Sealed unit manufacturer Tritton Glass Centre has achieved EN1279 Part 3 using Swisspacer V. The standard is a legal requirement for all sealed unit manufacturers making gas filled units. It has become particularly important with the growth of window energy ratings. It relates to the mandatory allowable gas leakage rate which many types of unit construction – using both traditional aluminium and other warm edge spacers – have had great difficulty in achieving.
Having looked at many options for warm edge spacer bars, Tritton Glass selected Swisspacer V. Dave Cox, managing director, comments, “We chose Swisspacer V because it has excellent technical specification and thermal properties. It fitted perfectly into our production process and seems to be a really simple solution for companies such as ours to use. It also offers better structural integrity and looks better in the sealed unit than other spacers on the market. Swisspacer supported us throughout the assessment process and we’ll be looking to increase our use of its warm edge spacer as demand for our top performing sealed units grows.”
Tritton Glass, which is supplied with Swisspacer by Magden’s Rotherham branch and produces up to 600 sealed units a week, passed the standard at its first attempt using traditional cut and key construction and is seeing a growing demand for high specification IG units using thermally efficient warm edge technology. Gas loss ratings can be no greater than 1% per annum under EN1279 Part 3. Tritton Glass’ sealed unit achieved 0.42%.
Dave adds, “Achieving EN1279 Part 3 is not easy, as many unit manufacturers have found to their cost. Gaining the standard will have a huge impact on our business. Not only will it help customers achieve window energy ratings but we can supply products which exceed current requirements and help them future-proof their business against further changes in legislation.”