What are the challenges and solutions for automation in glass manufacturing?

basic information

◆What are the challenges of automating glass manufacturing? Many of the needs for automation stem from the desire to improve efficiency and expand production in secondary processing. In the production sites for secondary processing, production is often carried out using dedicated machines and manual labor tailored to specific purposes. Factors such as the timing of updating existing equipment, rising labor costs, and a shortage of skilled workers can lead to inquiries. However, upon conducting interviews, we realize that there are various challenges faced by users. Some of these challenges include: - Wanting to automate peripheral devices of dedicated machines, but lacking in-house know-how - Insufficient installation space - Limitations of partial optimization, but no solutions found - Difficulty in finding equipment that suits the company - Uncertainty about the expected returns on investment - Unclear prospects for cost reduction through labor-saving measures To address these user challenges, our company provides comprehensive solutions from both mechanical and electrical perspectives. We have been extensively involved in the design and manufacturing of production equipment for the entire process from the input of glass raw materials to melting, forming, cooling, and the development of dedicated production equipment tailored to specific applications in secondary processing. Please refer to our case studies for examples of our solutions.

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Applications/Examples of results

◆Case Study of Automating the Entire Glass Manufacturing Process We designed and manufactured an automated assembly line that laminates components for solar panels and installs the panel frames in a consistent system. One often overlooked aspect of automation is that it can leave behind detailed manual tasks, resulting in unsatisfactory outcomes. Our company conducted hearings from multiple perspectives and proposed automation for the panel terminal processing, which was previously done manually, and it was adopted. ◆Case Study of Automating Glass Quality Control In the field of glass quality control, visual inspections are conducted. After the inspection is completed, sheets are manually inserted while stacking onto pallets. In the automation of this entire process, the inspection steps for appearance, curvature, and reflection distortion are performed by robots, and a sheet supply device was added. By quantifying the check items, we can standardize the criteria for judgment and reduce variations in quality.