Glass & IGUs
Thinking big with warm edge
» THE DEMAND FOR ENERGY-EFFIcient window and façade solutions is constantly increasing . A small component with a big effect in insulating glass units is the spacer bar . Its thermal conductivity makes a significant contribution to the energy efficiency of windows - in both cold and hot climates .
The premium spacer bar Swisspacer Ultimate Pro is one of the best spacer bars in the world . “ The optimised material ensures that the spacer bars are particularly elastic ,” explains Björn Kluth , Strategic Product Manager at Swisspacer . “ This makes the Ultimate Pro particularly stable and robust when sawing , inserting
accessories and during internal handling .” As a result , handling within the production process is safer . This means even shorter cycle times , minimised waste in the production process and therefore higher productivity . The optimised corner keys further support the special stability of the frames .
The enlarged film surface on the profile side ensures that the butyl application to the frame is optimised . This provides a particularly reliable primary seal for the cavity between the panes . The risk of moisture penetration or gas loss is therefore minimised . The improved perforation of the profile also increases quality assurance , as the desiccant in the hollow profile can
absorb any moisture more quickly . In addition , larger frames , such as those required for glazing for energy-efficient façades , can also be produced easily and safely with the Ultimate Pro .
“ The optimally coordinated design of geometry , perforation and film ensures a particularly high level of safety for the functionality of the insulating glass units - especially in terms of service life ,” emphasises Sarah Sattler , Sales & Marketing Director at Swisspacer .
www . swisspacer . com
BFRC OFFERS BS EN 1279 PART 6 TESTING
» THE BRITISH FENESTRATION Rating Council ( BFRC ), the industry ’ s most trusted rating provider for over 25 years , is delighted to be able to add BS EN 1279 Part 6 testing to its ever-evolving offering . As the purpose-built laboratory continues to gear up for growth , this is the latest service to be available to IGU manufacturers .
Richard Sellman , Managing Director at BFRC explains : “ Anyone manufacturing Insulated Glass Units ( IGUs ) in the UK is required to comply with BS EN 1279 . BS EN 1279-6:2018 which outlines the minimum required Factory Production Control ( FPC ), and within this FPC is a requirement to have IGUs tested on an annual or biannual basis , known as the Periodic test . In addition , if an IGU manufacturer wishes to change one of the components to an alternative supplier or material , then a “ periodic test ” may also be required according to BS EN 1279-1:2018 , Annex D in order to confirm the manufacturer ’ s ability to successfully use that particular component in combination with the others .
“ In line with these requirements , BFRC Testing is now able to carry out periodic testing and Inspection as follows :
• Visual inspection and measurement of the IGU sealant geometry ( cf the System Description )
• Moisture Penetration Index ( I ) after the short Climate Test
• Gas concentration before and after the short Climate Test
• Fogging Test according to BS EN 1279- 4:2018 Annex C
“ This is the latest in the long line of developments at BFRC to extend the scope of our offering and offer practical solutions to further support our members . This is and always has been a priority for us , not just to support with certification and testing needs such as this , but also working hard behind the scenes to promote ethical practice and accountability across the industry as a whole . We will be launching a lot more in the coming months , all of which will underline our commitment to being what and who we say we are .”
www . bfrc . org
72 JANUARY 2025 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM