So much happened at the interGLASSmetal/Fenestration world ’99 (iGm) in Atlanta
earlier this month that it would be impossible to fit it all in this limited space, so
you’ll see more coverage in our next issue. But I did want to alert you to the new
energy-efficient products that both Pilkington LOF and PPG Industries introduced at iGm.
It was gratifying to see the introduction of new products designed as value-added products
with high levels of energy-efficiency.
Pilkington LOF unveiled a new Low-E glass called Solar E™ solar control Low-E glass.
It is a clear Low-E glass that combines favorable solar control properties and thermal
characteristics in a color-neutral, durable pyrolytic Low-E glass. It is designed to be
used in
cooling-dominant climates.
“I think we did a pretty good job of creating the glass that our research said you
wanted: a pyrolytic surface solar control Low-E glass that was color neutral,” said
Paul Gore, residential products manager. Gore also said Solar-E meets both Southern Energy
Code and Energy Star requirements and is resistant to handling and processing scratches.
Since it is a pyrolytic, it does not require edge deletion and has an unlimited shelf
life.
“Our tests showed no visible difference between the annealed and tempered
product” said John Mulvanerty, president of Oldcastle’s Atlantic Glass Group
(OAGG). OAGG tested some samples of Solar-E. “I can tell you from our own hands-on
experience that Solar-E really does live up to its billing from a process
standpoint.”
Not to be outdone, PPG Industries of Pittsburgh, made several announcements of its own.
According to Richard Leggett, vice president for flat glass, the company will resume
production of its popular Starphire glass in January 2000. It will be made at PPG’s
Carlisle, PA, plant and will be supplied in thicknesses ranging from 2.5 to 12
millimeters.
PPG is also resurrecting the Solarban™ name and will use it on a new generation of
solar control Low-E glass. Sungate™ 1000 will be renamed Solarban 60 and a new glass,
Solarban 55, will be introduced. It will differ in appearance and performance from the old
Solarban as it is less reflective, has a more neutral color and a higher level of visible
light transmittance. “It is really the first high performance glass designed by
homeowners,” said Leggett. It, too, meets Energy Star requirements.
PPG also announced the inauguration of two certification programs–one for
Intercept™ insulating glass and window manufacturers and the other for glass
fabricators. The fee-based Intercept program will provide on-site review and evaluation of
a licensee’s Intercept manufacturing function. Certification will require that
manufacturers test their units against certain performance criteria.
The fabrication certification program will provide some education and training to
fabricators, but will also offer a PPG seal of approval. “Building owners and
fabricators who specify glass from PPG-certified fabricators will know that the quality of
the products they receive will be consistent and reliable,” said Leggett.
These new products can go a long way in moving glass from a commodity-based model toward a
value-added model–a move for which the entire industry should be thankful.
And speaking of thanks, I’d like to extend a “Happy Thanksgiving” from all
of us here at USGlass and Key Communications Inc. We are very thankful
for all of you. Thank you. -Deb
USG
© Copyright 1999 Key Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.