In just over a year, the 18th International glass trade fair glasstec opens its doors at the Dsseldorf Exhibition Center. The fair will occupy halls 9 to17 from 9-13 November 2004.
Preparations are …
In just over a year, the 18th International glass trade fair glasstec opens its doors at the Dsseldorf Exhibition Center. The fair will occupy halls 9 to17 from 9-13 November 2004. Preparations are already in full swing, new subjects will be premi_red, and tried and trusted themes are being further developed. At the end of October 2003 exhibitor invitations to glasstec 2004 will go out to companies all over the world. Continuing the strategy of recognising and developing new trends in the industry, the coming edition of glasstec will feature an extended range of subjects. In the Flat Glass exhibiting category, the display technology and laser technology subject areas will be added to the range of services. The full range of laser technology for glass processing and flat displays will be presented to visitors to glasstec 2004 for the first time. By keeping up with the latest industry trends the fair hopes to maintain its long term position as the world“s leading trade event for the glass industry and the glazing trade. The latest developments from the fields of laser separation, marking, removal and melting will be presented at glasstec 2004. The use of lasers in the glass industry can boost production, reduce the number of manufacturing steps, decrease the number of rejects and raise the quality of the final product. In glass separation, the laser draws the contour in the glass, the glass separates and optimum quality is achieved at the edges. With another laser, it is possible to selectively remove thin layers from glass substrate at lightning speed and without causing damage. Lasers can also melt three-dimensional images into glass blocks or bore into glass. Laser products, machinery, equipment and components will be demonstrated under the motto “Laser Future for the Glass Industry”. The sectors in which refined special-purpose glass is used are becoming more and more diverse. Display glass is an important group within the special-purpose glass segment and is a base material of liquid crystal displays used for computer screens. It is therefore hardly surprising that the total flat glass industry worldwide is one of the industries with the highest growth rates. An average annual growth rate as high as 20% is being forecast within the next few years. Europe and North America are the largest and most important end-user markets for display glass. At glasstec 2004 the leading international manufacturers will be presenting the latest trends from research and development relating to refined special-purpose glass for display manufacture. International industry representatives and scientists will also present information on current developments, processes and products within both industries in two accompanying trade symposiums. Furthermore, both subjects will be displayed within the scope of the special “glass technology live” show.