Glass forming technology

Learn about our expertise in glass bending, where precision meets sustainability through CO2 laser technology.

GLAPE TECHNOLOGY

Glass bending with CO2 laser technology: A sustainable advantage

Using a CO2 laser as a tool, a new glass bending technology has been developed that is faster, more flexible and more accurate than existing processes, enabling products with a smaller environmental footprint than existing or alternative solutions.

Unlike traditional methods, our laser-based bending process ensures adjacent surfaces remain perfectly flat and retain the pristine optical quality of the original glass pane. This opens doors for a wider range of applications and unparalleled design possibilities.

Glass bending process Step 1: Preheating oven

In the initial phase of the glass bending process, flat glass is introduced into a warm oven. It undergoes a gradual increase in temperature, setting the stage for the subsequent steps.

Glass bending process Step 2: Employing laser and shaping glass

Then a laser is employed to apply targeted heat to specific areas of the glass, tracing lines or closed contours like circles and triangles.

Glass bending process Step 3: Finalizing the bending process and waiting for the piece of glass to cool down

Finally, the glass has reached its final, desired geometry and must be allowed to cool.

SUSTAINABILITY

Enabling systematized cycle-oriented product design

Our technology and products have a positive ecologic impact along every step of the value chain. Starting with the mining of raw materials all the way to the occupancy.

1

High energy efficiency during production and usage

With smart glass forming, we require less energy during the production phase as well as in the usage period of windows and other glass elements in architecture and automotive applications. While traditional glass forming processes can take hours, GLAPE technology can be integrated into existing production lines, forming glass within minutes.

2

Resource-efficient production

By leveraging constructive stiffening, we can produce glass panes with reduced thickness while maintaining their strength. Following an eco-efficient strategy, we achieve the same results using fewer resources.

3

Higher recycling potential

By using fewer materials and avoiding connecting elements made of different materials, we can ensure a higher recycling potential.

Soda-lime glass, Borosilicate glass, Aluminosilicate glass

Radii up to < 5 mm possible

Services

GLASS SHAPING

Precision glass bending and structuring

Our laser-based glass bending technology enables precise shaping and bending of glass. We can not only apply global bending of a glass pane (2D), but we can also apply local structures and geometries to glass (3D).

We seek partners for productive collaborations to enhance glass modifications. Let’s discuss your use case!

We combine high precision, optical quality and tight bending radii in one product innovation.

GLAPE is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the European Social Fund as part of the EXIST program.

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