Precise, fast and economical
Cerion GmbH with a newly developed laser process for the individual design of glass
surfaces and the new c-vertica inclined bed laser system opens interesting
perspectives in industrial glass finishing.
With their new process for internal and surface structures and the c-vertica highperformance system, specifically developed for the employment of this technology,
Cerion GmbH paves the way for the laser's entry into industrial flat glass laser
finishing. This futuristic system not only enables the economic finishing of glass
surfaces with custom structures and motives but also the introduction of two and
three-dimensional decors inside the glass. With high process speed the c-vertica
creates decors of highest quality. Its very flexible use opens maximum opportunities
for the design of glasses for interior rooms and façades. Especially with elaborate
decors and photo motifs the laser technology can fully assert its advantages over
conventional finishing processes.
Successful joint project
The new laser technology for the surface structuring of glass is the result of a joint
project with the Laser Center Hanover (LZH). Tedious research and development by
Cerion and the LZH produced the innovative laser process which, protected by a
patent, now enables matting of glass surfaces with individual nuances under the
brand name cerilas®. Based on the comprehensive studies by LZH, Cerion GmbH
designed the c-vertica inclined bed system allowing the precise and cost-saving
processing of glass panes up to a size of 3 210 x 6 000 mm. Cerion GmbH has been
developing laser systems for internal glass engraving already for several years and is
worldwide very successful in this area. The patented c-vertica now allows the
combination of surface and internal engraving.
Highly efficient laser process
When developing the new system the laser specialists from Minden performed basic
groundwork; the result is completely convincing. The c-vertica has a rugged design,
works very efficiently and creates matting and decors of superior quality. All data
required for the laser process is supplied to the system directly from the integrated
computer. The system reads all processing parameters via barcodes on the
workpieces.
High product quality
The glass is structured by a pulsed CO2 laser working with infrared beams of a
wavelength of 10.6 µm. The focused beam of the high-power laser designed for high
process speeds evaporates the glass material close to the surface precisely to the
dot. This creates periodic microstructures. Depending on the decor, up to 3 square
metres of glass at a resolution of up to 250 dpi (dots per inch) can be finished per
hour with this technology. Because laser technology basically works without wear,
the quality is always consistently high. The reject rate is close to zero.
Fully automatic version
The fully automatic version of the c-vertica can process entire order batches without
operating personnel. Controlled by the computer, this machine version picks the
glass units automatically from a magazine trolley, transports them via sturdy easy
running rollers onto the inclined bed and after processing it transports them to the
slot trolley. Because all processing parameters are read via barcode, each glass can
also be designed individually in automatic mode. Switching between surface and
internal engraving also takes place automatically. The magazine change only takes a
few minutes. This ensures machine operation nearly free from interruptions.
According to Cerion managing director, Andreas Wienkamp, the c-vertica in this
configuration can work almost without personnel involvement around the clock.
Low operating costs
The c-vertica works very economically. The straight consumption costs of the system
(electricity, laser) lie around two Euro per hour. The unit is nearly maintenance-free
since no nozzles or pushbuttons need to be replaced. A closed circulating system
provides reliable cooling. The dust generated during surface processing is hardly
worth mentioning. When working at full capacity, merely approx. 400 grams of glass
dust are generated per week. This dust is suctioned off by a self-cleaning filter
system and can be disposed of with the residual waste.
This convincing total package generated great interest on the market. Within only
twelve months Cerion was able to sell six machines with the new technology.
Supplementing the c-vertica, the company carries another laser system for largesurface glass finishing in its product offering: the c-matrix. This machine with
horizontal processing table is also designed for combined surface and internal
engraving.
Diverse applications
The tests performed by LZH on laser-processed glasses have confirmed that in
regard to bending and pulse resistance they meet the requirements as static glass
building component in the construction sector. The glasses can thus be used without
restriction wherever matted glass was used so far with classical methods.
Finest structures (0.1 mm) with a wide variety of grey scales and full-surface matting
can be realised with the laser. The processed surfaces have a strong contrast, are
mechanically stable and less sensitive against fingerprints and dirt than sandblasted
surfaces. A very appealing visual effect can be achieved with laser decors even on
already matted glasses. This is always very interesting when the glass itself should
actually not be transparent. The c-vertica can also be used to remove glass coating,
for example, the back sides of mirrors as well as painted or powder-coated glasses.
The high precision of the laser with these applications opens up the options of
leaving the glass in the finished areas either clear or to mat it. Considering the trend
to LED lighting concepts very interesting design options and lighting versions
develop. By introducing fine lamella structures individual shading and light deflection
effects can be achieved in addition.
The following glasses can be processed with the c-vertica: Float glass, optiwhite,
mirror (front or back), ESG, TVG, VSG, coated glasses, acrylic glass (XT and GS),
mated glass, (Satinato, sandblasted glass) as well as insulating glass. The minimum
glass thickness is around one millimetre. From a material thickness of four
millimetres the customary stability of ESG is maintained.
Permanent slip resistance
The performance bandwidth of the new laser technology from Cerion reaches far
beyond creating optical effects on glass. Surfaces of walk-on glasses can be
structured to be permanently slip resistant using the patented Lasergrip® process.
The Lasergrip® slip resistance, certified according to R9 and R10, is hardly visible
and its wear is barely noticeable. Regarding its optical quality and durability it is
clearly superior to slip resistance applied by screen printing. The density of the
structure (up to min. 0.1 mm) and its depth (from 0 – 0.3 mm) can be set individually
with the laser process.
The largest project so far realised with the new laser technology from Cerion is the
façade of the Norderstedt School of Music. A total of 300 square metres of glass
were structured there.
c-vertica performance data
Performance / Equipment features
- Internal and surface engraving on a single machine (optional)
- 2 and 3-dimensional decors in or on flat glass
- High-power industrial laser for top process speed (10 kHz)
- Control via integrated PC with control panel and display
- Around the clock automatic operation with magazine trolley (optional)
- Closed cooling system
- Inclined bed construction with sturdy easy-running rollers
- Custom sizes upon request
Machine data
Glass size (WxLxH), max.
Engraving size (WxLxH), max.
Dot size in / on glass
Operating costs (consumption)
Table design
Drives
3 210 x 6 000 x 100 mm
3 210 x 6 000 x 100 mm
0.1 - 0.2 mm
approx. 2 Euro / hr.
inclined bed with easy running rollers
servomotors on all axes
Application options
- individual internal structures
- surface design
- coating removal from glass
- lamella structures for shading and light deflection
- slip resistance Lasergrip© for walk-on glass
- durable - transparent - R9 and R10 certified
Cerion GmbH
Cerion GmbH, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Minden, specialises in the
manufacturing of laser systems for industrial glass finishing and is technology leader
in this market segment. The product range includes practical machines for mobile
use, devices for industrial standard production and individual manufacturing as well
as 3-D camera and software. In addition, Cerion offers services in the area of
industrial glass processing. The technology competency of many years and the
German location guarantee Cerion customers innovative, investment-safe products
and comprehensive manufacturing service. For more information visit www.cerionlaser.de
Additional information
CERION GmbH
Lübbecker Straße 240
D-32429 Minden
Telephone +49 (0)571 38863 -0
Fax:
+49 (0)571 38863-15
E-mail: wienkamp@cerion.biz
www.cerion.biz