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[Speaker 1] (0:01 - 0:03)

Listen LISEC.

[Speaker 2] (0:03 - 0:28)

The podcast about glass processing. Hello and welcome to the second season of Listen LISEC. This season we'll be doing deep dives into the production steps we already covered in the first season.

And we'll also be talking about further topics like sustainability and even artificial intelligence. My name is Sarah. I'm from the marketing department.

[Speaker 1] (0:28 - 0:30)

And I'm Hannes from sales.

[Speaker 2] (0:30 - 0:37)

Today we'll be focussing on a topic that's essential in today's glass production and especially IG production, edge deletion.

[Speaker 1] (0:38 - 1:42)

Well, Sarah, before we dive into edge deletion, I would like to spend a little bit of time on coatings. You know, modern architectural glass is often coated for energy efficiency or solar control. These coatings are multilayered, typically made from metal oxides like silver, titanium, zinc or even silicon dioxide.

So with a special process, thin layers are deposited onto a glass in a vacuum. So there are two main types of coatings out there. So one is low E coatings.

The other one is solar control coatings. So what are low E coatings? Low E coatings reflect infrared radiation, which means it keeps the heat inside buildings, which is especially needed in northern hemisphere where during the winter period heating is needed.

On the other hand, solar control coatings are doing the exact opposite. They reflect UV and infrared from the outside, reducing overheating. Do you actually know that there can be up to 20 different layers stacked for optimal performance?

[Speaker 2] (1:43 - 1:54)

No, I didn't. And to a layman, that seems almost excessive. But I'm fascinated what can be done with coatings.

So I'm wondering what percentage of the glass that's processed today is actually coated?

[Speaker 1] (1:55 - 2:28)

Well, nearly all insulating glass units today use coated glass. So when we look into northern regions, for example, more than half of the glass that is processed there is coated. This is especially needed for energy efficiency, as this is a priority due to cold climates.

Both float glass and laminated glass can be coated. You know, the exact shares varies by region, obviously, I mean, depending on local building codes, climate requirements. But what we can definitely see is the trend moving towards more coatings for better thermal and solar performance.

[Speaker 2] (2:29 - 2:36)

So since you mentioned IG units, I think that brings us back to the edge deletion. What's the purpose of that in the IG production process?

[Speaker 1] (2:37 - 2:57)

This is exactly where coatings are counterproductive, because if coatings remain, they can interfere with the adhesion of sealants. This leads to leaks, fogging, and even reduces the product lifespan. So therefore, the quality of the edge deletion directly affects the durability and tightness of finally IG.

[Speaker 2] (2:59 - 3:03)

So what happens when the coatings become more complex, when you have up to 20 layers?

[Speaker 1] (3:04 - 3:30)

So with more layers, harder materials and protective layers, it's becoming more and more demanding for the decoding equipment. So using higher speeds and pressures and precise temperature control of the edge deletion wheel is super essential to remove all layers efficiently without damaging the glass. Some coatings now include tough protection layers, which also have to be removed efficiently.

[Speaker 2] (3:31 - 3:35)

And how is LISEC responding to those challenges? Is there something new in the process or in the equipment?

[Speaker 1] (3:37 - 4:20)

LISEC has developed new high-speed grinding heads capable of up to 7,000 rpm and feed rates up to 160 metres per minute. So this actually allows fast and efficient removal of even the most complex coatings in just one edge deletion process. This is super exciting.

The process now includes automatic pressure and temperature control with real-time monitoring to prevent overheating and ensure consistent quality. Actually temperature is a key variable in this process. And that's where the patented LIHTC temperature control system makes the difference.

This innovation allows customers to process complex coatings quickly and reliably with confidence in the final product's quality.

[Speaker 2] (4:22 - 4:27)

Well that's amazing. What would you say, in a decoating process, what are the key success parameters?

[Speaker 1] (4:28 - 5:05)

There are actually four main success factors. And these are rpm, feed rate, pressure and temperature. So while using the right edge deletion wheel is super essential, also maintaining a closed loop control system that adjusts parameters in real time is super important.

So these parameters usually are completely different depending on the coating type. And so it's super important for the operator to use the correct recipes to ensure the highest IG quality in the end.

[Speaker 2] (5:06 - 5:12)

Thank you for those insights. So my last question is, what would you say, what's the main takeaway for our listeners?

[Speaker 1] (5:13 - 5:47)

All right, Sarah. While coatings are essential to ensure energy efficiency or solar control, they are not ideal to ensure the seating quality of the final HE unit. Therefore, it is important to verify that all layers are removed.

This can be done using conductivity optical tests. As mentioned before, rpm, feed rate, pressure and especially the temperature are key factors to ensure perfect edge deletion results. And this is where LIHTC temperature control can make the difference.

[Speaker 2] (5:48 - 6:01)

I see. All this talk of IG units is a perfect teaser for our next episode, where we'll be focussing on the longevity of IG units and how to ensure it. Thank you, Hannes, for sharing your insights.

It's been a very exciting Deep Dive today. And thank you to our listeners.

[Speaker 1] (6:02 - 6:11)

Thank you so much, Sarah, for inviting me. It has been a pleasure talking about this exciting topic of edge deletion. And I'm looking very much forward to our next episodes.

[Speaker 2] (6:11 - 6:12)

See you there, Hannes.

[Speaker 1] (6:13 - 6:17)

This has been Listen LISEC, a podcast about glass processing.

[Speaker 2] (6:18 - 6:24)

Visit lisec.com to find out more about our innovative machines, automation solutions, software and services made in Austria.

[Speaker 1] (6:24 - 6:29)

Or visit our company blog to read about the latest in glass processing and glass function.

[Speaker 2] (6:30 - 6:32)

For more insights, listen LISEC.