Drive Systems for Float Glass Installations

Implementation of the float glass process requires continuous control of the glass ribbon from the molten state through the solid state. The areas which present the greatest challenge to the drive manufacturer are the tin bath and the annealing lehr. Here the glass is changing state continuously, requiring the drive systems to provide precise speed, speed ratio, and position control. To provide this control, while maintaining flexibility and versatility for future process changes, solid-state powered dc drives with digital speed control were chosen. The remainder of the process, including the furnace material input, cutting section, and capping conveyor sections, was automated using more conventional drive systems.