Spacer – A New Frontier

Changing regulations and performance requirements along with shifting customer expectations… how does IGU manufacturing technology keep pace?

Triple glazing is becoming increasingly mainstream, placing greater pressure on manufacturers. All the while, a tough economic climate is squeezing operating costs and margins.

To meet these challenges efficiently and cost-effectively, IGU manufacturers must choose automated processes that work with their products, production volumes and existing infrastructure.

“This is where flexible spacer technology offers a significant advantage,” Mark Hickox, the sales director at Thermoseal Group told Fabrication & Glazing Eye.

“As IGUs become increasingly complex, in line with tightening regulations, integrating the right spacer system can make all the difference to productivity and finished-unit quality.”

Warm edge

Flexible spacer systems are applied continuously around the perimeter of the glass, which makes them particularly well-suited to automated production, while also giving manufacturers greater flexibility to handle various unit specifications.

Developed in-house in the UK, the Thermoflex foam spacer range is one example of Thermoseal Group’s long-standing investment in warm-edge technology.

Designed specifically for use with hot melt systems, Thermoflex Premium Standard is ideal for manufacturers looking to introduce or expand automated processing. Alongside it, Thermoflex Premium Dual Seal is compatible with all sealant types, allowing processors to use the spacer alongside different production methods and secondary sealants.

Adapting production

For Thermoseal Group, this flexibility is something that is increasingly important to help manufacturers respond to changing market requirements.

Hickox said: “Dual Seal can be integrated into a wider range of manufacturing setups, which allows our customers to adapt production as market requirements change.

“It’s not‘one-size-fits-all for every business, so having flexible and adaptable spacer technologies is becoming much more important for IGU manufacturers.

“Our high-performing Thermoflex range provides a route into automated production that can improve efficiency and consistency without requiring customers to completely change how they make IGUs or to resort to a costly automation upgrade. That’s a big plus in a market where streamlined costs are critical.”

With its comprehensive product portfolio, comprising not just a broad range of rigid and flexible spacer bars but also sealants, accessories and associated tools and equipment, Thermoseal Group is well-positioned to support IGU manufacturers at every stage of their automation journey.

Flexible automation

“Automation is not necessarily about immediately implementing the most sophisticated or the most expensive option,” said Hickox.

“Some manufacturers might just want to automate a particular stage of production, as opposed to a complete overhaul. Existing machinery, product mix, budgets and growth plans will all have an influence on which technology makes the most sense.

“Automation should be an investment in the future of the business. It all hinges on what a manufacturer is producing today, where they want to go tomorrow and which products and processes align with that.

“We recognise that different manufacturers have different requirements. Our objective is to work with our customers on a case-by-case basis, to ensure the best possible outcome.”

Glasstec

Visitors to Glasstec 2026, taking place in Düsseldorf from 20-23 October, can meet Thermoseal Group and Fenzi Group representatives on the Fenzi Group stand, Hall 16, Stand B12.

Picture: Flexible spacer, flexible solutions

For more information, please visit www.thermosealgroup.com