Seaming line saves space

Bromer Inc. of Terrebonne, Quebec, offers a horizontal seaming line that saves floor space in a fabrication plant. Its Automatic Seaming Line Z Path occupies a third of the floor space of a regular seaming line, according to information from the equipment manufacturer. When placed on the machine, glass sheets can follow a “Z” course on the seaming table surface.

The line accommodates all glass sizes from 14 by 16 inches to 72 by 120 inches and more, and glass from 2.7 to 6 millimeters thick.

Square or rectangular sheets are ready to be seamed as soon as requested. A sensor determines if glass sheets are smaller or taller than 48 inches. If sheet is smaller, seaming will interrupt after the first 48 inches and the seaming head will return to home position.

The “Z” line configuration has a cycle of eight seconds for smaller pieces and 12 seconds for taller pieces. When configured in an “L” shape, the machine’s cycle is about 7 and 11 seconds, respectively. When in the “L” shape, glass sheets exit differently after the third seaming operations. The line’s shape adjusts according to a fabricator’s space restrictions.

Glass sheets are carried by conveyor to the seaming station. The conveyors are composed of non-marking rubber donuts. When lites arrive at the seaming station, suction cups hold glass for the static seaming. 

After the first seaming process, lites are carried to the second seaming station, where two edges are seamed at the same time via transversal retractable conveyor belts. Suction cups retain glass sheets for static seaming. Finally, the transversal retractable conveyor belts slide the glass lite to the third seaming station. The lite then leaves via the exit conveyor.

The line is set to seam four glass edges, or three different glass sheets, at the same time. The static seaming increases the quality of the seamed edges, giving accurate results. The equipment also can be fabricated for wet or dry sanding. It can be fitted with a programmable logic controller and features a user-friendly keyboard. Air-float conveyor tables protect the glass at loading and unloading stations.

The feed and exit conveyors also can be equipped with an edge-deletion feature for low-emissivity glass.

ACI Distribution of Greensboro, N.C., has been using the Automatic Seaming Line Z Path for about a year, says Bill White, area manager. “Speed and consistency of the edge” is the best feature of the machine, he says, but it “does not do shapes or glass thicker than 6 millimeters.” The machine has added to ACI’s production capacity, but he declined to specify by how much. It is competitively priced, and he would recommend it to glass shops.

For more information, visit www.bromerinc.com.