Features Insulating Glass
Showcase: Insulating glass technology – February 2021

Equalize the pressure
en.swisspacer.com
SwissSpacer Air provides the answer to a fundamental problem in the industry. The air in the space between the panes tends to continuously adapt to the surrounding air pressure. But it is prevented because the system is closed. If glasses are installed at a different height than produced, no pressure compensation takes place and it can lead to significant deformations – up to glass breakage. The risk of such damage can be minimised if a continuous pressure equalisation takes place between the outside climate and the space between the panes. SwissSpacer Air makes this equalisation possible. The SwissSpacer Air is a metal sleeve with integrated special membrane. The special structure prevents water vapour from accumulating in the space between the panes, which leads to the formation of condensation or damages the metallic low-E coatings. Due to the permanent pressure relief, the insulating glass preserves its function and quality in the long term. So a normal life can be achieved – even if climate loads occur. This ensures a high degree of safety for end customers as well as insulating glass and window manufacturers.

One operator enough
erdmanautomation.com
The Erdman OMRC (One Man Robotic IG Cell) IG Line has been designed to only require one operator. It has a cycle time of approximately 45 seconds per two-by-three-inch IG unit without a grid. Approximately one minute to one minute, 15 seconds with a grid. The throughput expected would be a near 500 with a 40 to 50 percent grid mix, or over 600 with no grids in a full eight hours. Erdman also has a concept that utilizes two application stations and drops the cycle time to 30 to 35 seconds, for a 25 percent increase in throughput. While safety and ergonomics for operators has always been Erdman’s top priority in developing equipment, the COVID-19 outbreak has inspired the company to think outside the box with the concept of the Erdman OMRC. This IG line will allow for maximum social distancing, safety, and IG output with only one operator.

A high-profile addition
technoform.com
Technoform has added a high-profile, plastic hybrid stainless steel warm-edge spacer to its Spacer M family of durable high-performance insulating glass edge seal solutions. With a profile height of eight millimetres, this is one of the tallest PHSS spacers available for high-performance IGUs in energy-efficient window, door, curtainwall and facade systems.

“With a 20-year track record, Technoformspacer solutions improve the overall thermal performance, reduce the risk of condensation, and enhance the appearance of fenestration, while maintaining the benchmark durability and structural performanceof traditional metal box spacer,” explained Technoform’s Ron Sucik. PHSS spacers by Technoform are composed of high-performance engineered polymer with a thin low-conductivity stainless steel backing to minimize heat transfer, and to maximize protection against gas leakage and moisture penetration.

Suick added, “At 6.85 millimetres high, our standard Spacer M provides great thermal performance with more flexibility for radius shapes and bent IGUs. Our Spacer M with wire, at the same 6.85 millimetres height, provides the same high thermal performance with enhanced rigidity for processing larger IGUs. At eight millimetres high with the reinforcing wire, our Spacer M high profile delivers excellent thermal performance and durability, while providing significantly improved processability. This is particularly helpful for processing the largest IGUs.” 

Optimizing efficiency
HHHGlassEquipment.com
HHH Equipment Resources presents an economical, high-speed solution to automatic insulated glass production – its IG Line. This line delivers insulated glass automation in four steps using either single or dual press settings. It consists of carefully designed machinery to provide the innovative solution needed for fast, flexible and consistent production. With configurations that include edge deleting, washing and drying, spacer frame positioning, gas filling and pressing, automatic sealing and more, this IG line will allow its users to optimize efficiency and functionality every day. 

Time tested technology
bystronicglass.com
Since being originally launched in 1994, TPS technology has been a major player in the insulating glass spacers market. For insulating glass manufacturers, TPS provides excellent thermal insulation with many other significant advantages. Advantages of the TPS technology include the following: active and effective vapour barrier; excellent tension and resilience properties; maximum moisture prevention on the cable grommet; homogeneous and uninterrupted application in one step; exact insulating glass unit thickness; reduction of heating costs for the end user; longer spacer lifespan; faster production cycles due to the elimination of sawing, bending, desiccant filling and butyl coating; and  cleaner and more efficient production method. The modern insulating glass spacers market is very complex and diverse. Further information about spacers is available in the IG Manufacturing Line Buyer’s Guide, which can be downloaded.

Proprietary technology
viracon.com
Viracon has introduced a new proprietary warm-edge spacer technology for insulating glass units called Viracon Thermal Spacer. VTS replaces a traditional spacer, desiccant and primary sealant with a better-performing, single component spacer available in glass sizes up to 130 by 236 inches.  VTS’s exclusive formulation consists of a black thermoplastic with integrated desiccant and polyisobutylene that is chemically bonded to the glass and the secondary silicone sealant. This technology has been engineered to perform better against other spacers and edge seal systems.  Its thermal performance and condensation resistance are notably high. VTS is the newest addition to Viracon’s spacer offering which includes aluminum, stainless steel, and ExtremEdge. It is available in a range of thicknesses; it improves edge of glass aesthetics; and units produced with VTS include an argon fill.

Clear flexible spacer
glasslam.com
Glasslam has introduced ClearSpacer, designed to making IG window seams look seamless. Now available as a clear alternative to opaque warm edge spacer for insulating glass units, ClearSpacer can be used in conjunction with desiccated spacer on one or more framed sides or edges eliminating unsightly dark lines between the seams of the glass. ClearSpacer provides an alternative to metal or solid spacer for your insulating glass needs, delivering a clear flexible spacer to go clear between the glass.

Modular wash station
lisec.com
The VHW-F washing and drying station offers the option of starting with a glass washing machine for minimum requirements and gradually modifying and upgrading as required. It features compact construction and a stainless steel design with an integrated sound-insulated drying zone. Designed for energy-efficient washing and drying of glass sheets, the automatic machine warm-up function and self-cleaning gap-type filter system in the washing zone area improves convenience and productivity. The VHW-F can handle infinitely variable glass thicknesses and washing speeds. Machine maintenance areas are easy to access for service. Further extensive optional function extensions are available after installation. The brushes, in combination with the high-precision optical coating detection, can be automatically and continuously adjusted, ensuring that they are always applied to the glass sheets with the same contact pressure and speed. This prevents any scratching of the glass sheets, in particular when coatings are applied. This gentle procedure extends the service life of the brushes, while also providing the optimum cleaning results. Depending on customer requirements, up to four pairs of brushes are used in the washing process to achieve high-quality cleaning and washing results as well as the corresponding required cycle times. The last washing zone, which is operated with clean water, also ensures that the glass surface is cleaned almost entirely residue-free. An optional clean water treatment and circulation system is available. A faster and more efficient drying process with the use of a flow-optimised blower air supply also ensures optimum and reliable drying of the glass sheets. The fusion of the pre-wash and main washing stations, which were previously managed as individual modules, into an optimised, single-unit and shortened compact washing machine model facilitates a much shorter machine integration time.

Non-destructive gas measurement
sparklike.com
The Sparklike Laser Portable 2.0 measures insulating gas concentration on triple- and double-glazed units. The device measures oxygen and the results are converted to concentration of argon, krypton and other insulating gases. The battery-operated, portable device is based on laser technology (TDLAS). The new Sparklike Laser Portable 2.0 is more compact and easier to use. The compact measuring head with the new ErgoGrip features three handles and start buttons making it easy to handle in different measuring positions. The smaller main unit case with 150 millimetre pneumatic wheels is easy to manoeuvre. The head includes vacuum gripping to the IG unit that activates a light signal when reading and the vacuum grip is released. The Laser Portable 2.0 has a barcode reader and Wi-Fi options. The remote service option enables maintenance through remote access.

Keeps it clean
cmsmachine.com
OTM automated glass sealing systems from CMS can handle units from 500 by 290 millimeters up to 3,000 by 2,500 millimeters, with sealing depths around 15 millimeters. Sealing speeds are up to 42 meters per minute. The pump system is controlled by the servo hydraulic system, so the material flow rate and dosage can be automatically adjusted during the glass sealing process. Multiple servo axis interpolation and CNC infrastructure enables perfectly formed shaped and rectangular insulated glass units. Speed, spacer depth and flow synchronization are performed precisely in continuous flow for maximum efficiency and quality. An additional outlet conveyor creates an extra stock area for finishedåç units. The integrated chain system, vacuum glass holder and servo motor drive technology prevents compound to spread by positioning the glass smoothly and correctly, ensuring a clean system. The integrated laser sensor system automatically measures the height, thickness and spacer depth of the insulating glass units and uses the appropriate amount of compound with no waste. An optional extra pump allows use of a different type of compound when required, or the second pump system can be used as a replacement pump, preventing interruption of production during barrel replacement.