Production equipment and product quality go hand-in-hand
- Expert-blog
Finn Lamex’s competitive advantages include strong expertise, excellent technical flexibility and our self-built machines and equipment.
Finn Lamex exists to serve the customer in all their windscreen manufacturing needs. For example, we work closely with the customer to implement the shape and size plans required for a completely new product. We’ll also lend a hand when you want to rework your older windscreen designs for easier installations.
From the beginning, we’ve focused our manufacturing on making large, laminated windscreens in challenging shapes. Our unique strengths are primarily our self-built, process-specific machines and equipment. We also use machines purchased elsewhere, but we’ve made these into our own as well by modifying them to suit our and our customers’ needs.
PROCESS QUALITY ADDS RELIABILITY AT EVERY STAGE
Our machine manufacturing is based on strong experience and professionalism, as well as high quality technical solutions that prevent production problems and disruptions. Production disturbances are rare, and for that we can thank the continuous development of our preventive maintenance processes and our critical spare parts stock.
The design of the machines also makes maintenance fast and easy. In addition to monitoring our glass quality, we closely monitor the quality and condition of our tools with thorough inspections and a preventive maintenance system. Because our maintenance personnel are working with familiar machines, our production runs steadily with no major surprises.
For the customer, the quality and reliability of our production process means they can trust that the product they receive will meet their requirements and the delivery deadline. Our in-depth knowledge of our tailor-made tools ensures we offer a flexible service: we can react quickly to changes in production needs and, if necessary, develop new machines according to changing requirements.
“NATURALLY, WINDSCREEN MANUFACTURERS STRIVE TO CONTINUOUSLY DEVELOP THEIR PRODUCTION AND MACHINERY.“
WINDSCREEN MANUFACTURING IN A NUTSHELL
Quality windscreen production includes several steps. Our starting point is, naturally, a plan developed according to the customer’s specific needs – ideally developed together in close cooperation.
The actual production process begins by cutting, float glass to its form, then grinding down the edge according to customer requirements. Next, a ceramic black silkscreen is usually applied around the edges of the glass as well as to the attachment positions of any additional components. The desired shape is formed in a bending furnace using a glass-specific mould. After this, the glass is laminated according to product-specific safety requirements and equipped with any necessary accessories. Finally, the finished product is inspected and packaged to be shipped to the customer.
CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT
Naturally, windscreen manufacturers strive to continuously develop their production and machinery. On the other hand, the industry is also rather conservative – so there’s little chance of a revolutionary new manufacturing method appearing on the horizon.
However, a number of glass processing technologies (and their related applications) are constantly evolving. Laser technology, for example, will certainly play a role in Finn Lamex’s future.
Seppo Kivimäki
Director of Production Equipment and Maintenance
