GlassBuild 2024 took place in Dallas, Texas, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 2, 2024, with a focus on trends such as decarbonization, digitalization and sustainability. Forel’s participation included demonstrating machinery and product solutions associated with today’s manufacturing challenges. Showcasing the very latest machine innovations, Forel introduced enhancements in vertical edge processing and for the very first time, unveiled the unique production process of a triple thin insulated glass unit utilizing a 1-millimeter thin center pane with super spacer, a warm-edge flexible spacer system.
Innovation in Triple Thin Manufacturing: A New Forel Process
At GlassBuild, Forel demonstrated its new process innovation that allows for the accurate placement of flexible spacer to the peripheral edge of a 1-mm thin center pane in a triple-glazed unit. The high-speed line that was demonstrated was packed with the usual capabilities and performance with the additional benefit of producing triple thin units. The development pathway that led to the latest enhancement began in 2023 after the Forel research and development team succeeded in improving the process.
The latest series of high-speed line technology aims to address the manufacturing difficulties associated with triple glazing production. The line is predisposed to produce double, triple and shaped glass units with increased output performance and can now produce triple thin IGU automatically with no impact to glass handling, gas filling and final sealing. A particular feature of the lines manufacturing technique is to suspend the inner lite between the two outer panes, protecting the thin glass piece while only needing a single pass to fill the single cavity created.
Understanding future market demand while providing products that are manufactured in the most efficient and effective way possible that are and will remain relevant for some time is the driver for the development of this line and its additional capability. Providing the basis to produce multi-family products from a single platform delivers advantages to sealed unit manufacturers within the U.S. and further.
Vertical edge processing
In addition to the high-speed lines, Forel’s entire range for vertical edge processing machines compliments the overall glass factory picture. The bestselling product in this range, the Art. EM edge-grinding machine, receives a new feature that guarantees a step change in performance efficiency. Introducing the automatic tool cone changer, an upgrade that optimizes the platform's level of automation. With the ability of adding an eight-position cone magazine that can carry a varying number of tools per cone, increases efficiency and productivity combined with reduced tool handling, all delivered in a single option.
The need to process different thicknesses of glass is a constant necessity with alternating orders, and now the automatic tool changing option allows processors an advantage. Another requested improvement to the vertical processing range is the new Art. EG Arrissing Machine, which will be demonstrated at this year’s Glasstec. It can now manage both arrissing and coarse edge grinding to meet the demand from the construction industry to flat edge grind laminated glass. Several features have been added to guarantee the correct support, stability and positioning of the glass sheet.
