Bystronic finds success at glasstec 2014 through high-speed solutions and rustic Swiss specialities
For Bystronic glass, the glasstec 2014 trade fair, which took place in Düsseldorf, was dominated by the 50th anniversary of the Bützberg division (Switzerland). In addition to anniversary celebrations, the high-speed solutions for architectural and automotive glass glass processing proved extremely popular with many trade fair stand visitors. Daily moderated live machinery presentations gave a deeper insight into the intriguing technologies.
“From the first day, we held many excellent and positive discussions with customers and interested parties, whilst also being able to conclude various agreements at the trade fair,” said Dr. Burghard Schneider, CEO Bystronic glass. “With our efficient systems for architectural and automotive glass processing, we were able to exhibit relevant solutions in line with varying customer requirements and we now look forward to positive post-trade fair business. Even at this stage, we can say that glasstec 2014 was a successful trade fair for Bystronic glass.”
In the field of architectural glass, the B’SPEED TPS insulating glass production line on display at glasstec 2014 stretched the entire length of the trade fair stand. This rapid line can produce triple insulating glass units in the same amount of time it takes other lines to produce double insulating glass units.
The B’SPEED TPS is characterised further by various additional developments. For the first time, individual customer requirements can be accommodated to allow the TPS insulating glass unit seal to be positioned exactly where desired, for example, in an almost invisible position in the corner. The application and seamless sealing of the TPS spacer is then performed in one single work-step. The advantage: the gas-tight bevel joint, which has proved itself millions of times over, does not require any thermal-mechanical reworking. Irrespective of radii, small or large spaces between the lites, this failsafe seal always works and is the distinguishing feature of the TPS edge seal from Bystronic glass.
Furthermore, the new B’SPEED TPS control unit is more dynamic with a variable number of flexible options for customers in respect of TPS warm edge insulating glass production.
At an adjacent stand, Bystronic glass presented a world premiere in cooperation with Glass Alliance. The new FGS (Flexible Glass Spacer) from Glass Alliance was applied exclusively on the further-developed flexspacer’applicator used for flexible spacer application. The core of this machine is a new gear pump that applies a volume-accurate butyl onto the flexible spacer. For the first time ever, with the new FGS spacer, Glass Alliance is offering an entire edge seal, which consists of the spacer, butyl and secondary sealing from a single source.
A further highlight in the field of architectural glass was the presentation of the new Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) software. With this software, Bystronic glass can simulate various unit configurations for customers which will accurately determine certain parameters including cycle times, production and logistical costs, etc. The results help customers to optimise individual production processes and to select the correct spacer type. Furthermore, using the TCO software, it is possible to generate a detailed Return on Investment calculation.
In the field of automotive glass, the globally successful pre-processing champ’speed was presented. It enables the quick and precise cutting, breaking, grinding and drilling of automotive glass. However, this machine is not restricted to only processing automotive glass. It is also suitable for processing solar glass, glass for household appliances as well as display glass. A new trend is the processing of thin glass. With the champ’speed, Bystronic glass offers an economic and productive solution.
Thanks to the modular design of the champ’speed, it is possible to combine multiple cells together. Through expansion with complementary components, customers receive a production unit that is tailor-made to their requirements – from loading glass plates and the primitive cutting through to the completed pre-processed automotive glass – all in a single system.
Bystronic glass presented an assortment of new developments to the champ’speed using multimedia in the Automotive Innovation Center. There, visitors could quietly gather information on various automotive glass solutions far away from the general hustle and bustle of the trade fair.
Regarding handling equipment, visitors to the Bystronic stand were able to try a selection of rational handling equipment for all flat glass and plate processing sectors for themselves. This included the best selling Easy-Lift, which has been impressing customers from the glass processing industry since 1998, with its rigid guidance and its own low dead weight.
Furthermore, in recent years, this handling equipment has gradually proved itself with large window manufacturers due to its extremely flexible frame design which ultimately meets their special requirements.
This year’s celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Bystronic glass Bützberg division in Switzerland culminated at glasstec 2014. A rustic Swiss style hospitality cabin could be found in the middle of the trade stand which offered guests daily gastronomic treats, with Swiss culinary specialities served between 17:00 and 18:00. Guests from all over the world were thrilled to try typical Swiss raclette cheese whilst being entertained by two alpine horn players.