Developing a complete and innovative process chain that will enable the direct production of glass feedthroughs
A special glass feedthrough, also known as a bolt feedthrough, current feedthrough, flange feedthrough and cable feedthrough, which usually consists of a pressure body, the contact pin(s) and the glass body (insulator), can be individually designed depending on the intended use.
Conventionally, these glass feedthroughs are currently manufactured in a time-consuming, multi-stage production process. In this process, the glass material is first formed into a product-specific shape by compression molding and then bonded to the metallic electrode and vitrified in an energetically and technically complex furnace process. In particular, the production of the application-specific two-part mold is expensive and time-consuming due to the high demands on precision, surface quality and wear resistance. Furthermore, the variety of glass materials is severely limited, as only low-melting glasses can be used with this production technology. Although individual sampling or the production of small quantities is necessary, it is currently not economically feasible.
The project aims to realize a flexible and economical production of glass feedthroughs and to significantly reduce the currently high production times and costs for small and medium batch sizes. This is to be made possible by combining high-resolution ultrashort pulsed selective laser sintering (USP-SLS) of fine-scale glass powder materials and laser-based joining. This will create the prerequisite for developing new and individualized metal-glass feedthroughs and being able to offer them on the market in the future. This will lead to a significant increase in the market competitiveness of the Thuringian companies involved.
The work packages taken on by Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH focus mainly on the production of fine-scale glass powders with high flowability and high bulk density using fluidized bed and powder synthesis technology.
Project partners:
- IL Metronic Sensortechnik GmbH
- LCP Laser-Cut-Processing GmbH
- Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena
- Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
The “MultiGlas” project is funded by the Free State of Thuringia as part of the joint project number 2023 VFE 0035.
Funding period: 01.10.2023 – 30.09.2026
Further information on this topic and related topics can also be found in the following publications:
June 2023: ‘Glatt joins forces with Merck for cosmetic pigment production’
January 2022: Glatt expands technology center with new laboratory plant for powder synthesis
March 2023: Glatt Ingenieurtechnik honored as a “Hidden Champion” made in Thuringia by the State Development Corporation of Thuringia (LEG)
June 2021: Glatt Ingenieurtechnik honored as an outstanding company with the East German Business Forum Award
March 2021: Glatt Ingenieurtechnik celebrates continued business success with third expansion of its Technology Center