Automatic leading machine expands a growing market for Decra Led in the USA.

During the recent Glassbuild America held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, GED Integrated Solutions demonstrated their machine that automatically applies self-adhesive lead to glass in the traditional diamond pattern.

All the self-adhesive lead used by the GED machine throughout the show was Decra Led, supplied on 100m reels by UK manufacturer North Western Lead, who also exhibited at the event.

GED showed how their machine quickly and accurately applies the lead in a diamond pattern to both sides of a pane of glass. Leading the second side of the glass (or back leading) is normally a difficult task because, if the alignment errs by only 1 or 2mm, it will show, and will result in a leaded panel with an unacceptable finish for the customer.

It was obvious from the accurately leaded panels produced during the show that this well known problem has at last been effectively resolved by GED.

Another problem that has been overcome, is that of the backing paper to the lead tearing in the machine. Whenever this happens, as it will, it results in costly down time while the backing paper is threaded through the machine once again.

As any production manager knows, down time has to be minimised to increase efficiency and profitability, and by using Decra Led, manufactured with a polyester liner specifically for use on the GED machine, this potential problem has been completely eliminated, allowing the entire 100m reel of lead to be applied without interruption.

Whereas 50m reels of lead have been the industry standard for many years, the introduction of modern technology to what has been until now a manual process, necessitated change. By doubling the length of the reel, the number of changeovers has been halved, while still using a reel with a weight that is easy to handle.

Stephen Hart, Managing Director of North Western Lead commented that the demonstrations performed by the GED machine at Glassbuild America contributed greatly to a very successful exhibition for the Hyde-based company, ensuring that they will exhibit once again at next year’s show in Las Vegas.

“The beauty of decorative leaded panels is becoming ever more popular in the US. This is especially true whenever homes or public buildings such as libraries or colleges are being built that have a little flavour of the Old World about them. Leaded windows add to this impression, and also in the growing number of English-style conservatories or kitchens that are being installed across the country.

“Although bespoke designs will always warrant the use of individual craft skills, the increasing volume of leaded glass panels being produced means that automation is now taking the place of manual application for mass-produced units, thus ensuring that production does not bottle-neck in the glass shop.”