When glass processors look for a washing machine, most of them tend to focus first on cleaning speed.
But does the same logic apply when the goal is to find a machine that can safely and effectively clean LOW‑E glass?
Many assume that a glass washer is a simple piece of equipment, and with so many manufacturers in China, finding one that works should be easy.
But is that really the case?
To begin with, can cleaning speed alone help you identify a machine that is genuinely suitable for LOW‑E glass?
In reality, the suitability of a glass washing machine for LOW‑E glass depends on multiple factors, including the brush design, air‑knife system, water circulation and filtration system, and water quality itself. All of these directly affect the cleaning outcome and the surface quality of the glass.
Because the LOW‑E coating is relatively delicate, a conventional washer with inadequate water treatment or inappropriate brush material may damage the coating and render it ineffective. Similarly, an improperly designed air‑knife drying section can lead to unsatisfactory cleaning results. Therefore, determining whether a machine is truly appropriate for LOW‑E glass requires a comprehensive evaluation of these aspects, rather than a narrow focus on speed alone.
1. Brush Structure
Brushes generally fall into two categories: black hard brushes and white soft brushes.
Most manufacturers use white soft brushes for LOW‑E glass processing. However, not all soft brushes are created equal.
During my visits to international glass exhibitions, I observed that some accessory suppliers offer brushes with bristles that are excessively stiff and sparsely planted. The same issue was also found in several factory visits after the shows.
Using such brushes would already result in mediocre cleaning performance on ordinary flat glass, let alone on LOW‑E glass, which demands a much higher level of cleanliness.
So, what exactly defines a good brush – one that is truly suitable for LOW‑E glass?
✅ Bristle Softness
If the bristles are too stiff, they not only fail to clean effectively at high speeds, but may also scratch the LOW‑E coating (leaving brush marks on the glass) and even break off.
Consider a broom: if the bristles are stiff, it is difficult to sweep away fine dust; softer bristles do a far better job.
A qualified soft brush should feel fluffy and comfortable to the touch, ensuring that it will not damage your glass.
✅ Bristle Arrangement Pattern
Most brushes currently available on the market feature a straight‑line bristle arrangement. This means that when the brush rotates, the bristles move straight up and down, carrying water and dust in the same vertical motion. As a result, after washing, residues such as glass powder may remain on the surface.
Again, think of a cheap broom – its bristles are also arranged in a straight line. When sweeping, you would never simply push back and forth in one direction, because that would not remove all the dust. Instead, you change the angle of the broom to achieve a thorough clean.
By the same logic, a straight‑line bristle pattern is not ideal for achieving the high cleanliness required for LOW‑E glass.
✅ Curved / Spiral Bristle Pattern
Following the broom analogy, a curved, or spiral, bristle arrangement significantly improves cleaning efficiency.
(A picture of the spiral brush will be included at the end of this article – and by the way, this spiral pattern is a SUNBO patent!)
✅ Bristle Density
If the bristle density is too low, dust will not be effectively removed from the glass surface. Sufficient density is essential for proper cleaning.
How can you determine whether the density is adequate?
Before use: Look at the brush from the front. For black hard brushes, the brush base is clearly visible from the front, but not from the oblique rear. For white soft brushes, due to their fluffy nature, the base is barely visible even from the front.
After use: With high‑density bristles, the brush retains more water after washing. If you pinch the bristles and feel noticeable dampness, that indicates sufficient density – much like how people with thick hair take longer to dry after a shower.
That concludes our discussion on brushes for today. In future posts, I will cover the remaining aspects, including air‑knife design, water circulation systems, and more – stay tuned.
If you find this content helpful, feel free to follow me for further updates.
