First International Glass Moulds Conference in Milan on 30-31 Mar 06

The organizers of this event, the first of its kind, noted a high participation by hollow glass professionals from most European countries, but also by technicians from India, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, Iran and other nations. The important history of glass container production in Italy and the consolidated experience of Italian companies dedicated to glass moulding both motivated this conference. Several prominent speakers presented and discussed various aspects of this industry.

Topics included the metallurgical criteria for the long term life of moulds, design concepts for product shapes, specific papers about the potential for optimization, improved performance of the serial production process, and maintenance and lubrication issues, among others. The wide spectrum of subjects offered a full picture of the technological state of our industry today.

Pneumofore’s CEO Daniel Hilfiker held a 40-minute talk on the basic aspects of vacuum in the high-speed hollow glass production. Vacuum is a crucial attribute for high productivity and low rejection rates. Mr. Hilfiker demonstrated calculations for the economical power consumption and environmental impact of various moulding technologies using compressed air in combination with vacuum. Six case stories were presented with different tasks in different nations.

With over 80 years of experience, Pneumofore possesses significant application know-how. Mr. Hilfiker underlined the fundamental importance of correct vacuum system design in order to serve the hollow glass industry with fully engineered vacuum solutions, and not just with pumps or compressors. He concluded with a perspective on improving the Life Cycle Cost of installations, which is applicable to most investments for a glass factory.