BASF Corporation - Windows That Last Longer

Improve glazing production & meet new Energy Star® requirements

Warm edge thermoplastic spacer (TPS) technology is a sustainable solution for new windows that can improve your profit margins by lowering your production costs and enhancing your reputation as a maker of high quality, energy efficient windows.

Thermoplastic spacer technology is manufactured by ADCO Global Inc. using Oppanol® Polyisobutylenes (PIBs) from BASF as adhesive and sealant ingredients.

TPS technology is a sustainable solution for windows that maximizes the energy efficiency of the insulating glass units and can contribute to points for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ certification.

BASF has conducted eco-efficiency analysis (click here for more information) which demonstrates that TPS represents the most sustainable solution for double-glass windows, compared to other spacer technologies. You will appreciate the benefits of TPS technology for your business.

Lower production costs
Switching from aluminum spacers to TPS can save up to 18% in total labor and material costs due to direction application of TPS into glass by an automated machinery. TPS requires a less labor intensive manufacturing processes compared to the process for metal spacers, yet results in consistent quality and manufacturing flexibility. This includes:

continuous, all around seal of the thermoplastic spacer,
elimination of separate production processes for bending, saw, connecting, filling and butyl coating of spacer frames,
removal of delays in insulating glass production due to missing or wrong spacer frames,
decreased need to split production orders into special or standard lines, and,
less inventory to accommodate different spacer types and profiles.

Click here to watch a video on TPS application

Improved triple glazing production
As new Energy Star® requirements for windows become more stringent, triple glazed windows become more of an attractive option than argon gas filled windows to lower U-values of windows. However, the growing demand of triple glazed windows may be putting a strain on production capacity and increasing the risk of inconsistent window quality.

TPS can reduce your cycle time and increase risk of improper spacer match-up between the two airspaces. With TPS automation, productivity has been shown to increase by 40% while maintaining constant quality. TPS has the fewest modes of failure as a window sealant: only three adhesion interfaces compared to up to nine in other warm edge systems. You can flexibly adjust spacer widths from 6 mm (1/4") up to 20 mm (3/4") for individually designed insulating glass units. TPS edge seals are applied accurately.

Consistent high quality
TPS has a patented, self sealing miter joint with continuous corners. There are no seams, gaps, or spacer flares that could create weak points. TPS has a sleek, elegant sight line that provides a unique, clean look in direct glazing applications. Application of TPS to windows is an automated process. Each window has precisely the right amount of spacer for constant quality.

Reduced environmental waste
With TPS, there is no spacer wastage. TPS is supplied in 55 gallon drums and formed into a spacer directly on the glass by a computer controlled extrusion machine. External spacer frame production is eliminated. To see a video of the TPS application process, click here.

TPS will also help your customers:

An independent comparison of Warm Edge Technology
A third party test conducted by Build Check Ltd., an accredited air tightness testing and U-value analysis consultant agency based in the United Kingdom, compares the thermal performance of windows based on different warm edge spacer technologies. Click on the Build Check link to see how TPS compares to other technologies.

ADCO Global, a BASF customer and manufacturer that produces Thermoplastic Spacers (TPS), is a certified Energy Star® Partner Company. To learn about ADCO Global and TPS, click here.