A touch of glass

Machines and complete systems for insulating glass production and handling equipment are produced at the factory of Bystronic glass, now part of the Glaston Group and based in Neuhausen-Hamberg, Germany. Floor-standing enclosures from Eldon are used in the systems to host the control equipment needed to operate it. 

One of the systems is employed for insulating glass with the flexible spacer TPS (Thermo Plastic Spacer) where this is applied directly on to the vertical glass plate. A dynamic drive guarantees an extremely high level of accuracy during this process, it is reported.

Eldon supplies four to five pre-configured floor standing enclosures per system, depending on the system specification from Bystronic glass’ customers. The pre-configuration includes cut-outs and pre-assembly of earthing cables, side panels, plinths, lifting bolts and profiles. Eldon also handles wiring for accessories such as filter fans, cooling units, cabinet lights and door switches. Some of these accessories are adapted to Bystronic glass’s exact needs.

Reduced assembly times

Electrical components for the control system are mounted and wired on mounting plates at the factory, which are then fitted into the Eldon enclosures. The fact that the enclosures are pre-configured reduces the assembly time by two to three hours, which is a significant benefit to Bystronic glass.

Meeting Bystronic glass’s requirements on price and performance was obviously a prerequisite for Eldon. Other important factors in coming to an agreement included the ability to pre-configure the enclosures to specification and a stock-keeping agreement that comprises special storage exclusively for Bystronic glass.

The stock-keeping agreement, which Eldon calls Customer Specific Stock, means that enclosures for Bystronic glass are always in stock and can be called off with a delivery time between two and three working days from Eldon’s warehouse in the Netherlands. This saves storage space for Bystronic glass and simplifies their ordering process.

Constructive cooperation

According to Bystronic glass staff, Eldon is very cooperative and open to adapting the enclosure solution to make life as easy as possible. One example of constructive cooperation includes joint efforts when it comes to packaging: Styrofoam packaging used in the past has been replaced by bubble wrap packaging, which can be removed faster and is more environmentally friendly.

Another example is certification: Eldon’s enclosures are UL-certified, but additional certification is needed for the cabling to thermal management, lights and door switches. Since the US is an important market for Bystronic glass, one of the essential future projects may be to ensure the cabling also becomes UL-certified in addition to the current CE-certification.

Lighting the way

Yet another initiative encompasses replacement of the current fluorescent lights with LED lights in the pre-configured enclosures. LED lights consume less energy and contribute to enhanced sustainability.

Bystronic glass and Eldon have worked together for over six years. An open dialogue, constant development, communication of various details and a common focus on customer satisfaction is credited with ensuring a continued positive relationship between the two companies.