Ushio at glasstec 2026: Precision Heating for the Future of Glass Manufacturing

From 20–23 October, the international glass industry will gather in Düsseldorf to explore the technologies shaping the future of glass manufacturing. Ushio Germany GmbH is pleased to participate in glasstec for the second consecutive year.

This year's exhibition focuses on three key topics transforming the industry:

• Decarbonisation – improving energy efficiency and reducing process-related emissions
• AI & Digital Technologies – enabling smarter automation, process control and quality assurance
• Circular Economy – increasing resource efficiency and supporting more sustainable production

What unites these trends is the need for highly controlled manufacturing. Whether thermal conditioning, coating, laminating or glass processing, precise and repeatable heat input is essential for achieving consistent product quality, maximum efficiency and stable production.

Ushio addresses these requirements with a comprehensive portfolio of infrared emitters designed for industrial heating applications. Key benefits include:

• Fast heat-up and cool-down times for improved productivity
• Precise thermal control tailored to individual materials and applications
• Contactless heating for continuous production processes
• Optional gold reflector coatings that direct infrared energy exactly where it is needed
• Straightforward integration into existing production equipment

Why Are Infrared Lamps in Glass Processing Becoming Longer?

Another defining trend in today's glass industry is the continuous growth in glass dimensions. Whether in architectural glazing, solar panels or specialty glass, manufacturers are processing ever larger formats.

At first glance, the answer seems obvious: larger glass requires longer lamps. In reality, the challenge is far more complex. It is not about size - it is about thermal uniformity.

As process widths increase, maintaining a homogeneous temperature profile across the entire glass surface becomes increasingly demanding. Every transition between heating zones can introduce thermal variations that may affect downstream operations such as coating, laminating or thermal conditioning.

Machine builders therefore require heating solutions capable of delivering uniform energy distribution across increasingly wide production lines.

To meet this challenge, Ushio has developed and manufactures twin-tube infrared lamps up to five metres in length. These lamps create continuous heating zones with high mechanical stability and high power density. By reducing the number of heating zones, they can simplify machine design while supporting more homogeneous thermal conditions throughout the process.

Visit Ushio at glasstec 2026, Hall 10, Booth D04, to discuss how tailored infrared heating solutions can help improve efficiency, process stability and product quality in modern glass manufacturing.

About Ushio

With more than 60 years of experience in industrial light source technology, Ushio offers a broad portfolio of infrared emitters, including pin-type, single-tube, twin-tube and shaped infrared lamps. In addition a wide selection of reflector coatings, filament designs and customized geometries enables solutions precisely tailored to individual industrial heating applications.