Design Versatility for Complex Applications with Flexible Spacer System

Written by edgetechig-admin

Edgetech’s Super Spacer® TriSeal™ redefines design possibilities in commercial insulating glass (IG) units through a combination of precision engineering and adaptability. Designed for structural glazing, curved façades, and large-format applications, this silicone foam spacer system balances thermal performance, manufacturing efficiency, and architectural innovation. By integrating a triple-seal design, compatibility with automated and manual production, and compliance with global durability standards, TriSeal enables architects and manufacturers to push the boundaries of modern glazing without compromising reliability.

Engineering Innovations for Precision Performance

Triple-Seal Technology
At the core of TriSeal’s design is a three-layer sealing system:

1. Inner acrylic adhesive: Provides immediate handling strength post-application, allowing units to progress through production without curing delays.
2. Polyisobutylene (PIB) primary seal: Reduces moisture vapor transmission to undetectable levels (tested per ASTM F 1249), critical for maintaining desiccant efficacy in humid climates.
3. Silicone outer seal: Ensures long-term structural resilience, particularly in silicone structural glazing (SSG) systems exposed to UV radiation and thermal cycling.

This configuration achieves a thermal conductivity of 0.15 W/mK, reducing linear heat transfer by up to 12% compared to aluminum spacers. Independent testing confirms an 8°C improvement in warm-edge performance at the sightline, directly contributing to U-value enhancements in curtain walls.

Design Versatility for Complex Applications

Curved and Non-Standard Geometries

TriSeal accommodates cylindrically bent glass with radii as tight as 1.5 meters, as demonstrated in the Eiffel Tower’s 130th-anniversary renovation. Its flexible silicone foam base compensates for substrate movement in historic structures, preventing stress fractures in laminated panels under dynamic loads. For modern projects, the spacer supports XXL units up to 6 meters in length, with robotic application systems maintaining ±0.5mm positional accuracy for consistent sightlines.

Manual and Automated Compatibility

• Manual processing: The TriSeal SG variant simplifies installation in bespoke projects with pre-applied PIB seals, enabling small teams to produce up to 250 units per shift.
• Automated lines: T-Spacer SG integrates on-line PIB extrusion and robotic application, achieving outputs of 800 units per shift while handling angled or free-form geometries without slowing production.

This dual capability ensures uniform edge seals across mixed portfolios, from heritage retrofits to mass-produced commercial façades with commercial glazing spacers.

Certified Performance in Extreme Conditions

Structural and Environmental Compliance

TriSeal meets stringent global standards, including ASTM E2188/E2190 (North America), EN 1279 (Europe), and CGSB 12.8 (Canada). Testing verifies its resilience under:

• Wind loads up to 155 psf (negative pressure) and 120 psf (positive pressure).
• Temperature extremes from -40°C to +121°C, exceeding typical environmental exposure limits.

Field data from CEKAL-certified installations shows a 72% reduction in perimeter condensation compared to metallic spacers, attributed to its low thermal conductivity and continuous vapor barriers at corners.

Manufacturing Efficiency and Scalability

Streamlined Production Workflows

The TriSeal Shuttle tool enables precise spacer application across widths of 8.2mm to 22.2mm (in 2mm increments), with adjustable guide blocks for 3/16” (4.76mm) or 1/4” (6.35mm) secondary sealant setbacks. Pneumatic notching ensures airtight corner joints, while the liner stripper automates protective film removal, reducing manual handling2.

Temperature-Optimized Assembly

Edgetech recommends maintaining workshop temperatures between 18.33°C and 29.44°C during application, with spacer materials acclimated for at least 8 hours prior to use. This minimizes thermal expansion discrepancies during IG unit assembly.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Operational Energy Savings

By reducing thermal bridging, TriSeal lowers HVAC loads by 15% in curtain walls and up to 29% across entire glazing systems. These efficiency gains support LEED certification targets while meeting evolving energy codes.

Waste Reduction

• Recyclable cardboard-and-foil packaging preserves desiccant integrity during transit.
• Automated systems eliminate spacer cutting waste and reduce labor by 30% compared to traditional bar desiccation methods.

Conclusion

Edgetech’s TriSeal spacer system bridges architectural ambition and technical rigor, offering a scalable solution for commercial glazing challenges. Its triple-seal engineering, validated by third-party certifications, ensures reliability in extreme environments, while compatibility with diverse production methods accommodates both bespoke designs and high-volume projects. As the industry prioritizes energy efficiency and complex geometries, TriSeal provides a robust foundation for innovation—without compromising manufacturability or performance.