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Automation solutions for small and medium-sized glass manufacturers: innovation and productivity

Automation solutions for small and medium-sized glass manufacturers: innovation and productivity

Automation solutions for small and medium-sized glass manufacturers: innovation and productivity

L’Automation in the glass processing industry is no longer a privilege reserved exclusively for large industries. As technologies evolve, Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also access advanced solutions to boost productivity, optimize processes and compete globally. Our automation technologies perfectly meet these needs, offering glassworks tailored solutions that bring tangible and immediate benefits. Let's find out together how the A-WR system, the i-AL package and the PLM IoT i-Like Machines software can revolutionize the daily activities of glass manufacturers!

A-WR system: automation of grinding wheel adjustment

The A-WR system represents a significant leap forward for SMEs involved in glass processing. Thanks to this unique solution, the grinding wheel adjustment process becomes fully automatic, eliminating the need for manual intervention and drastically reducing set-up times. This advanced system allows the pressure and position of the grinding wheels to be precisely and consistently adjusted, ensuring a flawless finish and significantly improving the quality of the finished product.

A technology that proves to be indispensable for small glassworks because. increases machining precision, reducing human error margins and saving valuable time. In an environment where it is often necessary to maximize human and material resources, the A-WR system makes it possible to increase productivity and improve quality, two key elements in maintaining business competitiveness.

i-AL package: maximum automation and integration in your glassworks

Designed by our experts as a modular and versatile solution, the i-AL system is ideal for those who want to bring their manufacturing into the world of Industry 4.0. This advanced package Integrates mechanical, electronic and software components that communicate with each other smoothly and synergistically, ensuring maximum automation of glass processes.

The i-AL package offers SMEs complete process automation, from glass sheet loading to unloading, thus minimizing manual intervention and reducing downtime. The system connects with the entire production plant, enabling centralized and efficient control. In addition, the i-AL is highly flexible, as it easily adapts to existing machinery and can be implemented in a phased manner, making it an affordable solution even for those who intend to take small steps toward full automation.

For a small or medium-sized company, which often does not have dedicated personnel for ongoing maintenance, this solution is a guarantee of reliability and business continuity. With its total integration, the i-AL package makes the process more streamlined and less prone to downtime or interruptions, ensuring greater overall efficiency.

IoT i-Like Machines PLM software: proactive monitoring and maintenance of glass processing machines

To take full advantage of the capabilities of glass processing machines (grinding machines, bevelling machines, vertical washing machines, etc.), at Adelio Lattuada we have developed the PLM IoT i-Like Machines software, a platform that Allows machines to be connected to each other and monitor their operation in real time. This solution makes available an intuitive user interface for machinery management and control and provides in-depth analysis of production data, with tangible benefits for the management of the entire plant.

With i-Like Machines IoT PLM software, SMEs can control the production cycle in real time, monitoring machine efficiency and detecting any anomalies before they can cause disruptions. The ability to receive alerts in case of malfunctions allows for prompt action, while the collection and analysis of historical data allows for the identification of improvement margins and production trends. Proactively planning maintenance becomes easier, minimizing downtime and reducing the risk of unexpected failures.

Automation, a real competitive advantage for glass SMEs

Despite the common belief that innovative technologies and automation systems are only suitable for large industries, the innovations developed by Adelio Lattuada show how automation can be implemented even in small-scale settings, with concrete benefits and a significant return on investment.

By adopting A-WR, i-AL and i-Like Machines IoT PLM software, each machine can be transformed into a concentrate of precision and productivity, helping to increase production and improve quality. Thanks to these systems, SMEs can reduce processing time, optimize resources, and drastically reduce waste and energy consumption, in line with increasingly sustainable business management.

But it doesn't end there: small and medium-sized glassworks can leverage these technologies to expand their production capabilities, improve process management and respond more effectively to market demands. Automation is thus a real competitive advantage for SMEs, which can then compete with larger companies through operational efficiency and unrestrained productivity.

Innovation and automation for the growth of Italian glassworks

In an ever-changing industry, staying competitive means investing in innovation.
Adelio Lattuada's advanced automation systems represent a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized Italian companies in the glass industry to enter the world of Industry 4.0 without the need for radical transformation. With the A-WR system, i-AL package and i-Like Machines IoT PLM software, you can optimize production, reduce waste and improve operational efficiency, creating the foundation for a solid future based on smart and sustainable production.

These solutions not only bring immediate benefits in terms of efficiency and quality, but also represent a strategic investment that ensures SMEs are able to meet the challenges of the modern market with greater confidence and competitiveness. Contact us to learn more!

 

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Glass grinding: safety and aesthetics in the architectural and decorative sector
Stone grinding: challenges, applications and industrial solutions

Stone grinding: challenges, applications and industrial solutions

Stone grinding represents one of the most complex processes in the stone and related materials processing industry for end applications. Unlike glass sheets, where material behavior is more “predictable,” natural stone and ceramic and composite materials exhibit extremely variable physical and mechanical characteristics even between pieces of the same material, requiring a highly specialized approach from both a technological and an operational perspective. Marble, granite, natural stone, porcelain, ceramic, and composite materials such as okite, neolith, silestone, or laminam are currently used in areas ranging from furniture to construction, from interior design to architecture. In all these contexts, the quality of the edge in terms of geometric precision, surface finish and aesthetic appearance is an absolutely crucial and priority factor. What is stone grinding and why is it a critical process The process of stone grinding is the same as that of glass. In the case of stone, however, this processing is particularly critical for several reasons:- high hardness and abrasiveness of the material, which leads to rapid tool wear- heterogeneity of the structure, which often has veins, overhangs or micro-fractures- high aesthetic requirements, in visible applications Grinding is therefore not a simple finishing step, but a process that directly affects the final quality of the product, its functionality and durability over time.But let's look in detail at the main difficulties that can be encountered in edge processing. Bevel management in stone and ceramic and composite material processing Bevel management is one of the most complex aspects in stone grinding.There are two main processes that can be carried out:- chamfers from 0° to 45°, used for rough or polished straight edges, with the possibility of making fillets, drips, grooves and hollows;- 46° chamfers, essential for perfect bonding between two slabs, especially in the kitchen and bathroom sectorIn the latter case, the technical difficulty increases even further as it is necessary to obtain an extremely precise, thick angle with minimal or practically no bead: these conditions are essential to ensure an invisible and structurally sound and strong coupling. Any inaccuracy can prove compromising to the aesthetics of the joint and the perceived quality of the finished product. What industries require perfectly ground stone slabs? The increasing popularity of stone and ceramic materials in high value-added contexts has made edge grinding a key element in many application sectors: peer kitchen tops and splashbacks, custom bathroom furniture and interior furnishings, window sills and architectural cladding, and contract fittings.In all these areas precison and aesthetic continuity are essential and perfectly finished edges are required, even on particularly complex geometries. In addition, stones and materials used in these areas are often subject to mechanical stresses and external agents, which is why it is essential that the material being worked on be treated precisely and delicately, without compromising its structural integrity. From glass grinding to stone grinding: Lattuada's know-how Technological evolution of machinery and systems has made it possible to transfer skills established in specific sectors, such as glass processing, to stone grinding as well. This transition was not automatic: it required deep adaptation of machines, tools and processing logic, taking into account the specificities of stone materials. It is precisely in this context that our experience fits: at Lattuada we have been able to apply our many years of know-how in glass grinding to the development of solutions dedicated to stone, ceramic materials and composites. This is how the PETRA series was born!Designed to meet the most advanced needs of the stone industry, our PETRA series offers vertical edge polishers designed to ensure precision, flexibility and consistent quality over time. Available in standard versions from 4 to 14 spindles, the vertical edge polishers of the PETRA series can be configured with numerous options and accessories, leading to fully customized solutions based on the customer's production needs. In conclusion, we can say that stone grinding is a highly technical process, which requires specific skills, reliable machines and a deep knowledge of materials. In a market that is increasingly focused on quality detail and absolute precision, investment in advanced technological solutions means ensuring production continuity, waste reduction and a consistent level of quality. Want to learn more about stone grinding?
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Glass sector 2025: a year of consolidations and new directions

Glass sector 2025: a year of consolidations and new directions

For the glass sector, and for those involved in the entire glass processing chain, 2025 was a year of consolidation. Many of the trajectories started in previous years (such as digitization, automation, focus on energy efficiency and sustainability) found a more concrete form and actual growth. Thus, 2025, for those in the glass industry, represented a key transition in which experimentation turned into real integration within production lines.Let's take a look together at the cult moments and events of 2025 for the glass industry! Glass industry trade shows 2025. Glass Build America, Vitrum and many more! In 2025, major industry trade shows confirmed a change that was already taking place, namely an increased focus on the robustness of industrial glass processing solutions. Two major events in particular were: Vitrum and Glass Build America; both highlighted an increasing demand for glass processing machines capable of ensuring production continuity, repeatability of results and reduced operating costs. The Latin markets also showed the same trend, and events such as Glasstech Mexico 2025 and Glass South America 2025, exclusive meeting points for global exhibitors and Latin American buyers where the latest technological innovations related to the glass and construction sector emerged and - most importantly - where customized answers were given based on the specific needs of the Latin American market. Lattuada's participation in these events was aimed not only at presenting solutions, but above all at dialogue with a sector that demands concrete answers: reliability, consistent grinding quality, ease of integration into existing lines, and guaranteed long-term results. Themes that, as we had the opportunity to test directly in the field, emerged in 2025 at all latitudes, regardless of geographic area and individual realities. Automation in glass processing: innovation and technology for industries 4.0 One of the most obvious trends that resonated in 2025 concerns automation. More and more glass factories, even small ones, have been able to approach the topic of automation and integration of their lines with advanced monitoring and sensor systems, thus succeeding in stabilizing the glass grinding and polishing process and reducing dependence on external variables. We were among the first to support the idea that automation, in the glass grinding machine industry, should not replace the operator but support him in his daily activities and minimize the possibility of error. Thanks to more intuitive interfaces, faster set-ups and increasingly precise process controls, glassworks can maintain high quality standards on both large volumes and small to medium batches, thus being as versatile as they are precise and on time. Energy efficiency and durability, a strategic combination in the glass industry Sustainability, environmental impact and green production are issues increasingly on the agenda. In 2025 in the glass sector, there was a growing awareness that energy efficiency cannot be separated from the durability of machines: the more the machine endures and performs over time, the less it becomes necessary to replace it and, therefore, the less waste and waste there is.In addition to durability, the issue of “water management” was also a topic of debate. In fact, it emerged how process water management is a determining factor for modern glassworks, which is why the most advanced machines do not simply use fresh water for grinding and polishing, but integrate closed recirculation systems or dedicated centrifuges that make it possible to reduce waste and maintain a constant quality of the working fluid. A totally sustainability-oriented approach, resulting in lower water resource consumption and - consequently - lower environmental impact, without compromising machining precision. At the same time, reducing energy consumption has established itself as a central goal. High-efficiency motors, intelligent load control systems and optimized processing cycles make it possible to contain the energy used for each sheet of glass processed. Energy efficiency must increasingly be seen as an integral part of industrial competitiveness, because it allows costs to be cut and production to be more sustainable in the medium to long term. In 2025, and in industry appointments, it has become clear how sustainability and performance must always travel together. That's why choosing machines designed to last-with components that are easy to maintain, optimized use of water and energy, and integration with control and automation systems-means keeping up with the times and taking a leap into the future. Glass factories that have long since adopted this approach can already see the benefits: less waste, greater production continuity, reduced costs and controlled environmental impact. For Lattuada, this mixture is the guide that has always guided us in the development of our glass processing machines. Each new machine, even when made custom, is always designed not only to maximize grinding quality, but also to ensure a balance between productivity, durability and resource responsibility. The future of the glass industry: ready for 2026! As we have seen, 2025 has highlighted that the glass industry has taken on an important awareness by showing itself globally ready to give concrete answers in terms of efficiency, quality and innovation. Companies operating in glass processing are increasingly looking for partners ready to understand these aspects and to present themselves not as mere suppliers of machines, but as real “shoulders” together with which to achieve concrete results.And this is precisely the goal we pursue every day at Lattuada!We will continue to build our future day after day, made up of glass processing machinery designed to drop into production realities all over the world, responding to the daily needs of production and guiding companies towards constant and growing automation.
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Ultra-thin glass: production challenges and new technologies for grinding

Ultra-thin glass: production challenges and new technologies for grinding

Ultra-thin glass: production challenges and new technologies for grinding In sectors such as construction, automotive and interior design, glass applications are varied and often require lightweight yet durable solutions with a flawless finish. However, the progressive reduction in the thickness of glass sheets brings with it a number of production and processing challenges particularly in grinding; in fact, it becomes essential to achieve precise and uniform edges without compromising the safety and strength of the material. Why is thin glass grinding complex? Reducing the thickness of glass results in increased brittleness of the material, making it more likely to be exposed to breakage during grinding. This, in detail, means having to balance precision and speed without going to the detriment of the quality of the final product. Any slight variation in thickness or force applied during machining-without proper care-can result in significant errors and scrap, negatively affecting productivity. Relying on high-performance machines is not enough: proper management of parameters during the grinding phase is crucial. In addition to choosing the right straight-line grinding machine model depending on the thickness and type of result you want to achieve, it is important to take into account the correct ratio between processing speed and grinding wheel pressure, which-along with the support and handling systems for the glass along the machine-allows you to obtain smooth, uniform, perfectly ground edges, minimizing waste. Maintenance should also not be underestimated: regular machine and tool maintenance and replacement of grinding wheels when worn directly affect the quality of the final product. Only by having a clear understanding of the overall dynamics of the ultra-thin glass grinding process is it possible to ensure consistent and qualitatively satisfactory performance over time! How to achieve excellent grinding for ultra-thin glass Lattuada grinding machines are designed and manufactured to deal with the many difficulties that can be encountered when grinding glass, even in the case of ultra-thin glass sheets. Their adaptability allows us to process thin glass - starting from 3mm - up to thicknesses of 100mm with the TLS series. This allows us to cover a wide range of products and respond to multiple needs without compromise: all we need to do is identify production needs and identify the most functional model within our range of straight-line grinding machines!Another distinctive feature of our grinding machines is the possibility of customized configuration: all our machines can be adapted and implemented in such a way as to optimize time, consumption and production quality. The integration of advanced systems-such as the A-WR system for fully automatic management of grinding wheel adjustment and the i-AL system comprising mechanical, electronic and software components-helps achieve the highest possible automation and complete integration with the entire production system, even when processing the thinnest glass. Innovation and Productivity in Lattuada Glass Grinding At Lattuada, investment in research and development of technologies to continuously improve the glass grinding process is continuous. Automated adjustment and control systems, production management software and robotic solutions enable us to offer our customers an integrated approach that combines high production speed, precision finishing and waste reduction, making efficient and safe production possible even with ultra-thin and extremely delicate glass. Thanks to Lattuada's signature straight-line grinding machines, it is possible to meet even the most complex production challenges while maintaining high quality standards and guaranteeing customers perfectly finished and ground edges, minimal tolerances and extreme transparency-all essential! Thin glass grinding without compromise The combination of configurable machines, advanced support systems and optimized speed and pressure management enables excellent results on glass from 3 mm up to 100 mm thick. Relying on Lattuada means choosing innovation, safety and productivity, with customizable solutions for every production reality, from the smallest glassworks to large industries. Lattuada grinding machines today represent a global standard in thin glass grinding, allowing complex challenges to be transformed into efficient and reliable processes with consistently high finish quality.
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Vitrum 2025 connects knowledge with know-how. Adelio Lattuada's latest.

Vitrum 2025 connects knowledge with know-how. Adelio Lattuada's latest.

Vitrum 2025 connects knowledge with know-how. The latest news from Adelio Lattuada. From September 16 to 19, 2025, Fiera Milano - Rho will once again become the beating heart of the glass industry: Vitrum, the biennial event that has been an international reference point for those who work, study and innovate in this sector for more than 40 years, is back. Vitrum is not just a fair, but a true immersive experience that brings together knowledge and know-how, tradition and research, craftsmanship and advanced automation. Each edition brings together professionals, companies, institutions, universities and enthusiasts from all over the world, creating a unique ecosystem where skills intertwine to give rise to new perspectives and collaborations. Glass, in fact, is much more than a material: it is an element that accompanies our daily lives in very different forms and applications. From architecture to design, from automotive to furniture, from technology to the most innovative sectors such as energy and smart mobility, glass is confirmed as a versatile, sustainable material capable of interpreting the challenges of the future. And it is against this backdrop that Vitrum becomes the ideal setting to discover the latest trends and meet the leading players in the industry! Vitrum 2025: an edition full of new content Active since 1983, Vitrum has always stood out for its ability to renew itself and enrich itself with proposals. The 2025 edition promises to be even more dynamic, focusing on a balanced combination of strategic vision, international alliances and operational concreteness. The aim is to offer participants a 360-degree overview of the world of glass, stimulating not only commercial, but also cultural and educational exchange. Among the most relevant novelties of this edition: A transversal path along the entire supply chain: from industry to research, from institutions to training, each phase of the glass cycle will find its representation. A unique opportunity to observe up close how the material is studied, transformed, processed and applied. Vitrum Technology District: a special area that will focus on the role of Italian universities in research and development. Among the protagonists: the University of Padua, the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, the IUAV University of Venice, the Polytechnic University of Turin, the University of Trento and the MADE - Competence Center of the Polytechnic University of Milan. Technical masterclasses: training moments realized in collaboration with Vetrostrutturale SRL, dedicated to tempered and laminated glass (16/09, 3 p.m.) and screen printing on glass (18/09, 10 a.m.). The master classes will be held at Vitrum Forum, Hall 9. Specialized training: courses held in collaboration with the Stazione Sperimentale del Vetro, with a focus on flat glass and hollow glass, hosted in Hall 11. Best Tech Awards 2025: the recognition of innovation One of the most anticipated moments of Vitrum is undoubtedly the presentation of the Best Tech Awards, the prizes that celebrate the most innovative technologies and cutting-edge projects. The peculiarity of these awards is the active participation of the public: visitors, in fact, will be directly involved in choosing the winners through an accessible and immediate voting system. This dynamic contributes to making the fair not only an exhibition showcase, but also a participatory and immersive moment in which the opinions and experiences of industry professionals carry real weight. Adelio Lattuada's participation in Vitrum 2025 In this context, Adelio Lattuada confirms its presence at Vitrum 2025 with a leading role, bringing to the fair our approach oriented toward innovation, automation and sustainability. Not only that: we are also among the nominees for the Best Tech Awards 2025! You can find us in three different categories: Flat Glass - with the TLR 12 C PC LIMITED EDITION grinding machine, an expression of precision and performance. Robots & Automation - with the fully automated robotic line consisting of grinding machine TLR 12 C PC LIMITED EDITION and robot KUKA from Knittel Glass, a concrete example of integration, automation and robotics. Software, VR & AI - with the ORQUESTRA IIOT DATA MANAGER platform, designed to collect, analyze and enhance production data from an Industry 4.0 perspective. How to vote? During the fair it will be possible to express your preference in a simple and immediate way: just frame the QR Codes present at our stand or reported on the official event guide. Your vote can make a difference! Vitrum 2025: an opportunity not to be missed Vitrum 2025 is not just an industry event, but an appointment that looks to the future of the glass industry and the professions dedicated to its processing. Visiting the fair means getting hands-on with the technologies that will change the way we build and experience spaces, but also engaging with the key players in an industry that is increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency. And the good news is that attending is super easy: thanks to online registration via this link, you can get a free pass to access the fair. It only takes a few clicks to download your ticket and experience a day of innovation, education and networking! For glassmakers and glaziers who want to grow, enter the world of Industry 4.0 and increase quality, a complete Lattuada line is a strategic choice. Contact us to learn about available configurations and find out how to integrate your next glass processing line by Lattuada into your glassworks! We look forward to seeing you at Vitrum 2025! From September 16 to 19, Adelio Lattuada will be waiting for you at Fiera Milano - Rho to discover all the new products together. An opportunity to get to know our technologies up close, discuss the challenges of the future and share the passion that drives us every day in the world of glass processing. We are waiting for you: hall 11, stand J01-M14. Don't miss it! ADELIO LATTUADA SRL AT VITRUM 2025
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