Trendsetting technology for the “Warm Edge“: the TGI-SPACER!

Technoform Glass Insulation GmbH (TGI) has always backed innovative technologies. TGI was the first supplier in the world to combine stainless steel and polypropylene in a spacer. The TGI-SPACER offers clear advantages over conventional spacers made of steel or plastic: with the TGI-SPACER, the stainless steel foil used is on the outside which results in lower thermal conductivity as well as improved gas tightness and diffusion tightness compared with other spacers. In addition, the synthetic material polypropylene which is known for its low thermal conductivity is used both as a reinforcing agent and also for better thermal separation. The polypropylene used is tested to ensure freedom from fogging in accordance with EN 1279 Part 6 and for UV resistance in accordance with DIN EN ISO 4892-2. TGI has combined these two materials to produce a spacer for the "Warm Edge" which offers extremely low Psi values and thus excellent Uw -values for the sealed edge glass unit when a variety of frame materials are used.

Better than average
The innovative products from Technoform Glass Insulation GmbH are characterised by their exemplary quality. The polyurethane, polysulphide and silicon used in TGI-SPACERs have been tested for gas tightness in accordance with DIN EN 1279-3 following testing for moisture absorption in accordance with DIN EN 1279-2 which again produced successful results clearly below the limit values specified in the standard. The silicon sealant also produced successful test results which has given the manufacturers of insulating glass another benefit in favour of using TGI-SPACERs in terms of the product safety of their laminated insulating glass used for structural glazing.

The IFT Rosenheim described the TGI-SPACER as an inorganic spacer when assessing its adhesion and expansion properties: "According to the experience of the test body, the proof gained regarding adhesion and expansion behaviour and the thermal expansion coefficient compared with inorganic spacers, the rules on interchangeability in accordance with DIN EN 1279-1, Appendix B, Table B.2 can be applied. The results of the thermal expansion test show that the expansion coefficients which have been determined for the TGI-SPACER during both the first and also the second heating are clearly below the expansion coefficient of the reference spacer made of aluminium."TGI-SPACERs have also been tested by the French institute CSTB which issued technical opinion 6/05-1590.

Excellent workability
But the TGI-SPACER not only has excellent thermal properties, it is also extremely easy to work and can be integrated in existing insulating glass production sequences without interrupting the manufacturing process. The use of TGI-SPACERs gives insulating glass manufacturers the opportunity to make considerable savings since only minimal modifications need to be made to existing installations. Regardless of shape - round, square or oval - TGI- SPACERs can be cold bent and cold worked on any current installation used within frame manufacturing processes and sequences. Conventional drying agents can be used without restriction when filling the TGI-SPACER. Specially designed connectors optimally matched to the TGI-SPACERs are used to connect the bent frames. TGI-SPACERs are available in widths of 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 mm as well as in different colours (RAL 7035, RAL 7040, RAL 8003, RAL 8016, RAL 9005, RAL 9016). Special designs can also be produced to suit individual customer requirements on agreement.

Firmly focussed on the future
TGI is well set-up to meet the requirements of today as well as in the future and systematically builds on its innovative strength, flexibility and competence. It is an independent yet integral part of the Technoform Group with the following premise: "We connect people with ideas to a worldwide network of autonomous teams who think and act in the interest of the client and focus consistently on the market." The close collaboration between the associated companies under the umbrella of Technoform Holding enables the contemporary and efficient use of existing synergies within the whole Technoform Group. Its permanent access to a wide range of experience and know-how relating to the manufacture of thermal insulation components for windows and facades is just one of the basic assets enabling the constant further development of TGI products and the realisation of technological innovations. Within the Technoform Group, there is a constant exchange of research results, products and innovative materials, always for the benefit of the client.