applications. Stratobel Mirox Mono consists of one sheet of mirror laminated with one sheet of float glass and can be used, for example, in wall cladding to visually enlarge rooms while playing with light and reflections. Stratobel Mirox Duo comprises two sheets of laminated mirror and can be used in various applications, including room-structuring partition walls that reflect on both sides.

Both versions are laminated with one or two PVB interlayers. The silver layer is protected by a special paint that is perfectly compatible with and adheres flawlessly to the PVB, delivering durable safety performance. In 33.1 or 44.1 configurations, with a single PVB, the laminated safety mirror is rated safety class 2B2 in accordance with EN 12600, while the version with two PVB interlayers is rated class 1B1 and class P2A in accordance with EN 356.

Last but not least, Stratobel Mirox helps preserve indoor air quality, since it emits very low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and formaldehyde. The product is available in two standard configurations (33.1, 33.2).

Stratobel Mirox ensures your designs are not only beautiful, but also safe.

Source: AGC Glass Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Both companies, renowned for their expertise in glass technology and engineering, are set to revolutionize the glass lamination process, enhancing product quality and production efficiency.

BOVONE, a leader in the manufacturing of sophisticated glass processing machinery, is known for its commitment to precision and innovation. Similarly, BIVETRO has carved a niche in developing high-performance adhesive solutions tailored for the glass industry. The collaboration between these two powerhouses aims to create a streamlined, more efficient lamination process by integrating state-of-the-art machinery with cutting-edge adhesive products.

The partnership between BOVONE and BIVETRO is a notable advancement in glass lamination technology. By leveraging their respective strengths, these companies are set to enhance product quality, increase production efficiency, and promote sustainability, ultimately reshaping the glass processing landscape for years to come.

Source: BOVONE  with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Lightning-fast, precise movements with the highest automation and most advanced heating technology allow you to significantly increase output in any production scenario.

Glaston develops, designs, manufactures and delivers glass processing machinery, equipment and services worldwide. The technology leadership is based on our own research and development; thei hold patents for all significant innovations.

Source: Forglass  with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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To meet these growing needs, LiSEC has introduced the MaxLam S3360 Premium glass laminating system—a state-of-the-art solution that significantly enhances production efficiency while ensuring superior quality.

Automation at Its Best

One of the standout features of the LiSEC MaxLam S3360 is its advanced automation capabilities. Traditional glass laminating processes often involve labor-intensive tasks, such as laying the interlayer film and meticulously removing any excess material. These manual processes not only demand significant time and labor but also introduce the risk of human error, which can compromise the overall quality of the finished product. The MaxLam S3360 effectively addresses these challenges by automating these crucial steps.

With the ability to apply the interlayers automatically, the system significantly reduces the potential for inconsistencies and defects. This precision ensures that every laminate meets the highest standards of quality, resulting in glass that not only looks impeccable but also possesses enhanced structural integrity. By minimizing human intervention, companies can streamline their operations, allowing employees to focus on more complex and strategic tasks.

Efficiency Without Compromising Quality

In today’s competitive market, efficiency is paramount. The LiSEC MaxLam S3360’s automated processes allow for faster production cycles, which is a game changer for manufacturers looking to increase output without sacrificing quality. The system not only speeds up production times but also minimizes waste—an essential consideration in an industry where material costs can be significant.

Furthermore, with real-time monitoring and advanced software integration, manufacturers can optimize their production workflows and quickly adapt to changing demands. This flexibility makes the MaxLam S3360 not only a cost-effective solution but also a future-proof investment that can grow with the needs of the business.

Sustainability and Market Competitiveness

As the glass industry grapples with increasing scrutiny over sustainability, the LiSEC MaxLam S3360 also stands out for its environmentally conscious design. By optimizing material usage and minimizing waste through its automated processes, the system contributes to a more sustainable manufacturing model. Companies that adopt this technology position themselves as leaders in an industry that increasingly values eco-friendly practices.

Moreover, the flexibility and efficiency of the MaxLam S3360 enhance a manufacturer’s competitive edge. With the ability to produce laminated glass quickly and reliably, businesses can respond to customer demands more effectively, pursue new market opportunities, and establish a reputation for quality and innovation.

The LiSEC MaxLam S3360 Premium glass laminating system represents a significant technological advancement in the glass manufacturing industry. Through its automation capabilities, the system not only streamlines production but also enhances the quality of laminated glass. As manufacturers seek to improve efficiency and sustainability, investing in advanced solutions like the MaxLam S3360 ensures that they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market. Embracing this technology is not just a step forward in production capabilities; it is a commitment to quality excellence and operational sustainability.

Source:LiSEC Austria GmbH with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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Historically, measuring glass bows has been a manual, time-consuming process, leaving room for errors and limited insight into the full scope of deflections. However, Softsolution’s innovative BowScanner system is revolutionizing this workflow, providing a fully automated, non-contact solution that delivers real-time, comprehensive data to prevent costly laminated glass failures.

Traditionally, facilities have had to rely on manual measurements to gauge the bow in their glass products. This approach is not only labor-intensive but also prone to inconsistencies, making it challenging to pinpoint the root causes of bowing issues. Softsolution recognized the need for a more efficient, data-driven solution, which led to the development of the BowScanner.

The BowScanner is a game-changing technology that measures the bow in real-time as the glass moves along a conveyor, providing a detailed map of all deflections and specific bow values along various edges and diagonals. This automated, non-contact system eliminates the need for manual measurements, streamlining the quality control process and reducing the risk of human error.

Beyond real-time monitoring, the BowScanner also stores all measurement data for further analysis. This comprehensive data set empowers facilities to identify and address the root causes of bowing, whether it’s due to manufacturing processes, handling, or other factors. By addressing these issues proactively, glass manufacturers and fabricators can prevent the significant costs and failures associated with laminated units, including adhesion problems and breakage.

The key benefits of the BowScanner system are clear:

1. Fully Automated: The non-contact, automated solution eliminates the need for manual measurements, improving efficiency and consistency.
2. Real-Time Measurements: The system provides a detailed, real-time map of all deflections, allowing for immediate identification and correction of bowing issues.
3. Comprehensive Data: The BowScanner offers specific bow values along various edges and diagonals, and stores all measurement data for further analysis and optimization.
4. Cost Efficiency: By preventing adhesion issues and breakage, the BowScanner helps avoid the substantial costs and failures associated with laminated units.

Softsolution’s BowScanner represents a significant leap forward in maintaining the integrity and performance of laminated glass. By providing a fully automated, data-driven solution, this innovative technology empowers glass manufacturers and fabricators to optimize their production processes, reduce downtime, and deliver the highest-quality laminated glass products to their customers.

Source:  Softsolution with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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To meet the growing demand for jumbo-sized laminated glass units and the industry’s trend towards increased automation, arcon recently invested in a cutting-edge LiSEC laminated glass production line.

Arcon: A Pillar of the Arnold Glas Group
Founded in 1959 as Glaswerke Arnold, the Arnold Glas Group has grown to encompass five sites across Germany and Austria. arcon’s Feuchtwangen facility, which employs around 115 dedicated professionals, spans an impressive 15,000 square meters. The plant produces a wide range of products, including radio-transparent glass, decorative glass, safety glass, bird protection glass, solar control glass, and thermal insulation glass. Approximately 35% of the group’s total output is exported.

A Long-Standing Partnership Driven by Quality and Service
arcon’s collaboration with LiSEC dates back around 30 years, beginning with the installation of a LiSEC glass cutting system. Over the years, the partnership has only grown stronger, with arcon representatives regularly visiting the LiSEC booth at trade fairs. “LiSEC impresses at the Feuchtwangen site with the quality of its machines and end products, the high availability of spare parts and outstanding service,” says Markus Biswanger, Plant Manager at arcon.

Investing in the Future: Arcon’s New LiSEC Laminated Glass Line
To address the rising demand for jumbo-sized laminated glass and the industry’s push towards automation, arcon recently installed a highly automated, two-story LiSEC laminated glass production line. “The reason we decided in favor of LiSEC when it came to the laminated glass line was the ability it gave us to process large units, as well as the top-class service provided for our systems in the past,” explains Biswanger.

The new line features several state-of-the-art technologies, including:
– Automated barcode scanning of all glass lites
– A large foil storage area on the upper level with automatic foil selection and video surveillance
– The LiSEC FLA automatic foil laying machine, which transports the foil over the glass fully automatically
– The LiSEC FCC foil cross-cutter, which cuts the foil to the required length
– The LiSEC FTC, a system for automatically trimming the excess foil on all four sides of rectangular glass-foil-glass packages, eliminating the need for manual foil cutting
– Advanced algorithms that automatically determine the required pressing pressure for the downstream servo-driven pressing rollers, ensuring plane-parallel pressing

Conclusion
By investing in this cutting-edge LiSEC laminated glass production line, arcon has positioned itself at the forefront of the industry, capable of meeting the increasing demand for jumbo-sized laminated glass units while embracing the trend towards greater automation. This state-of-the-art system not only boosts productivity but also enhances the quality and consistency of arcon’s laminated glass products, solidifying the company’s reputation as a leader in flat glass processing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXBn40pArPY&t=1s

Source:LiSEC with additional information added by GlassBalkan

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