The NSG key initiative to drive quality improvement is “Pass Only Good Glass” (POGG).

The goal of the Pass Only Good Glass program is to improve quality and yield performance by stopping and preventing defects at source. This protects our customers and also allows us to focus on internal cost reduction.

The Pass Only Good Glass program utilises a toolbox of quality improvement methods within a structured approach working across the whole production environment.

Prevention of defects using Statistical Process Control (SPC) and the implementation of Automatic Inspection Systems (AIS) for monitoring of key quality characteristics are two focus areas for POGG, aiming to avoid the variability that is introduced by exclusively human control of product.

Pass Only Good Glass focuses on prevention of defects

Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Statistical process control is a key element of our Pass Only Good Glass focus. Preventing the generation of defects offers the best value for both NSG and our customers.

NSG operates statistical process control in many areas of our operations with particular focus in growth areas such as our coated product portfolio.

SPC tools are established within our Sequoia Manufacturing Execution System. This also provides operators with precise instructions for the adjustment of the manufacturing process allowing close control of product quality and process capability.

Statistical Process Control for coated products

Automatic Inspection Systems (AIS)

In order to achieve the most positive impact of automatic inspection it is important that the systems used are fully integrated into the line operation with data utilised for both quality assurance and statistical process control. To support this goal guidelines have been introduced to validate AIS, this will provide a standard for roll-out of existing equipment and for the introduction of new inspection systems.

The development of additional inspection techniques to support continuous improvement for complex value added products is also a focus area, for example the detection of float glass defects that are outside the capability of standard on-line scanning systems.

Quality inspection of windshields for HUD displays using an automated inspection system (AIS)

Automatic inspection systems are assessed against a standard set of guidelines with the goal to maximise the level of integration and digitalisation

Microscopic defects on the float glass surface as small as 50 microns cannot be detected online but can limit the performance of some more complex products. New inspection systems are under development to support continuous improvement in this area.

Augmented Reality Head Up Display (AR-HUD)

The AR-HUD is a technology which allows us to trace the exact routes of the navigator in our field of vision and offers relevant information in real time, requires high quality windshields. By controlling the quality of characteristics of the glass using automatic inspection systems, NSG provides our customers with the high-quality windshields required for AR-HUD.

Quality Inspection of Windscreens for HUD Display using automatic inspection system (AIS)