Others

A

Software & HMI Upgrade

Technical Introduction

Replaces outdated and slow control interfaces with a modern industrial PC (IPC) and high-precision Human-Machine Interface (HMI). The system features built-in standardized process parameter libraries, one-touch recipe retrieval, real-time operating data monitoring, and historical trend analysis.

 

Technical Advantages

Reduced Labor Reliance: Intuitive interfaces simplify operation and lower training costs for line operators.

Process Consistency: Solidifies over 60% of core parameters into standard recipes, preventing manual operational errors.

Enhanced Diagnostics: Accelerates data logging and fault troubleshooting to maintain long-term production stability.

B

Furnace Extension

Technical Introduction

Extends the furnace body length based on site layout (e.g., adding heating zones to lengthen from 30m to 42m/46m) while optimizing the internal conveyor and drive synchronization systems. This structural upgrade maximizes glass heating throughput and seamless loading cycle density without replacing the entire production line.

 

Technical Advantages

  • Significant Capacity Boost: Increases hourly throughput and total production area by 15%–20%, effectively meeting peak order demands and shortening delivery cycles.
  • High Cost-Efficiency: Maximizes the reuse of existing equipment (such as blower systems and structural foundations), significantly lowering total capital expenditure (CapEx) compared to purchasing a new machine.
  • Optimized Thermal Efficiency: Longer heating zones allow for more gradual temperature ramp-up and balanced heat distribution, enhancing heating uniformity for continuous mass production.
C

Energy-Saving Blower Retrofit

Technical Introduction

Upgrades traditional high-pressure blowers by integrating high-efficiency motor drives, variable frequency control , and optimized aerodynamic impellers. The system dynamically regulates airflow and pressure output based on real-time glass heating cycles and quenching requirements.

 

Technical Advantages

  • Significant Energy Savings: Reduces blower electrical power consumption by 8%–12%, drastically cutting daily operational costs.
  • Extended Equipment Lifespan: Optimized motor operation and load control eliminate excessive mechanical stress during startup and running phases, extending blower lifespan.
  • Optimized Airflow Stability: Provides smooth pressure adjustments between high-pressure quenching and low-pressure cooling phases, preventing glass breakage caused by sudden airflow surges.
D

Convection System Update

Technical Introduction

Upgrades old radiation or conventional convection furnaces to advanced forced convection heating systems. Featuring patented heating structures, precise heating element matrices, and intelligent power compensation, the system delivers optimized forced air circulation and precise zone temperature control.

 

Technical Advantages

  • Superior Heating Uniformity: Enhances heat transfer efficiency across the glass surface, eliminating heating dead zones and significantly improving overall product optical quality.
  • High-End Glass Capability: Expands processing limits to comfortably handle Low-E and laminated glass, achieving optical reflection distortion under 2nd-grade industry standards.
  • Energy-Efficient Operation: Reduces unit power consumption by 0.05–0.12 kWh/m², greatly lowering long-term electricity expenses and shortening the investment payback period.

Overview of Southtech Equipment Upgrade Services

As the glass processing market demands higher standards for Low-E coating compatibility, energy efficiency, and operational intelligence, replacing entire production lines often poses high capital costs and long downtime. Southtech offers comprehensive, modular equipment upgrade solutions tailored for legacy glass tempering furnaces. By integrating SC forced convection, energy-saving blower technology, intelligent control overhauls, and furnace body extensions, we empower glass processors to break capacity bottlenecks, lower unit production costs, and elevate finished glass quality—all while maximizing the value of existing equipment assets.

  • A
  • B
  • csacas
technical-bg

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FAQ

  • Forced convection technology uses high-temperature fans to circulate hot air inside the furnace, allowing the hot air to exchange heat directly with the glass surface. After the retrofit, the achievable results include: significantly improved flatness of clear glass, elimination of white haze defects, higher loading rate, higher yield, and shorter heating time for clear glass.

  • Replacement is recommended in five cases: the chamber size cannot meet order requirements, the furnace body is severely deformed or corroded, the service life is too long (typically over 15 years), a completely different process route is required (e.g., switching from flat glass to bent glass), or the retrofit cost exceeds 50% of a new furnace.

  • Five assessments: furnace body structure condition, heating system status, on-site measurement of insulation performance, drive and roller conveyor precision, and foundation and workshop conditions. Southtech provides a free on-site assessment, a customized Retrofit Plan, and a commitment to before-and-after data comparison.

  • Yes. Mainly through retrofitting the heating and convection system, optimizing the drive system, increasing quench air pressure, and upgrading the control system to shorten cycle times, production capacity can be increased by 10%–30%. However, the increase is capped by the original maximum load capacity.

  • Through insulation upgrades, sealing optimization, heating system renewal, and power regulation optimization, energy consumption can typically be reduced by 5%–15%; combined with control system upgrades and process optimization, the reduction may be even greater.

  • The project delivers three direct benefits: a high degree of automation, efficient energy saving, and traceable quality. Southtech provides a full set of intelligent upgrade capabilities, including adaptive heating temperature, automatic air pressure adjustment, automatic matching of process parameters, and energy consumption data analysis. It supports MES system integration, helping the production line become smarter and more efficient with less reliance on manual labor.

  • Buying a used tempering furnace carries significantly higher risks than buying new. The core risks center on aging of the furnace body, outdated convection system generations, obsolete control systems, higher energy consumption, and the lack of warranty and original-manufacturer service.

  • Yes. Common retrofit directions include converting a radiation furnace to forced convection, upgrading the control system, renewing heating elements and insulation, and capacity enhancement. When the retrofit cost is below 40%–50% of buying new equipment and the main structure of the furnace remains intact, retrofitting is usually more economical than purchasing new.

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