Glass Production Crane Selection: Raw Material to Cold-End

At a Glance: Kelude Heavy Industry provides crane selection schemes for glass manufacturers covering all four key production stages—raw material batching, melting furnace, forming and annealing, and cold-end processing—with lifting capacities from 1 to 32 tons and spans from 8 to 36 meters. A complete plant lifting equipment investment typically ranges from approximately $30,000 to $370,000. The raw material area uses grab bridge cranes (5–16 t), the melting area employs high-temperature-resistant double-girder bridge cranes (10–32 t, rated for 150°C), the forming area is equipped with precision electric hoists (2–5 t), and the cold-end area uses LD type single-girder cranes (3–10 t)—meeting full-process hoisting requirements from batching to cold-end cutting for both float glass and photovoltaic glass production lines.

Crane Selection for Glass Production Lines

Raw Material | Melting | Forming | Cold-End

Crane selection across the four key stages of a glass production line: raw material, melting, forming, and cold-end processing.

Glass Productioncrane selectionSolution——Raw Materials/Melting/Forming/Cold-End Four Processes

Stage 1: Raw Material Handling

• Lifting Capacity: 5–16 t, LD type / grab bridge crane

• Silica sand / dolomite / soda ash

• Raw material grab / conveying

• Dust seal / dustproof design

Raw Material Grab | Dust Sealing

Stage 2: Melting Furnace

• Lifting Capacity: 10–32 t, high-temperature-resistant LH type

• Rated for 150°C+ environments

• Batch charging / furnace maintenance

• Refractory brick / electrode replacement

High-Temperature Rated 150°C | Furnace Maintenance

Stage 3: Forming Section

• Lifting Capacity: 16–50 t, QD/LH type bridge crane

• Tin bath equipment maintenance

• Annealing lehr servicing

• Heavy-component hoisting / VFD control

Tin Bath Maintenance | Heavy-Lift Hoisting

Stage 4: Cold-End Processing

• Lifting Capacity: 3–10 t, LD type / vacuum lifter

• Finished glass stacking

• Conveyor line equipment maintenance

• Vacuum lifter / scratch prevention

Vacuum Lifter | Scratch Protection

Selection Parameters Across the Four Production Zones

Kelude Heavy Industry: Overhead & Gantry Crane Solutions

Kelude Heavy Industry is a professional manufacturer of industrial cranes, offering a comprehensive range of overhead cranes, gantry cranes, and electric hoists. Our products are engineered for durability, precision, and safety, serving a wide array of sectors including manufacturing, logistics, and heavy fabrication. We provide both standard models and fully customized solutions to meet specific operational demands.

Single-Girder & Double-Girder Overhead Cranes

Our overhead crane series is designed for maximum efficiency and reliability. The single-girder configuration is an economical choice for lighter duty cycles, while the double-girder design offers higher lifting capacities and better hook approach for demanding applications. All systems feature variable-frequency drives for smooth operation and precise load positioning.

Feature Single-Girder Double-Girder
Capacity Range 1 – 20 tons (0.9 – 18.1 metric tons) 5 – 100 tons (4.5 – 90.7 metric tons)
Span Up to 30 m (98 ft) Up to 40 m (131 ft)
Hoist Type Wire rope or chain hoist Wire rope hoist
Control Pendant / Remote Remote / Cabin

Gantry Cranes for Versatile Material Handling

Our gantry crane line is built for outdoor yards, storage areas, and production lines where flexibility is key. Available in both full and semi-gantry configurations, these cranes offer excellent mobility and can be equipped with rubber wheels or rail-mounted systems. They are ideal for handling heavy loads in shipyards, steel yards, and precast concrete plants.

Key features include a robust box-type main girder, anti-sway control systems, and a modular design that simplifies installation and relocation. We also offer explosion-proof options for hazardous environments, ensuring compliance with international safety standards.

Electric Hoists & Trolleys for Precise Lifting

Kelude’s electric wire rope hoists and chain hoists are engineered for high performance and longevity. Available in capacities from 1 to 50 tons (0.9 to 45.4 metric tons), they feature a low-headroom design, high-efficiency gearbox, and multiple safety devices including overload protection and limit switches.

Our hoists can be supplied as standalone units or integrated into a complete crane system. With options for various lifting speeds, hook paths, and control voltages, they are suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.

Customized Crane Solutions & After-Sales Support

We understand that every facility has unique requirements. Our engineering team works closely with clients to design cranes that meet specific dimensional, capacity, and environmental constraints. From high-temperature steel mills to clean-room assembly lines, we deliver tailored solutions that optimize workflow and safety.

Our commitment extends beyond the sale. We provide comprehensive after-sales support, including installation supervision, operator training, spare parts availability, and preventive maintenance programs. Our global service network ensures prompt response and minimal downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the lead time for a standard overhead crane?
A: For standard models within our catalog, the typical lead time is 30 to 45 days after order confirmation. Customized solutions may require additional time depending on the complexity of the design.

Q: Do you provide installation services?
A: Yes, we offer professional installation services either by our own technical team or through our certified local partners. We ensure that every installation is completed safely and to the highest standard.

Q: What safety certifications do your cranes have?
A: Our cranes are designed and manufactured in accordance with international standards such as ISO 4301 for crane classification and IEC 60204-32 for electrical equipment. We can also provide documentation to support local regulatory compliance.

Q: Can you supply spare parts for older models?
A: Absolutely. We maintain a comprehensive inventory of spare parts for all our crane models, including those that have been in service for many years. Please contact us with your specific model and serial number for a quick quote.

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Parameter ItemRaw MaterialMeltingFormingCold End
recommended modelLD Type/grab bridge craneHigh Temperature Resistant LH TypeQD/LH Typeoverhead typeLD Type/Vacuum Lifter
Lifting Capacity5t~16t10t~32t16t~50t3t~10t
special requirementsRaw Material Grab (grab bucket)/DustproofHigh Temperature Resistant150℃Tin Bath/Heavy/Large ComponentVacuum Lifter
$30,000–$370,000
Total Plant Investment
1–32t
Lifting Capacity
8–36m
Span
A4–A6
Work Duty Classification
Up to 150°C
Melting Zone Rating
500–1,200 t/day
Glass Production Capacity

Crane Requirements by Glass Production Stage

In the melting stage, furnace temperatures reach 1,600°C, making high-temperature-resistant cranes rated for 150°C+ near the furnace a critical requirement. The forming stage involves large, precision-engineered equipment such as the tin bath and annealing lehr. At the cold end, vacuum lifter cranes are used for cutting, stacking, and palletizing to prevent glass surface scratches.

Kelude Heavy Industry — Service Advantages

Kelude Heavy Industry has years of specialized experience in crane systems for glass manufacturing. We supply complete lifting solutions for float glass, photovoltaic glass, and domestic glass producers — covering every stage from raw material handling to cold-end processing. Our full-range product line includes high-temperature-resistant, grab-type, and precision cranes, with dedicated equipment for both hot and cold furnace repair operations.

Grab Crane Solutions for Raw Material Handling
For unloading glass raw materials (silica sand, soda ash, dolomite, etc.), we recommend overhead cranes with grab buckets rated from 5 to 16 tons. Grab bucket volume is sized for mixed batch densities of 1.4–1.6 t/m³, with cutting edges fabricated from NM400 wear-resistant steel. An automatic batching system can be integrated — the grab bucket accurately meters material into the receiving hopper, which then feeds the weighing belt conveyor to the mixing house.
Heat-Resistant Cranes for the Furnace Area
Glass furnace crown temperatures reach 1,500–1,600°C, with ambient temperatures around the furnace body ranging from 120°C to 180°C. Kelude's heat-resistant bridge cranes (10–32t) feature Class H insulated motors (rated for 180°C), water-cooled electric control cabinets, wire rope with heat-resistant coating (rated for 200°C), and insulated panels mounted beneath the main girder. During furnace hot repair (at temperatures of 800–1,000°C), the crane must run continuously for days — every electrical component is engineered to withstand this extreme thermal stress.
Precision Solutions for the Cold End
Cold-end cutting, snapping, and stacking operations demand precision crane control. Kelude recommends 3–10t LD type single-girder cranes with variable frequency micro-speed drive (0.6–0.8 m/min) for cutting bridge roller replacement (2–5t loads) and stacker maintenance. Glass dust in the cold-end area causes accelerated wear on moving parts — we recommend dustproof electric hoists and sealed bearings as standard configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can the crane maintain reliable operation during hot repair of a glass melting furnace?
A: During furnace hot repair (800–1000°C), the crane's electrical components face severe conditions: motor temperature rise can reach 100–130°C, far exceeding the Class F (155°C) and Class H (180°C) limits. Kelude's solution: ① Install a mobile heat shield above the furnace (ceramic fiber blanket with a Stainless Steel frame); ② Relocate the electrical control box to a low-temperature zone at least 10 m from the furnace, with remote control via Cable; ③ Apply high-temperature anti-seize Grease to the Wire Rope; ④ During continuous operation, check critical point temperatures every 2 hours.
Q: What type of crane is required for replacing the cutting bridge at the cold end of a float glass line?
A: The cutting bridge at the cold end of a float glass line (weighing 3–8 t and spanning a glass ribbon width of 3–5 m) typically needs to be completely replaced every 2–3 years. Kelude recommends installing a 5–10 t LD Type electric single-girder bridge crane above the cold-end line, with the span determined by the width of the cold-end workshop (18–30 m). The cutting bridge replacement is carried out during the scheduled cold-end maintenance window (usually 24–48 hours), and the crane must provide full support throughout both the removal of the old bridge and the installation of the new one.
Q: What dustproof measures are applied to grab cranes in photovoltaic glass raw material workshops?
A: Photovoltaic glass raw materials—such as quartz sand, soda ash, and dolomite—generate significant dust during loading and unloading. Kelude Heavy Industry addresses this on raw material grab cranes with the following dustproof measures: a fully sealed operator cabin (air-conditioned with positive-pressure filtration), IP65-sealed motors with forced cooling fans, an electrical control box with HT high-efficiency intake filtration and IP65 sealing, and dust-protective sheathing on wire ropes. Given the explosion-proof requirements (coal dust in the raw materials is explosive), a combustible dust concentration detector is linked to automatic system shutdown.
Q: What is the installation and commissioning timeline for a glass production line crane?
A: The installation and commissioning timeline for a glass production line crane depends on the specific workshop section: for the grab crane in the raw material area, installation takes 7–10 days and commissioning 3–5 days; for the heat-resistant overhead crane in the melting section, installation takes 10–15 days and commissioning 5–7 days (including heat-resistance performance verification); for the single-girder crane in the cold end section, installation takes 5–7 days and commissioning 2–3 days. The total timeline is approximately 30–45 days. Kelude can schedule crane installation around the glass production line's cold repair or hot repair windows to avoid disrupting normal production schedules.

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