Laser-based Curvature Measurement for Automotive Glass
The alpha.glass sets a new standard in precision measurement for automotive glazing. This system enables comprehensive area scanning, real-time Radius of Curvature (ROC) assessment, and monitoring of unlimited measurement points. With high-sensitivity sensors, alpha.glass differentiates between individual glass surfaces, enabling precise pane-by-pane evaluation. It ensures consistent performance in online and offline operations.
Key Features of alpha.glass:
- Monitoring of glass quality immediately after the bending furnace
- Operation at high temperatures - measuring glass up to 450 °C
- Fast cycle time - inspection completed in less than 8 seconds per glass pane
- Customizable measurement recipes – tailored for specific pane types, supporting various features and configurations
- Comprehensive process monitoring and control – ensuring consistent product quality and optimizing production efficiency
Seamless Integration into Production Line
For precision control of glass curvature, the alpha.glass system utilizes laser triangulation to ensure accurate shaping, regardless of temperature fluctuations. This capability is particularly critical in automotive glass production, where early-stage detection of curvature deviations prevents costly downstream defects.
Two primary bending processes are used for automotive windshields: gravity bending and press bending. In gravity bending, glass sheets are shaped by heat and gravity within a controlled furnace environment. Press bending, in contrast, utilizes a negative mold to shape the heated glass, offering enhanced precision for complex geometries.