Produktionstechnik

Extremely slim device designs with IMPAeGlass

Irlbacher, a global specialist in the processing and functionalisation of flat glass, applies touch sensors and the associated processing electronics directly to the front glass in an industrial process, thus enabling touch-sensitive HMIs with an overall height of only a few millimetres. The 32-bit microcontrollers used in the systems have enough computing power to embed less sophisticated applications and thus save the device’s control board.

Irlbacher’s intuitively operable touch surfaces, which do not require a touch screen, are becoming increasingly popular. This is because finger guides, slider or encoder-like operating elements ground into the cover glass make reading the operating instructions a time-wasting issue. In addition, all production takes place in Europe; dependence on special displays with their sometimes awfully long supply chains is completely avoided.

Irlbacher applies logos, inscriptions and other colour layers to the glass using inorganic and, above all, environmentally friendly ceramic screen printing. Using this high-precision technology, which is applied in a clean-room environment, the company complements design-oriented colour printing with functionalised printing of pcb tracks and electronic circuits. Thanks to an optical barrier layer, the electronic layout is not visible from the front. In the subsequent tempering process, simple float glass is transformed into high-quality toughened safety glass; the individual colour and functional layers enamel to form a materially bonded, monolithic composite.

With this technology, called IMPAeGlass, structure below 80 µm can be realised in series production. Thanks to these fine-pitch conductors, microcontrollers of the QFN (or MLF), SOP or SSOP types can be assembled directly and conventionally on glass. The advantage: the electronics printed on glass enable very slim mounting heights. Depending on the capacitors and connectors, values of less than 10 mm can be achieved – including glass and touch sensors.

The touch sensors are read-out in real time by powerful 32-bit microcontrollers. Irlbacher’s firmware can easily distinguish between hands, even those with gloves, as well as water drops or other artefacts.

The enormous computing power of the modern SoCs used can take on further tasks, such as controlling electrical appliances, medical devices, or intelligent measuring instruments. Together with the customers, the complete application is thus embedded in the touch controller, which completely replaces dedicated control boards etc. and thus reduces costs and drastically shortens development times.

With IMPAeGlass, the entire electronics for HMI, display, device control, coupling of sensors or WLAN connectivity etc. are located directly on the glass. To ensure that the elegant glass front can be optimally integrated into the device design, Irlbacher also develops the customised cover frames, brackets, or mounting solutions.

Über die Irlbacher Blickpunkt Glas GmbH

Founded in 1935 in Schönsee (Bavaria), the family-run Irlbacher group of companies is today a global specialist in glass technology. On ten hectares, over 600 employees process more than 80 types of glass with the highest precision – for hygienic HMIs, elegant interior and exterior lighting, stylish fireplaces, aesthetic building technology, functional sanitary objects or with micrometre precision for the process industry.

Worldwide, Irlbacher has the most comprehensive portfolio in glass processing. Our in-house printing and design centre implements smart multi-material solutions. The application technology department is constantly exploring new technical possibilities. Our own R&D facilities contribute sophisticated touch solutions – and equips the electronics directly on the back of the HMI glasses. Not to forget our mechanical engineering: These machines, transforming over 85 years of experience and knowledge in glass into industrial processes, are not available for purchase.

Irlbacher has long since become the leading partner for complex, glass-based assemblies. The basis for this is the company’s own modular solution construction kit, consisting of a dozen sophisticated technology platforms.

Since 1990, the company has been continuously investing in sustainability and working to reduce its ecological footprint. Since 2018, Irlbacher has been one of the few medium-sized companies in the Climate Protection and Energy Efficiency Group of German Business. At the end of 2020, the company’s own CHP unit with a total output of 2.1 MW went into operation. This combined heat and power unit saves over 1,100 t of CO2 every year.

The Irlbacher family is committed to Germany as a business location and manufactures exclusively at its Schönsee site in eastern Bavaria, about 100 km east of Nuremberg.

Firmenkontakt und Herausgeber der Meldung:

Irlbacher Blickpunkt Glas GmbH
Josef-Irlbacher-Str. 1
92539 Schönsee
Telefon: +49 (9674) 9200-0
Telefax: +49 (9674) 9200-120
http://www.irlbacher.com

Ansprechpartner:
Tom Weber
Telefon: +49 1714237186
E-Mail: tw@robologs.com
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