The Process
Warm-Edge Vacuum Insulating Glass Technology
3rd Generation Warm-Edge VIG — engineered for true center-to-edge thermal continuity at industrial scale.
How It Works
A Portless Continuous Vacuum Process
Conventional VIG manufacturing relies on batch processing, rigid solder seals, and surface extraction ports that compromise optics and thermal performance. THERMGLASS is produced on the world's first intelligent continuous batch production line — evacuated and sealed inside a vacuum chamber with no ports, no metal bands, and no thermal bridges.
The result is a glass unit with center-of-glass U-values approaching 0.46 W/m²K (0.081 Btu/h·ft²·°F), in profiles as slim as 6.3mm — fitting historic retrofits, narrow sash frames, and modern curtain wall systems without structural redesign.
Performance Data
Technical Specifications
COG U-Value (SI)
0.46 W/m²K
Profile Thickness
6.3–20.3mm
Weight Reduction
50% vs Triple-Pane
Acoustic Range
STC 35–45
Vacuum Pressure
< 0.1 Pa
Edge Seal
Glass Frit (Portless)
Pillar Grid
Warm-Edge Composite
Production Method
Intelligent Continuous
Three Generations of VIG
How the Technology Evolved
1st Generation
Solder-Sealed Batch
Early VIG units used metal solder edge seals and batch vacuum extraction through a surface port. Thermal bridging at the edge and port compromise performance and limit profile options.
2nd Generation
Frit-Sealed Batch
Glass frit replaced metal solder, improving edge seal durability and reducing thermal bridging. Batch processing remained, limiting throughput and consistency across large production runs.
3rd Generation
Intelligent Continuous (THERMGLASS)
Portless continuous vacuum process with glass frit edge seal, warm-edge composite pillar grid, and full inline automation. No surface ports, no metal bands, no thermal bridges — at industrial scale.
The Warm Edge Advantage
Why Pillar Grid Geometry Matters
In a conventional IGU, the spacer bar is the primary thermal bridge — responsible for edge condensation, frame heat loss, and reduced whole-window U-factor. THERMGLASS eliminates the spacer entirely. The vacuum gap is maintained by a precision warm-edge composite pillar grid, distributing load uniformly across the glass surface with no continuous metal path from lite to lite.
No Edge Condensation
Warm-edge pillar grid keeps the glass surface above dew point at the perimeter — eliminating the condensation line common to aluminum-spaced IGUs.
True Center-to-Edge Performance
U-value at the edge matches center-of-glass — no thermal gradient, no performance penalty at the frame interface.
Structural Load Distribution
Pillar grid geometry distributes wind and pressure loads uniformly across the lite, enabling larger unsupported spans than conventional VIG designs.
Compatible with 4-Sided SSG
Structural silicone glazing requires uniform load transfer across the glass face. THERMGLASS pillar grid geometry is certified for 4-sided SSG curtain wall applications.
Four Core VIG Makeups
Configurations for Every Application
Standalone VIG
A single vacuum-insulating unit — two glass lites, warm-edge pillar grid, glass frit edge seal, hard vacuum. Profiles from 6.3mm. Ideal for historic retrofits, narrow sash, and weight-critical applications.
Hybrid VIG (VIG + IGU)
VIG unit bonded to a conventional IGU cavity — argon or air fill. Combines the thermal performance of vacuum with the acoustic and condensation benefits of a sealed air gap. Profiles from 20.3mm.
Laminated VIG
VIG with one or both lites laminated (SGP or PVB interlayer). Meets safety glazing requirements for overhead, sloped, and impact-rated applications without sacrificing thermal performance.
Coated VIG
Standalone or Hybrid VIG with soft-coat Low-E on the vacuum-facing surface. Adds solar control and further reduces U-value — compatible with single, double, and triple Low-E stacks.
4-Sided SSG Curtain Wall Certification
Certified for Structural Silicone Glazing
THERMGLASS is the only warm-edge VIG certified for 4-sided structural silicone glazing (SSG) curtain wall systems. The warm-edge composite pillar grid distributes load uniformly across the glass face — meeting the structural transfer requirements of SSG without mechanical edge retention.
Architectural Resource Center
Tools for Specifiers & Facade Engineers
THERMGLASS supports the full specification workflow. Contact us to request 3D CAD (.dwg), BIM/Revit families, and LBNL WINDOW simulation files for energy modeling and facade documentation. Energy modelers can independently validate performance using the NFRC Residential Baseline Library (NRBL) simulation tool.
3D CAD Files (.dwg)
AutoCAD-compatible detail drawings for glazing assemblies, frame interfaces, and curtain wall nodes.
BIM / Revit Families
Parametric Revit families for VIG units across all four core makeups — ready for project BIM models.
LBNL WINDOW Simulation Files
Pre-configured WINDOW 7 files for energy code compliance modeling, NFRC submissions, and IECC/ASHRAE analysis.
CSI Section 08 81 00 Spec
MasterFormat specification ready to paste directly into your project manual. Available in the Download Documentation section below.
Independent Simulation Tools
Applications
Markets Served by THERMGLASS VIG
The same Warm-Edge vacuum process that delivers U-value 0.46 W/m²K in a 6.3 mm profile is engineered for four distinct market verticals — each with dedicated performance targets, compliance standards, and configurator tools.
Architectural & Passive House
Passive House PHI/EnerPHit certification, LEED v4, ENERGY STAR v7, and IECC 2021 compliance. Drop-in retrofit for existing window systems from 6.3 mm profile.
Cold Storage & Refrigeration
Walk-in coolers, freezers, and refrigerated display cases. CR 77–94, 71–91% energy savings vs. reference IGU. NSF/ANSI 7 OEM cabinet compliance support.
Construction Vehicles & Heavy Equipment
Excavator, crane, and agricultural equipment cab glass. STC 35–45 acoustic attenuation, zero condensation without heated glass, 50% weight reduction vs. triple-pane.
Marine & Offshore
Superyachts, passenger ferries, and offshore platforms. ISO 10077-1 Uw, Rw 38–42 dB, marine-premium edge seal, DNV documentation, IMO A.1116(30) advisory.
Technical Resources
Download Documentation
Technology & Process Overview
Intelligent continuous warm edge vacuum glass production line — full technical overview.
Download PDF
Marine VIG Technical Pitch Deck
VIG performance specifications and application data for marine and vessel glazing.
Download PDF
Global VIG Industry Reference Sheet
Industry-wide VIG reference data, standards, and performance benchmarks.
Download PDF
VIG Technical Specification Sheet
Detailed specification data for THERMGLASS VIG panels across refrigeration applications.
Download PDF
Architectural Specification — Section 08 81 00
CSI MasterFormat specification for THERMGLASS VIG glazing. Ready to incorporate into project manual or print to PDF.
View SpecComplete Production Lines
Turnkey VIG Manufacturing
THERMGLASS offers complete production line solutions for glass manufacturers seeking to enter the VIG market. Each line is engineered for the intelligent continuous batch process — from raw glass input to finished, tested VIG unit output.
Intelligent Continuous Lines
Fully automated continuous batch process. Inline vacuum monitoring, automated edge-seal inspection, and real-time quality control. Highest throughput and consistency — recommended for commercial-scale VIG production.
Semi-Automatic Continuous Lines
Continuous batch process with operator-assisted loading and unloading. Lower capital cost entry point for manufacturers entering the VIG market or running smaller production volumes.
Why Choose a THERMGLASS Production Line
Portless Process IP
Proprietary continuous vacuum process eliminates the exhaust port — the primary failure point in legacy VIG lines. No port-patch rework, no seal degradation over product lifetime.
Inline Quality Control
Automated vacuum level monitoring and edge-seal inspection at line speed. Every unit is verified before it leaves the production line.
Flexible Glass Compatibility
Compatible with standard float glass, tempered, heat-strengthened, and coated substrates from any major glass supplier. No proprietary glass required.
Turnkey Commissioning
Full installation, commissioning, and operator training included. Ongoing technical support and process optimization available post-commissioning.
Configure Your Assembly — Then Request a Sample
Use the THERMGLASS VIG Configurator to model U-factors, SHGC, acoustic performance, and code compliance for your project. Then contact us to request a physical sample or full technical specification package.