Individual Machines
DFA-A
Automatic desiccant filling machine for rigid spacers
The LiSEC DFA‑A is a fully automatic desiccant filling machine designed to ensure maximum efficiency and process reliability in insulating glass production. It enables the simultaneous filling of two sides of a frame and was specifically developed for fully automatic spacer production, including integration with insulating glass lines equipped with frame-setting robots. The upshot is high system throughput, clean spacer frames, and a material-friendly and documentable filling process.
How is the DFA‑A constructed and what frame sizes are possible?
The DFA‑A from LiSEC operates with two movable filling heads that are automatically positioned to the current frame width. The system is designed for processing all common rigid spacer materials used in insulating glass production.
Processable frame sizes:
- Minimum: 300 × 300 mm
- Maximum: 2500 × 2500 mm
How does the automatic desiccant filling work?
The spacer frame is automatically retrieved from a frame transport trolley (RTW) placed in front of the system and precisely positioned. The two filling heads automatically adjust to the frame width.
The filling process includes:
- Simultaneous drilling on the rear side of the two vertical frame legs
- Automatic dispensing of the desiccant from a 200‑litre drum
- Simultaneous filling of both sides of the frame
- Sealing the drilled hole with butyl
After the filling process, the frame is transferred to the back wall, lowered and transported on a conveyor belt to the downstream butyl coating station.
How is the high system performance achieved?
The DFA‑A uses a multi-stage process layout. Additional processing levels spatially separate the removal steps including alignment, filling and removal, allowing them to run in parallel.
In addition, the frame height is measured in portrait orientation immediately before the filling position. This enables flexible removal – even if the previous frame is still on the conveyor belt. The result is optimised cycle times without manual intervention.
How does the DFA-A ensure cleanliness and process reliability during the filling process?
A key quality criterion for fully automatic insulating glass lines is the cleanliness of the spacer frames. To this end, the DFA‑A features an integrated combination of blow‑off and extraction technology directly within the clamping mechanism.
This results in the following benefits:
- Prevents desiccant deposits on the spacer
- Avoids contamination of the system by desiccant residues
- Clean frames provide the optimal basis for subsequent processes such as butylation and automatic frame setting.
How does the DFA-A handle large and unstable spacer frames with sufficient care?
Modern spacer profiles are becoming increasingly thin-walled and exhibit lower mechanical stability. The DFA-A has been specially developed by LiSEC to meet these requirements in insulating glass production.
Four support points, two of which are width-adjustable, ensure safe and gentle frame handling when lowering large formats and unstable materials. An extending, horizontal conveyor belt is integrated into the back wall; this minimises deformation during the outfeed of very large formats and prevents narrow, tall frames from tipping over during acceleration.
How is the desiccant filling process monitored?
The desiccant fill quantity is recorded by a volumetric measurement system in the feed tanks. This enables:
- Live measurement of the exact desiccant quantity per frame leg
- Detection of filling errors or instances where the minimum quantity is not met
- Documentation of the filled desiccant quantities
When connected to the LiSEC software lis.linemanagement, a target/actual comparison of the filling quantities per frame is also possible.
Who is the automatic desiccant filling machine suitable for?
The DFA‑A is the ideal solution for insulating glass manufacturers who:
- Want to fully automate their spacer frame production
- Want to combine high output with consistent quality
- Value clean frames, stable processes and traceable quality assurance
- Simultaneous desiccant filling on both sides of the frame
- Optimised cycle times through parallel process steps
- Clean, dust-free spacer frames as the basis for stable downstream processes
- Gentle processing of large and unstable materials
- Volumetrically monitored and documentable filling process
The Highlights
Maximum line throughput due to parallel desiccant filling
Parallel process steps ensure short cycle times without additional operator intervention.
Clean spacer frames for stable downstream processes
Desiccant residues are reliably removed thanks to integrated blow-off and extraction technology. Clean frames provide the optimal basis for subsequent processes such as butylation and automatic frame setting.
Documented quality and high process reliability
A volumetric measuring system monitors the exact amount of desiccant per frame leg in real time. This ensures traceable quality, early detection of defects and unbeatable process reliability in insulating glass production.
