Gefran solutions ecosystem for the glass industry: from thermal control to digitalization
The current scenario
In recent years, the glass industry has undergone a significant evolution towards increasingly sustainable production processes. In this context, the electrification of stages requiring thermal control optimizes process efficiency and control, significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels and emissions.
In this scenario, these technological solutions are applied in the two main areas of the sector: hollow glass and flat glass production. For example, in flat glass, the focus is on precise flatness management and accurate regulation of the cooling steps and related thermal gradients, which are essential for preventing internal stresses and defects. Downstream of forming, both processes involve additional heat treatments, always electrified, such as tempering, lamination, and bending.
In a sector where automation and integrated management of process parameters are increasingly central, Gefran—an Italian multinational specializing in the design and manufacture of sensors, industrial process control instrumentation, and automation systems—positions itself as a technology partner, complementing its comprehensive and flexible portfolio with the new GRC series: intelligent and compact power controllers that combine power, precision, and advanced connectivity, also with a view to plant digitization.
GRC: advanced control of thermal processes
GRCs introduce new standards of scalability in electric heater control. The series, which is modular and available in single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase configurations with currents ranging from 25 A to 150 A, is ideal for managing linear and non-linear resistive loads at high temperatures. Its compact size, combined with integrated fuses, allows for optimized space in electrical panels, facilitating the design of more compact systems. A distinctive feature of the series is the integrated Smart Load Management system, which optimizes energy consumption by reducing absorption peaks and helping to improve the overall efficiency of the system. Accurate current and voltage readings are another strong point. Thanks to integrated feedback algorithms, GRCs maintain stable power and current levels, even in the presence of electrical disturbances, which is essential in critical processes such as flat glass processing. Advanced connectivity completes the features of the series: all devices are native Ethernet and offer two physical ports for immediate access to data, without the need for additional cards or gateways. In this direction, the , an enhancement of the range scheduled for March, will integrate new-generation features in terms of digitization, efficiency, and sustainability.
Gefran's end-to-end offering on display @GLASSMAN ITALIA 2026
At Glassman Italia 2026, scheduled to take place in Bologna on February 4 and 5, at stand G12, in addition to the GRC power controller, Gefran will present its complete range of solutions designed for the needs of this sector.
These include the GPC series power controllers, devices that allow precise management of resistive electric heaters. Thanks to these systems, it is possible to accurately control the heating and cooling cycles, adapting them to the specific characteristics of the glass during processing. A solution of this type is used, for example, in the annealing furnace of the float glass process, a particularly delicate and strategic phase of the entire production line.
The range also includes GRP-H single-phase solid state relays, which ensure reliable management of electrical loads and effective control of both linear resistors and infrared lamps, finding application in continuous rolling furnaces for the production of laminated glass.
The range is completed by position (PZ32, WPP), pressure (TPSADA, KS-I), and temperature (TC6) transducers, designed to provide repeatable and accurate measurements throughout the various processing stages, ensuring consistent production quality. In particular, the WPP series position transducers, based on Hyperwave magnetostrictive technology, eliminate wear problems thanks to the absence of electrical contact between the sensor and the slider, ensuring a long operating life.
Integrated with GRZ-H series SSR solid state relays, these devices enable reliable management of all process parameters in the cold processing of automatic insulating glass assembly lines.
“The glass industry is undergoing a period of profound transformation, in which sustainability, electrification, and digitalization are helping to redefine production processes,” says Paolo Buzzi, Application Marketing Manager Metal and Glass at Gefran, who continues, “In this context, Gefran provides an ecosystem of integrated solutions for energy control and management, supporting manufacturers in improving plant efficiency and ensuring stability even in the most critical applications.”.