Swisspacer Unveils Structural Glazing Technology, Expands Pressure Equalization Support

Swisspacer is nearing the market launch of a window technology developed with Sika, expanding support for insulating glass manufacturers seeking CE marking and updating its digital tools for customers.

AdheraWindow Technology

Swisspacer and Sika’s AdheraWindow Technology shifts structural stability from the window frame to the insulating glass unit. The system pairs a Sika adhesive with a new Swisspacer warm edge spacer bar, both developed specifically for the application. Together, they bond the glass panes into a significantly stiffer unit.

“The basic principle is that we have transferred the structural integrity and rigidity of the entire window – including the sash, frame and its steel reinforcement – directly into the insulating glass unit,” said Matthias Hägler, global head of building components at Sika.

For vinyl windows, the added rigidity could allow manufacturers to reduce or eliminate steel reinforcement in the sash, depending on the system and unit size. That can lower weight, improve U-values and reduce the carbon footprint of production. The technology also allows for larger units with narrower face widths without changing profile geometry.

The concept dates to glasstec 2022. It has been tested to EN standards and with pilot partners including system supplier aluplast, window manufacturer Bayerwald and aluminum door maker Groke. Manufacturers can use existing machinery and skip one process step, said Matthias Dick, business development manager at Sika.

Swisspacer Air

Swisspacer is also helping eligible insulating glass manufacturers obtain CE marking for pressure-equalized units using its Swisspacer Air product. Manufacturers using the complete Swisspacer system can draw on the company’s existing European Technical Assessment, ETA-21/0964, and associated type-test results rather than starting the assessment process from scratch. Swisspacer provides implementation and quality assurance support, though manufacturers remain responsible for their declarations of performance and CE marking.

Swisspacer Air uses a special membrane to equalize pressure in the glass cavity while keeping out excess moisture, preventing deformation caused by altitude and climate changes. The technology will be used in mirror modules for the Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory’s Medium-Sized Telescopes in La Palma and Chile, where precise mirror geometry is critical. A first batch of test mirrors is being prepared for shipment to Chile.

Mobile building maker TechTinyHouse also uses the product in units that move between coastal and mountain locations.

Digital Updates

Swisspacer also relaunched its website, adding dedicated sections for insulating glass manufacturers, window manufacturers, architects and specifiers. The site includes product comparison features, a redesigned download area, an interactive distributor search and an “Insights” section covering technical topics and industry news.

The company’s Caluwin calculation tool was redesigned for easier use while retaining its calculation methods. The tool assesses Uw values, glass edge performance, surface temperatures and condensation risk. It also models how Swisspacer Air units perform under climate loads and altitude changes, and now offers Celsius and Fahrenheit settings.