In a glass processing factory, glass horizontal washer and dryer and glass edging machines are often used in an integrated manner. The glass is first cleaned and dried by the horizontal washer and dryer to remove any dirt, dust, and moisture from the surface. This clean and dry glass is then fed into the glass edging machine for edge - processing. The integration of these two types of machines in a production line offers several advantages:
•Improved Product Quality: Clean glass surfaces are essential for achieving high - quality edge - processing results. Dirt and moisture on the glass can affect the performance of the grinding and polishing wheels, leading to uneven edges, scratches, and other defects. By cleaning and drying the glass first, the edge - processing quality can be significantly improved.
•Increased Production Efficiency: An integrated production line reduces the handling and transportation time between different processing steps. The glass can be transferred directly from the washer and dryer to the edging machine, eliminating the need for intermediate storage and manual handling. This streamlines the production process and increases the overall production efficiency.
•Cost - Savings: The integration of these glass processing machines can lead to cost - savings in terms of labor, space, and equipment maintenance. Fewer workers are required to operate the integrated production line, and the shared infrastructure and support systems (such as power supply, water supply, and dust - collection systems) can reduce the overall investment and operating costs.
A glass edging machine is used to grind and polish the edges of glass. The working process typically involves the following steps:
•Glass Feeding: The glass processing machine is placed on a conveyor or a worktable and fed into the edging machine. The feeding mechanism can be manual or automated, depending on the type of machine. In automated machines, sensors are often used to detect the position and size of the glass, ensuring accurate feeding.
•Arrissing (Seaming): The first stage of edge processing is usually arrissing, also known as seaming. This involves using a diamond - tipped or abrasive wheel to remove the sharp edges of the glass and create a chamfer or a rounded edge. The arrissing process helps to reduce the risk of breakage during subsequent processing and handling of the glass.
•Rough Grinding: After arrissing, rough grinding wheels are used to further shape the edge of the glass. These wheels are designed to remove a significant amount of glass material quickly, bringing the edge closer to the desired shape and dimensions. The rough - grinding wheels are usually made of materials with a relatively coarse grit, such as diamond - impregnated wheels or resin - bonded abrasive wheels.
•Fine Grinding: Once the rough grinding is complete, fine - grinding wheels are employed to smooth the edge of the glass. Fine - grinding wheels have a finer grit, which allows for a more precise and smoother finish. This stage reduces the surface roughness of the glass edge, preparing it for the final polishing stage.
•Polishing: The final stage is polishing, where polishing wheels or pads are used to give the glass edge a high - gloss finish. Polishing can be done using various materials, such as felt pads impregnated with polishing compounds or diamond - polishing wheels. The polishing process not only improves the appearance of the glass edge but also enhances its strength and resistance to wear.
Similar to glass horizontal washer and dryers, glass edging machines can be adjusted to accommodate different glass thicknesses. This is usually achieved through a mechanical or hydraulic adjustment system for the height of the grinding and polishing wheels. The adjustment can be made quickly and accurately, allowing for easy switching between different glass thicknesses during production.
•Multiple Edge Processing Modes: These glass horizontal washer and dryer can process different types of glass edges, including straight edges, rounded edges, beveled edges, and even special - shaped edges. Some advanced models are equipped with programmable control systems that can store and recall different edge - processing programs, making it easy to switch between different edge - processing requirements for different glass products.
•Robust Structural Design: Glass edging machines are built with a robust and stable structure to withstand the high - speed rotation of the grinding and polishing wheels and the forces exerted during the edge - processing operation. The machine frames are often made of high - strength steel or cast iron, providing excellent rigidity and vibration resistance. This helps to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the edge glass processing machine results over a long period of use.
In the glass processing industry, glass horizontal washer and dryer, along with glass edging machine, play crucial and complementary roles. These glass processing machines are essential for ensuring the quality, appearance, and functionality of glass products in various applications, from architectural glass used in buildings to glass components in furniture, electronics, and automotive industries.