Roller laminator

Bystronic Armatec GmbH Glass Technology Centre, with corporate offices in Denver, commissioned its first pre-nip lamination system for pressing thin-film photovoltaic modules. This new process technology offers reduced production cycle times and requires less floor space and energy. Manufacturing cycles of less than 60 seconds are possible with the pre-nip system, whereas the vacuum laminator takes longer, according to a company release.

Individual glass sheets are initially washed and positioned accurately; then the PVB film is automatically applied. During application, the film is not pre-cut but unwound directly from the roll. This eliminates the time-consuming storage of pre-cut film for relaxation. Once film and glass cover have been placed on the substrate and the film overhang is trimmed, the module is conveyed into the pre-nip for laminating treatment.

All heating zone parameters, such as conveyor speed, pressures or heater settings, can be programmed individually to ensure production quality. Every minute, one module leaves the pre-nip. While modules rest for three to four hours, the next load of 240 pre-laminated modules is prepared to ensure a smooth, uninterrupted production flow.

www.bystronicglass.com