Schott uses Micro-Epsilon sensors to inspect glass

Schott AG is using Micro-Epsilon measuring stations to inspect the dimensional accuracy and edge-quality of flat glass at its factory in Jena, Germany.

Dimensional accuracy is vital for industrial glass used in technical applications such as producing photovoltaic modules.

Here, even a small deviation from the required geometry or thickness of the glass can adversely affect its function.

Because of its transparency, glass is difficult to measure, but two different methods from Micro-Epsilon can reliably and accurately inspect its geometry (format, thickness and evenness): confocal chromatic sensors and light intersection.

In the production line at Schott, a transport system feeds the pane into the measuring station.

The pane is then deposited onto a solid block of granite to eliminate vibrations.

Six OptoNCDT 2401 confocal chromatic sensors located on a traversing beam above the pane measure the thickness and planarity in six tracks.

The desired distance or thickness data for the confocal principle is obtained from polychromatic white light, which is provided by an LED.

The sensors have a measuring range of 10mm and only measure the thickness from one side; the granite slab is also used as the reference surface.

A scancontrol 2800 series laser profile sensor circumnavigates the pane during the traversing process, inspecting the edge for flaking (small defects, chips or cracks) and measuring the pane's edge geometry.

This accurately reproduces the surface profile of the pane's edge.

Schott is using the two new measuring stations in its goods-inwards and goods-issued areas.

The systems ensure only intact panes are processed and despatched.

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