Ritec ‘revolutionises’ clearshield process

Working in conjunction with an M7 or M9 manual sprayer, the Revolution is a semi-automatic machine which helps convert unprotected glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass‚ using Ritec’s ClearShield.

The ClearShield Glass Protect range provides an upgraded surface finish for shower cabinet glass and all kinds of exterior and interior glazing, including architectural glass, residential windows and doors, and also conservatory roofs. Through an improved formulation based on the company’s proven polymer technology, it provides a high resistance to corrosion and staining for easier cleaning without the need for harsh chemicals.

Instead of the more conventional fully automatic processing line that involves significant capital investment, labour at each end to load and unload the machine and considerable factory footprint, the Revolution utilises a simple but novel and patented circular process – much like a revolving door.

Four stage process

As with a revolving door, an open quadrant at the front of the machine creates the entry workspace where all the operations are carried out whilst the remaining three quadrants of the circle create an ideal drying / curing chamber. Heated by a specially designed heat exchanger and isolated from the surrounding workspace, the glass can be washed with water and detergent and sprayed with either flammable or non-flammable grades of ClearShield in the same work area safely and effectively without affecting other surrounding factory operations and workspace.

The Revolution can treat any type of glass, typically within a range of 2100mm high by 1100mm wide in any thickness.

Stephen Byers, Ritec’s Managing Director, says, ‘The Revolution is the latest addition to our range of application machinery, and is a practical yet cost-effective way of increasing productivity while also being extremely floorspace efficient. The innovative use of the heat exchanger helps make it safe and easy to use, and its relatively lightweight but robust construction means it is easy to transport, assemble and relocate if necessary. With its limited moving parts, it is virtually maintenance free and maximises the time and working efficiency of the single operator who has ideal working conditions to ensure optimum quality application of ClearShield.’