Automated quality control by Viprotron: Safety and efficiency for the glass industry

However, despite all the care taken, the manual inspection process is not without risk. Statistics from the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) show that the accident rate in glass processing is 75 notifiable accidents per 1,000 employees - significantly higher than the general average of 18.8 accidents. Again, automated quality control can make a difference.

Why automated quality control is essential

Automation and automated quality control in glass processing not only reduces the risk of accidents but also increases efficiency and quality. Manual inspection has an increased risk of injury, especially for tasks that require a high degree of precision. Automated quality control systems take over these tasks, reducing direct operator contact with potentially dangerous work areas.

Viprotron's scanner solutions are a prime example of the benefits of automated quality control. They offer

• Maximum precision: Viprotron's scanners use three specialised camera channels (bright field, dark field, and reflection) to identify all relevant defect types. These channels ensure precise defect detection and avoid pseudo-defects, which often cannot be excluded by simple single-channel systems.

• Flexibility: Modular scanner technology allows you to choose the features that meet your specific production needs. Channels such as anisotropy or haze can be integrated as required.

• Reduced risk of accidents: By reducing the need for manual controls, the likelihood of industrial accidents is significantly reduced.

• Increased efficiency: Production stoppages due to faulty products are avoided as defects are detected and corrected at an early stage.

Benefits for safety and quality thanks to automated quality control

Automated quality control is a win-win situation for everyone involved. The biggest benefit is increased worker safety. By using modern technology to automate high-risk tasks, direct contact with potentially dangerous work areas is greatly reduced. This not only significantly reduces the risk of accidents but also creates a safer working environment that protects the health of employees in the long term. At the same time, automated inspection systems help to achieve production targets more efficiently. By detecting defects with high accuracy, less material is wasted and end products meet the highest quality standards. Sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand, as less waste means less consumption of resources.

Automated quality control in practice

An example of the success of automated quality control is the use of Viprotron scanners on production lines around the world. 

The Quality Scanner 3D is ideal for automatically monitoring glass quality immediately after the washing machine. With its three channels, it detects defects such as bubbles, scratches, layer defects and more. Its high accuracy and the ability to set specific inspection parameters ensure defect-free end products. The Quality Scanner 3D inspects monolithic glass, fire-resistant glass, sandblasted glass and other special products.

The Temper Scanner 5D provides an innovative solution for measuring optical distortion after the tempering furnace. In addition to checking for waviness, edge curvature and anisotropy, its True Edge" technology enables precise evaluation of glass edges - a critical factor for further processing into laminated or insulating glass. The Temper Scanner 5D, on the other hand, focuses on quality assurance behind the tempering furnace, ensuring that optical distortion and other critical defects are minimised. 

The future belongs to automated quality control

Automated quality control is more than just a trend - it is the answer to the increasing demands for safety and efficiency in the glass industry.  With innovative solutions such as Viprotron's scanners, companies can revolutionise their production processes. Less risk, better quality and more sustainability are the benefits of automated quality control. 

Are you ready to take the next step towards automated quality control? Contact Viprotron for a personalised consultation and find out how their scanners can optimise your production.