Increase Your Energy Efficiency with New Windshield Manufacturing Bending Technologies

Energy efficiency has become a critical focus in the windshield manufacturing industry. Regardless of the system or technical solutions you use in your facility, improving the energy efficiency of your machinery is essential for profitable operation and quick payback. Here are some key considerations to ensure that your bending furnace operates efficiently throughout its lifecycle.

Double vs. Single Level Furnaces

The construction of your processing equipment is the first factor to consider. The single-level serial furnace, originally developed for low initial investment, consists of a simple heating tunnel with wagon conveyors. In contrast, the double-level tunnel construction is designed to reduce operating costs. It is compact, requires fewer wagons and molds, and consequently, loses less heat through the walls. Additionally, the double-level design allows heat from the lower cooling track to be recycled for heating in the upper track, resulting in lower energy consumption.

Convectional Heating

Convectional heating is especially beneficial when processing glass with heat reflective coatings because it is faster. The quicker the heating process, the shorter the heating track, which reduces heat loss through the walls. Convectional heating systems rely on air circulation, so selecting high-performance insulation materials for the furnace is crucial to maximize efficiency.

Lighter Weight Wagons and Molds

Reducing the weight that needs to be heated lowers energy consumption. A double-level tunnel furnace supports the use of lightweight construction wagons, reducing the amount of steel that must be heated. The most common lightweight wagon today is the L-shape wagon, available with either an open or closed bottom.

Modern bending molds are also lighter, which reduces costs and enhances energy efficiency. Double-actuated molds can accelerate the bending process and achieve more complex shapes, further improving system performance and efficiency. These molds require reliable triggering systems, but the cost of these systems is relatively low.

Active Heat Recovery Systems

To further enhance energy efficiency, active heat recovery systems have been developed. These systems can reduce energy consumption by an additional 10-15%. They work by using an air circulation system to transfer heat from the lower cooling track to the upper preheating track.

By considering these factors—furnace construction, convectional heating, lighter weight wagons and molds, and active heat recovery systems—you can significantly increase the energy efficiency of your windshield manufacturing processes.