Process Prototyping - Physical Model Of The Glass Pressing Process

A physical model of the glass pressing process has been developed based on the theory of dimensional analysis. The main objective of this approach was to set up an equivalent model process operating on a significantly lower temperature level than the original pressing process. Therefore, a model glass had to be found that showed the same thermoviscous behaviour as the glass used in the original production. It is proved mathematically that at least one type of nitrate glass matches these requirements. Initially, the process under examination had to be described dimensionlessly. Starting from this dimensionless base, scale equations could be derived according to the model laws of dimensional analysis.