The purpose of inspection windows in machine tools is to afford the operator a clear view of the machine’s workspace thus making the production process transparent. Inspection windows positioned within the range of flying particles must provide adequate protection. According to current research findings the best material for inspection windows is polycarbonate because of its high absorption rate. Polycarbonate has the disadvantage, however, that it is susceptible to scratches and can be damaged by flying sparks and shavings, thereby impairing its transparency and stability. Another disadvantage of polycarbonate is its possible low resistance to the effect of cooling lubricants, grease and oils, which cause a drastic decrease in retention capacity within a few years. Already the finely distributed oil and cooling lubricant particles alone which are present in the workshop air and settle on the protective glass as a thin layer cause a decrease in the life cycle of the glass and a reduction in its protective capacity.
In order to guarantee their original protective capacity for a long period polycarbonate panes have to be protected on both sides against cooling lubricants. As a solution to this situation we offer ready-to-install composite construction glass.
The standard construction of our inspection windows is always that of a toughened glass pane facing the workspace and glued on the entire surface to a polycarbonate pane. On the operator side this inspection window is protected by a cooling lubricant resistant PE film. All of the glass edges are protected by an impermeable aluminium strip.
With this construction we achieve greatest resistance while maintaining the highest degree of transparency. The use of specially toughened glass panes guarantees the operator a clear view of the workspace at all times even in case of damage.