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Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain Launch Revolutionary Automation System for Glass Production

In a major development for the glass industry, Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain have partnered to introduce an innovative automation system. This software-defined solution aims to improve the reliability and efficiency of the glass manufacturing process. It was officially unveiled at Glasstec 2024, the world’s leading trade fair for glass. This marks a significant step forward in the glass industry’s use of automation technology.

Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain Launch Revolutionary Automation System for Glass Production

Tackling Downtime in the Glass Production Process

One of the most pressing challenges in glass manufacturing is ensuring continuous operation of the lehr process. The lehr, which cools and anneals flat glass, typically lasts 15 to 20 years. However, any downtime in this process can bring production to a complete halt. Even a short power interruption of just one minute can result in six months of production loss, leading to costly equipment replacements. In some cases, these losses can amount to as much as €200,000 per day.

To address these issues, Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain’s collaboration focuses on providing a solution that guarantees continuous operation and minimizes the risk of costly interruptions.

Open Automation Technology with EcoStruxure Automation Expert

A key feature of this new solution is the open automation technology powered by Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert (EAE). This innovative technology decouples hardware from software, allowing for seamless connectivity between different devices and equipment, regardless of manufacturer. By removing compatibility barriers, the system provides greater flexibility, allowing for easier integration across various architecture layers. This flexibility is crucial for future-proofing the system and ensuring long-term reliability.

Moreover, EcoStruxure Automation Expert offers distributed intelligence, enabling the system to make decisions at the equipment level. For example, the system can autonomously control glass-pulling motors, determining which motor should pull the glass at any given moment. It can also perform regular quality checks and make adjustments to the process in real-time.

Boosting Efficiency and Enabling Predictive Maintenance

In addition to enhancing reliability, the new system also improves efficiency and safety in the production environment. The autonomous capabilities of the system support smarter decision-making and proactive management of the process. Predictive maintenance is one of the key benefits of this technology. By monitoring the system continuously, potential issues can be identified early, before they lead to more significant problems. This proactive approach helps companies avoid costly downtime and extend the life of their equipment.

According to Alex Richards, VP of Mining, Minerals, and Metals at Schneider Electric, the solution is a testament to their commitment to innovation: “Our deep understanding of the float glass process has allowed us to develop a solution that provides dependability, safety, and productivity. The modular design of the system offers scalability, flexibility, and enhanced reliability.”

Modular and Scalable Design for Global Application

Another major advantage of the system is its modular design. This makes it easy to deploy worldwide, regardless of location. Thanks to its plug-and-play interoperability, the solution can be implemented quickly, significantly reducing engineering, testing, and commissioning time by up to 50%. This means that companies can see faster returns on their investments while improving operational performance. Moreover, the scalability of the solution allows companies to expand and adapt the system as needed, enabling them to meet future demands with ease.

This feature is particularly valuable for global companies that want to implement the solution across multiple sites. It offers both immediate benefits and long-term value, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of this automation technology.

Revolutionizing Glass Manufacturing and Beyond

In conclusion, this partnership between Schneider Electric and Saint-Gobain represents a revolutionary step in the glass manufacturing industry. By integrating open automation with distributed intelligence, the solution sets a new standard for reliability, efficiency, and predictive maintenance. As autonomous drive technology becomes more widespread, industries will benefit from smarter decision-making and more resilient manufacturing processes.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that this innovation will influence not only glass production but also other sectors of industrial manufacturing. The potential for global scalability and flexible deployment makes this technology a promising model for the future of automation in manufacturing. The breakthrough system offers a new level of reliability, helping businesses avoid downtime and reducing operational costs while improving the sustainability of the entire process.

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