GlassBuild America next week will likely feature new machinery for the fabrication of “skinny triples,” according to recent reports.
Why the Design Matters
Conventional triple-pane insulating glass units typically use three sheets of glass with equal thickness. In contrast, a skinny triple features a central pane that is significantly thinner than the outer panes. This construction reduces the overall thickness and weight of the unit.
This design offers a solution for older window frames that cannot accommodate standard triple-pane units. Many vinyl window designs have a maximum overall thickness of seven-eighths of an inch, while newer platforms allow for one and one-eighth inches. Skinny triples fit within the tighter constraints of older sash pockets. The reduced weight also helps avoid the need for heavy-duty balance systems, which lowers production costs.
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Older vinyl frames often limit the overall glass thickness (OAT) to about 7/8 in, ¾ in, or occasionally up to 1 in. While newer casements can accommodate 1-1/8 in or even 1-3/8 in OAT units, many installers still work with the legacy models yet want triple-pane performance. The solution lies in skinny-triple IGUs, which can be built to meet the dimensional limits of those older frames. Because the panes are lighter, the need for robust balance mechanisms drops, helping to keep the window’s cost-to-performance balance favorable and adding appeal for homeowners.
Enabling a Krypton Comeback
The smaller air gaps found in triple-pane units allow for the effective use of Krypton gas. While the gas has fallen out of favor recently due to high costs, prices have dropped significantly.
Manufacturing Speed and Scale
One machine launched at the 2024 GlassBuild show, the Forel skinny triples line, produces units in approximately 45 seconds. This cycle time allows for a production rate of about 640 units during an eight-hour shift using Quanex’s Super Spacer. The Forel line can fabricate gas-filled skinny triples with a cycle time of approximately 45 seconds. This translates to 640 units in an 8-hour shift, assuming continuous production. That is very impressive for a machine fabricating triple-pane gas-filled units.
