Why More Manufacturers Are Choosing Autoclave Free Laminated Glass Machines

Laminated glass is ubiquitous in all walks of life, from car windshields to building windows. Laminating two or more layers of glass and film together is how laminated glass is produced. Autoclave machines have been used for decades to accomplish this task. But now, more and more manufacturers are beginning to use autoclave-free laminated glass machines. What's the reason? Let's take a quick look.​

Lower Costs, Higher Profits​

For manufacturers, cost is key, and the autoclave free laminated glass machines are a huge money-saver.​

First. The first expense. Autoclave machines are expensive, use too much space, consume a lot of metal, and contain complex parts. Autoclave-free machines, on the other hand, are small and simpler, reducing up-front buying costs by 30%–50%.​

Second, operating costs. Autoclaves require a significant amount of electricity to heat and generate high pressure, and also consume more water during the cooling process. Autoclave-free machines operate at lower temperature and eliminate high pressure, reducing monthly electricity expenses by over 40%.​

With reduced costs to purchase and operate the machines, manufacturers can earn more profit on each piece of laminated glass.​

Faster Production, Higher Yields​

Time is also factor. An autoclave machine takes forever to produce a batch of glass, typically 2–4 hours. Why? Because it slowly heats the temperature, maintains high pressure, and then slowly cools down.​

Autoclave-free laminated glass machines remove the high-pressure step and use rollers or vacuum systems to bond the glass and film rapidly. A single glass can be produced in 10–30 minutes. For busy factories, this corresponds to a 5–10 times boost in day-to-day glass output.

Without waiting for the autoclave to complete a batch, manufacturers can take on more orders and deliver faster, exactly what their customers want.​

Smaller Footprint, Easier Installation​

Autoclave machines are enormous and consume a lot of workshop area (sometimes the area of a small room). Many small and medium-sized manufacturers simply don't have this much space.​

The non autoclave glass laminate machine is compact, roughly the size of a large table, and can be fit into a small workshop. Installation is also simple: no strengthening of the floor to support the weight of the autoclave necessary, nor is there any need for additional cooling ducts.​

This is a boon for small factories. They can begin producing laminated glass without moving to a larger facility or incurring the expense of renovating their workshops.​

Less Maintenance, Less Hassle​

Autoclaves have many moving parts and complex systems. When there is a failure, repairs can take days. Repairs are also expensive, and the plant must be shut down while the repairs are completed.​

The non autoclave glass laminate machine's simple design features fewer components and lower chances of failure. Even if certain maintenance is needed, it can be completed within 1–2 hours, rather than waiting for days.​

Manufacturers do not need to worry about unexpected downtime. The equipment operates problem-free, and repair work can be planned as per the production schedule without impacting production flow.​

Quality Meets Standards, Indistinguishable from Autoclave-made Glass

In the past, some manufacturers worried, "Will non-autoclave-made glass be strong enough?" The answer is yes.

Modern non autoclave laminate machines utilize advanced technology: a vacuum system removes air between the glass and film, and a roller-pressing system applies uniform pressure. The resulting laminated glass offers the same strength, transparency, and safety as autoclave-made glass, passing the same tests (such as impact resistance).

Customers can't tell the difference, while manufacturers save time and money. It's a win-win situation.

More Environmentally Friendly and Adaptable to Diverse Production Needs

Autoclave-free laminated glass machines are more environmentally friendly. Because they consume less electricity and water, they can reduce carbon emissions and water waste, a growing concern for consumers and governments. Manufacturers can promote their products as "greener" to help attract environmentally conscious customers.

These machines also offer flexibility. They can process a wide range of glass sizes and types—from small decorative glass to large architectural glass. Autoclave machines tend to be of a set size, and various products would require multiple machines. Autoclave-free models allow a single machine to perform multiple production tasks, further saving costs and space.​

The autoclave-free laminated glass machine solves the core issues of traditional autoclave machines: high cost, low speed, large volume, and complex maintenance. It also offers additional advantages such as environmental friendliness and adaptability to diverse production needs.​

These machines allow manufacturers to produce quality laminated glass at lower cost, greater speed, with smaller space, and a better environment. This translates into more profits, more orders, and less hassle for manufacturers small or large. That's why more and more manufacturers are choosing non autoclave laminate machines, not a trend, but the smart way of producing laminated glass. Contact MERSGlass to learn more about non autoclave laminate machine.