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Guten Tag to glasstec 2010

What to Expect at This Year’s Worldwide Glass Exhibition
by Frances Womble

Although leisure travel might slow after Labor Day, signaling the end of summer, those in the glass industry are packing their bags for Germany and gearing up for the biggest event of the year: glasstec 2010. This event, held every two years by Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, is the largest glass exhibition in the world.

In 2008, 55,000 visitors made their way to the Düsseldorf Fair Trade Center during the last week in October. This year, from September 28 to October 1, organizers are expecting the same number of attendees from 83 countries. Visitors can spend their days from 9:00 in the morning to 6:00 in the evening exploring more than 239,000 square feet of exhibition area filled with an expected 1,300 exhibitors from 47 countries.

Special areas of focus will include developments in glass production, new technologies in glass machinery and system construction, solar glazing products and their applications, architectural glass products and glass manufacture/production technology.

Extra Education
In addition to the trade show floor, several special sections and conferences are scheduled during the four-day event. Glass Technology Live is a special exhibition section that aims to add insights into the future of glass through mock-ups of façade systems. The section is intended to stimulate production developments and new architectural developments relating to glass and solar energy production. Next to these façade mock-ups, the Façades Centre will present products for new techniques.

“Engineered Transparency” is a two-day lecture series to be held by the applied science departments of several German universities. It is geared toward providing information on glass construction strength and stability; laminates and composite designs; curved and bent glass facade engineering building envelope; solar technology building integration; and more. In addition, the Architectural Congress will inform architects on the sustainability of glass and new renewable energy technologies.

Planning for Your Event
glasstec tickets are less expensive when purchased in advance online, so you may want to check out the online shop at www.glasstec-online.com. Admission tickets also can act as a ticket for free rides on public transportation for the duration of glasstec.

For visitors who are interested in taking in the local scenery, there is plenty to do in Düsseldorf. Old Town, known as Altstadt, is filled with restaurants and pubs; Königsallee, Düsseldorf’s best known landmark, is considered one of the world’s most luxurious boulevards; and the Rhine embankment promenade, Rheinfurpromenade, is among the most beautiful of walks along the river. More information can be found at http://stadtfuehrungen.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/.
More information about glasstec can be found at www.glasstec-online.com.

Frances Womble is an editorial intern for USGlass

Innovation Ahead The glasstec Product Preview

Exhibitors have had two years to plan their new product launches for this year’s event. Start below with our preview of some of the highlights anticipated at this year’s event.

Visit USGlass Magazine at glasstec
Be sure to come by and visit the USGlass staff in Hall 13/Stand D56. If you don’t make it to this year’s glasstec, visit www.usgnn.com for daily news and video coverage of the event.

Hall 12/Stand B29:
Bekaert Brings New Functionality to Glass Applications
San Diego-based Bekaert Advanced Coatings will showcase its latest range of rotatable sputtering solutions at the show. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn and understand how the company’s coating technologies continue to bring new functionality to large area glass applications to improve overall quality—and how the same technology is now reducing the cost of manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) cells.

Attendees can see the compact end block (CEB), a reliable option suitable for medium-powered applications. Also on display will be the adjustable magnet bar (AMB), which enables optimization of layer thickness uniformity and improves target utilization efficiency. Along with the CEB and AMB, visitors will have the opportunity to see the standard end block, trimline end block and the Bekaert axial magnetron (BAM), which the company says is ideally suited for webcoating lines as it occupies no space inside the coater. The range of rotatable sputter targets being showcased will include AZO, high purity Si, Mo, Sn, TiOx and ZnSn.
www.bekaert.com

Hall 12/Stand A59:
Enhanced Printers Accommodate More Colors and Bigger Glass
The Israeli company DIP-Tech, manufacturer of the GlassJet digital printing line, is making plans to unveil two new printers, the GlassJet NOVOTM SIX and the extended GlassJet PRO24TM, as well as its DIP-Tech Xpert Pack (DXP).

The GlassJet NOVO has been retooled to print in six colors rather than four, while the GlassJet PRO24 has been expanded to 14 by 9 feet to accommodate large glass lites. The DIP-Tech Xpert Pack (DXP) is a software package that can be used in creating photorealistic designs on glass. It takes standard, high-resolution images and performs automatic color separation and matching accuracy for CMYK, RGB and grayscale.
www.dip-tech.com

Hall 16/Stand C47-C57:
See an Energy-Efficiency Alliance
The Glass Alliance, an international network comprised of Fenzi, Alu-Pro and Rolltech, will provide an overview of newly developed energy-efficiency technology.

To start, the Chromatech range, with Chromatech Ultra in the lead, is a next-generation spacer bar developed by Rolltech. It combines a lower stainless steel part and an upper part in polycarbonate with a low moisture penetration index in a single structure. Chromatech Plus is particularly suited for large and complex IG because of its unique design. The technical properties of the special stainless steel with which it is built makes it particularly stable.

Fenzi manufactures a wide range of sealants for optimizing IG glass energy-efficiency, and will be spotlighting its Thiover polysulfide two-part sealant. These sealants are non-hazardous and solvent-free, with excellent mechanical properties and low water and gas permeability. Duralux Solar Coatings, a new line of solar mirror coatings developed by the Fenzi group, harnesses the new solar heating technologies. It has reached such high levels of resistance to require new reference parameters for their specific testing. Fenzi also will display the decorative potential of its Tempver ceramic paints, which combine design versatility and a strong visual impact through a vast color assortment.
www.fenzigroup.com

Hall 12/Stand C28:
The Osprey® Keeps Glass Distortion-Free
The Osprey® by LiteSentry™ Distortion Measurement System provides online visual inspection for optical distortion and thickness of heat-treated glass. According to information from LiteSentry, the system provides 100-percent measurement of every lite in both X and Y dimensions and actual millidiopter measurements of all optical distortion including roll wave, pocket, edge kink and hammer distortion. The Osprey utilizes patented optics, high-speed CCD cameras and powerful algorithms.

It features high-resolution measurement in both millidiopters (per GANA, ASTM and EN test methods) and true peak-to-valley measurements. The system provides a flexible configuration of user output screen to accommodate the user’s requirements, and its easy-to-understand user interface provides operators with real-time feedback.
www.litesentry.com

Hall 13/Stand C81:
Vesuvius Operates Smartly
Vesuvius says its patented Smartly Driven® all mechanical end cap attachment system is an environmentally and ergonomically friendly end cap system, as it eliminates the need for a resin bond requiring chemicals such as formaldehyde. The end cap is capable of withstanding arduous temperatures and torque operating condition. It is capable of operating at a maximum temperature of 662° Fahrenheit, compared to 302° Fahrenheit with resin bonded designs.
www.vesuvius.com

Hall 14/Stand C41:
Sensor Predicts Glass Breakage
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC in Germany, in collaboration with industry partners, have developed a sensor that detects micro-fissures in glass as small as 5 millimeters long. The researchers say the early identification can point out the need for repairs early on, long before the glass actually breaks.

“We attached several piezoelectric sensor actuator modules in a window pane. Four sensors are situated on a 1-square-meter surface, on the edge of the pane at a distance of 1 meter from each other. One sensor actuator module produces an ultrasound wave that is registered by the others,” explains Dr. Bernhard Brunner, working group manager at ISC. “If the acoustic signal remains constant, then the pane is not defective. If it changes, then this indicates a fissure caused during transport or due to an installation error. This fissure most often emanates from the edge of the pane and is initially invisible. It is only as time goes by that it gets larger due to various factors, like fluctuations in temperature.”

The sensors are linked to the building control systems by cable. The data received there is analyzed automatically. If a fissure occurs, an alarm goes off. The researchers have succeeded in integrating the sensors, which measure 15 by 15 by 0.5 millimeters, into laminated glass. Because they can be integrated early in the manufacturing process, the sensors can test the glass for transport defects even before installation.

Currently, the project partners are looking for façade builders who want to use the sensors on a test basis.
www.fraunhofer.de

Hall 16/Stand A21:
For.El Updates Spacer Frame Processing
For.El’s automatic T-Spacer applicator feeds a continuous strip of warm-edge spacer from the reel and applies it directly on one of the two glass lites to obtain a closed frame. Using the automatic T-Spacer applicator, the butyl extrusion on the spacer frame is independent of the spacer application process on the glass.

According to the company, the introduction of this solution in insulating glass production lines, even existing lines, removes the conventional spacer frame processing and improves the double-glazed unit characteristics both in warm-edges and gas-filled units.

The modular system can be installed in any double glazing line, both as a substitute or completion of the conventional frame processing.
www.forelspa.com

Hall 14/Stand B40:
Glaston Has an Edge on Solar Glass
Finland-based Glaston notes that edge grinding is one of the key factors in the production and durability of solar panels. That’s why its offering the Bavelloni V Series of double-edgers with peripheral wheels; the product is designed to process large batches of thin glass, attentive to grinding quality, performance and maintenance operations. The edger’s grinder heads are characterized by a special configuration that allows the grinders to be turned upwards and contained in a special stainless steel compartment. This facilitates tool changing, while permitting perfect containment of the cooling water for the tools in the processing area.

The edgers achieve high level performance in combination with a special series of peripheral wheels, the Bavelloni Solar Line. The line features a specially designed profile that ensures rapid start-up of the tool.
www.glaston.net

Hall 13/Stand B61-9:
Wagner Gets a Grip on Glass Railing Installation
Among the new products from the Wagner Companies in Milwaukee is PanelGrip®, a dry-mount glazing system for the installation of tempered glass panel railings. PanelGrip® enables the installer to fabricate a structural glass railing system with cost reductions up to 80 percent in labor and 30 percent in freight.

The patent-pending system is comprised of a high-strength aluminum locking assembly, two PVC isolators and a specially designed aluminum shoe moulding. It requires no special tools and provides an easy, clean and cost-effective alternative for the installation of tempered glass panels. PanelGrip® is for use with nominal ½-inch tempered glass or other ½-inch-thick panel material and allows for a 0.450- to 0.515-inch range in glass thickness. The system was tested per ASTM E935, Standard Test Methods for Performance of Permanent Railing Systems and Rails for Buildings.
www.panelgrip.com

Hall 09/Stand D44 and F60:
Bohle to Let Visitors Test Drive New Products
Bohle’s new booth will focus on the individual steps encountered during processing—in many cases with live demonstrations of the machines and tools on display. Visitors will have the opportunity to try out tools, machines and techniques for themselves at special workstations.

The glass cutting and glass bonding divisions each will provide live demonstrations. The company also will highlight its expanding fittings product range, including new door systems and shower door fittings. Another main focus at the fair will be autoclave-free lamination. In addition to the Verifix Airstream series of laminating kilns, the company now also has available all necessary consumables. Numerous glass samples will display the versatility of this technology, while giving visitors ideas for new business potential.
www.bohle-america.com

Hall 17/Stand B68:
Edgetech I.G. Gears Up for glasstec
Edgetech I.G. of Cambridge, Ohio, is planning to feature Super Spacer®, Super Spacer TriSeal™ and best practices for optimizing production efficiency and IG performance at glasstec 2010.

The stand, modeled after a large sealed IG unit, will be divided into zones depending on visitor interest. Among the features: a productivity pit-stop, which will show in detail solutions for manufacturing thermally efficient double- and triple-glazed IGUs in the most cost-effective way, whether using manual, semi- or fully automated solutions.

Additionally, Edgetech will feature marketing support materials in 11 languages, including sample cards, consumer DVD and brochures. Edgetech has been a regular exhibitor at glasstec, but has added some special programming to this year’s agenda designed to be both educational and entertaining.
www.edgetech360.com

Hall 15/Stands D25 and D26:
Hegla Offers a Gamut of Equipment
Hegla of Germany has been building CNC cutting systems for 25 years and is responsible for the development of the integrated edge-deletion system for coated glass. The company plans to offer additional innovations at this year’s event. Its primary product lines include automatic cutting tables from 24 by 24 inches up to 144 by 240 inches. It offers automatic shape cut down systems for architectural, as well as solar glass, and automatic breakout systems specifically designed for coated glass products. For handling needs, the company provides glass racks for internal use or transport applications; automatic loading and stacking system for coated glass products; robotic systems for process and handling applications; and conveying, accumulation, rotation, alignment and other customer-specific handling applications.
www.hegla.de/usa.html

Hall 14/Stand E24:
Bystronic Glass Shares Some Secrets
The Bystronic Glass Group is aiming to entice visitors with innovations in a “Top Secret” area, accessible only to invited or registered guests when accompanied by sales staff.

For glass cutting, the focus will be on efficient sorting with the newly developed laminated cutting equipment for laminated glass that includes numerous unique functions. The company also will present a new horizontal glass washing machine that has been designed for laminated glass, but has the flexibility to be used in other production areas.

Also on display will be automated solutions for standard warm-edge spacers. Visitors will be able to see applications of the TPS® technology as well as the Super Spacer® in the stand. Attendees also will be able to try out numerous lifts and suction frames for handling flat glass and plate processing.

In addition, the company will exhibit solar processing technologies. It says its TPA effectively protects PV thin film modules from moisture prior to the laminating process. The film trimmer enables an automatic trimming of projections to be carried out prior to lamination.
www.bystronic-glass.com

Let the Sun Shine on solarpeq
While you’re in Germany for glasstec, don’t forget to stop by the co-located solarpeq, the first Trade Fair for Solar Production Equipment. Planners expect 250 exhibitors from 30 countries.

Three themes are planned: solar production technology, technical papers and solar applications. Silicon manufacturers, ingot/wafer manufacturers, cell manufacturers, panel manufacturers, turnkey suppliers facility planning and production suppliers, machine engineers, project developers and planning offices and research institutions are all expected to exhibit.
More information about solarpeq can be found at www.solarpeq.com.

USG
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