When people talk about energy efficiency in glass manufacturing, they generally mean potential savings from the glass melting furnace. But plant engineering and machine building companies like Sklostroj know that they also need to look at the forming process.

In the current energy policy situation – which will continue to challenge us all for some time to come – any process improvement is worthwhile.

According to the specialist in IS machines and hot-end equipment, the key is a comprehensive approach that combines reducing downtime, a consistent use of energy-efficient actuators, and digital twins used in a variety of scenarios.

When it comes to electrification, automation, and digitalization, Siemens has been Sklostroj’s technology partner of choice for more than 15 years.    

• Solution for reduced downtime:

Drive and Timing Control System (SDT-10) automation platform jointly developed by Sklostroj and Siemens. Servo motors like the Simotics S immediately report deviations, such as higher torques caused by increased friction.

• More energy-efficient actuators:

About every other IS machine from Sklostroj is delivered complete with servo technology. With the help of the Sinamics S120 converter, braking energy at the axes can be used to accelerate other axes at other stations. A distributed Simatic fail-safe CPU with a fail-safe ET 200SP distributed I/O system controls higher-level and safety-oriented processes at the sections.

• The versatile digital twin:

By simulating everything virtually in the development phase and commissioning the machines digitally on the computer, Sklostroj shortens the conversion time, reduces downtime once again, and can prevent errors during ongoing operation. Operators can also be trained on the computer even before the machine is built.

The Czech machine and equipment manufacturer Sklostroj believes that container-glass forming technology can make a significant contribution to climate-neutral, energy-efficient glass manufacturing.