Author: Uwe Risle | Glaston
Source: www.glastory.net
Insulating glass units are under constant stress – from temperature swings, humidity, wind, and pressure changes. These affect the seal and the gas fill, risking long-term performance. The solution? A flexible, reactive spacer that can handle it all. In this blog, we explore how thermoplastic spacers (TPS®) help extend the lifespan of IGUs.
As energy regulations tighten, long-term performance becomes non-negotiable. Thermoplastic spacers may seem simple, but they can dramatically enhance the longevity and performance of insulating glass units. With proven durability and energy efficiency, TPS® helps protect against the toughest challenges IGUs face over time.
Elastic by nature
In an IG unit, thermal stress leads to strain in the glass. Rigid spacer systems compensate for this by allowing for glass deflection and primary seal deformation. TPS®, on the other hand, absorbs the stress and deforms elastically to minimize glass movement. This results in less deflection and more reliable insulation, increasing the lifespan of IGUs.
A better barrier
Long-term gas tightness is key to maintaining high IGU energy efficiency. This remains a challenge for most spacer types – but not TPS®.
TPS® forms a continuous seal with no weak spots. Its polyisobutylene-based structure ensures minimal gas loss. In third-party tests, TPS® kept its seal tight across decades’ worth of simulated weather cycles, showing exceptional resistance to material fatigue and seal failure caused by temperature shifts and environmental stress.
In addition, compared to traditional spacers such as aluminum and stainless steel, as well as warm-edge systems, it has lower thermal conductivity, which reduces heat bridges and condensation at the glass edge.
Want the complete data?
With proven longevity and energy efficiency, TPS® is a future-ready solution for insulating glass manufacturing. It has even been adopted in demanding segments, such as solar glass. And its lean, automated production process makes it all the more compelling choice.
Check out the presentation below to see how TPS® performs in both standardized and real-world testing – and what other benefits it brings over other spacer types.
