GLASS PRODUCING MACHINES, TECHNOLOGY AND MATERIALS
Optimisation of the properties of acoustic panels made of recycled crystal glass functionalised with nanofiber additives
Project duration: 2020 – 2022
TACR grant programme: TREND: FW01010112
Project participants: AVETON s.r.o., PARDAM NANO4FIBERS s.r.o., Technical University of Liberec/Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
Total recognised costs: 18,010,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 11,938,000 CZK
Abstract: The project involves the development of new and unique products, and the optimisation of the production technology of acoustic panels made from recycled crystal glass focussing on reducing the energy consumption of production while simultaneously achieving the modification of functional properties, especially changing the optical properties of the resulting product, and ensuring the function of air purification. During the project, the effect of the applied technological procedure on the modification of the arrangement of the internal structure and indirectly on the useful and aesthetic properties of the product will be investigated. Changes in acoustic, optical, mechanical, and aesthetic properties due to the addition of different nanofibrous materials with added functions and the optimisation of production technology will be monitored. More information
Research of the principles of micro-melting of enamel and the properties of glass obtained in this manner - 3D printing of glass
Project duration: 2020 – 2023
“PURE” grant programme of TUL to support basic research
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec / Faculty of Mechanical Engineering.
Total recognised costs: 3,200,000 CZK
Abstract: The principle of micro-melting is based on the melting of SiO2-based glass at high temperatures induced by a laser or other regional heating. The melts are SiO2 particles (individual or connected with other substances) with dimensions of 0.1 to 300 µm or fibres with diameters of 100 to 1000 µm. Small doses of enamel may then be potentially used for additive technologies or for the production of nanofibers through further applied research (beyond the scope of this project). The objectives of the project are to create a basis for publishing activities in this area, to follow on from the work of university teams in the field of materials production, nanofibers, advanced instruments, and to start and develop unique basic research in the area of small doses of enamel. This will prepare the conditions for submitting an international project. A strong supporting element of the research is multi-disciplinarity, which includes the study of materials, processes in micro-melting, processes of obtaining nanostructures, preparation of sophisticated devices for the preparation and heating of small batches, and others. This connection across the university makes the research unique with a high potential for publication outputs in prestigious journals and is promising in terms of obtaining an international project.
Porous glass plasticine – Porous glass material (PROSYKO - Proactive system of commercialisation at TUL)
Project duration: 2021 – 2022
The project is part of the TACR grant programme: GAMA 2: TP01010031
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec
Total recognised costs of the sub-project: 1,100,000 CZK
Abstract: During the basic research, an interesting material appeared. Among the basic properties of the material are its rheological properties, which allow the material to be freely shaped by hand. Based on changes in the composition, a mixture can be achieved that may also be applied in the form of a “caterpillar” through an extruder mounted on a robot. This may be used for 3D printing. The material may also be shaped by pressing, extrusion, or the application of other technologies. Subsequent baking (using an optimised temperature curve) results in a porous material with open pores. This is another distinctive feature of the resulting product. The pore size may be controlled using the temperature curve and the granulometry of the input material.
The porosity is aimed towards a mean pore size in the range of 1 to 1000 µm and in a larger range of sizes within the material. Due to the properties of the matrix made of silicon dioxide (SiO2), we assume that this non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically highly inert product may be used in the form of micrometer-sized particle filters, nanoparticle carriers, absorbent elements, or sources for the gradual release of substances into space. No less interesting are the optical effects that may be used in lighting fixtures, and the acoustic effects that may be used in noise reduction. More information
New matting technology and prototype machinery for processing the surface of glass
Project duration: 2015 – 2017
TACR grant programme: EPSILON: TH01031152
Project participants: Sklopan Liberec, a.s. (the main recipient), Technical University of Liberec / Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations (other recipient).
Total recognised costs: 29,628,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 17,760,000 CZK
Abstract: The aims of the project were to analyse the process based on applied research and thereby optimise the technology of mechanical matting, to develop and operationally verify an automatic machine for matting medium formats of flat glass with a width of 1600 mm and a thickness of approximately 3 mm or more, and to test the application possibilities for products from utility glass and other materials. More information
Study of the usability of glass production waste
Project duration: 2022
Economic/additional activity: Preciosa Ornela a.s.
Abstract: During production from glass, glass material is produced that can no longer be used for repeated melting. The study deals with the possibility of the non-traditional use of glass material based on experiments and analyses. The objective is to design products and technological procedures for waste utilisation.
Analysis of glass cracking
Economic/additional activity: AGC Magna Exteriors (Bohemia) s.r.o.
Abstract: Evaluation of broken glass, analysis of the causes of cracking, expert consultation. The glass was experimentally evaluated. Fracture imaging of the supplied broken glass samples was performed on microscopes, stress calculations were then performed, and the possibility of glass cracking was estimated.
The effect of the quality of a drilled hole on the cracking of glass during tempering
Project duration: 2017
Economic/additional activity: AGC Automotive Czech, a.s.
Abstract: As part of the project, the influence of the quality of a drilled hole on subsequent possible breakage during further heat treatment was analysed. The quality of the surface, the condition of the tool, and the dimensions and their influence on the possible failure of the entire product were analysed.
Cracking analysis of the inner edge of glass
Project duration: 2016
Economic/additional activity: AGC Automotive Czech, a.s.
Abstract: Analysis of the causes of cracks on the edges of automotive glass in the production process. An analysis of the production process was performed in terms of the sources of damage, a computer simulation of the stress fields in the glass during handling was also conducted, and the effects of the grinding process and heat treatment during shaping were investigated. The objective was to prepare recommendations that will potentially eliminate the occurrence of defects.
Device for the non-contact evaluation of the shape accuracy of automotive glass
Project duration: 2019 – 2021
TACR grant programme: EPSILON: TH04010256
Project participants: Technical University of Liberec/Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, FOR-G, s.r.o.
Total recognised costs: 11,858,000 CZK
Amount of support from the state budget: 7,069,000 CZK
Abstract: The main objective of the project is to perform research of the processes of non-contact measurement of surfaces of shiny materials with a high degree of parasitic reflections, the possibility of their elimination, and the subsequent development of advanced technology for non-contact measurement of the profile of gravity-formed glass. The specific outputs of the project will be a functional sample (12/2019), a prototype (12/2020), and a utility model - a system for non-contact measurement of the geometry of automobile glass (6/2021). The main result of the project will be a prototype of a flexible device for checking the quality of shaped glass on the line using an on-line/in-line system. The device prototype will be designed so that it can be deployed in test operation on a line at an automotive glass manufacturer. More information