Dow Corning, a global leader in silicones, silicon-based technology and innovation, introduced today at Glasstec 2014 (Stand B59, Hall 11) new Dow Corning® 3363 Insulating Glass Sealant and Dow Corning® Transparent Structural Silicone Adhesive (TSSA), two new highly-engineered silicone technologies designed to help architects and manufacturers conserve energy, improve design freedom and extend durability for state-of-the-art building façades. Dow Corning is also spotlighting at the event a next-generation warm-edge system by Kömmerling Chemische Fabrik, based in Pirmasens, Germany, for improved energy savings; and a leading-edge Dow Corning® Architectural Insulation Module (AIM™) for seamless, space-saving and energy-efficient façades. Other cutting-edge silicone technologies for high-performance buildings will also be on display.
“For over twenty five years, Dow Corning has collaborated with building industry leaders to engineer some of the most advanced materials technologies in the world to enable buildings that not only sustain energy, but even reduce energy consumption, without compromising aesthetics or functionality,” said Markus Plettau, regional market leader, Europe, High Performance Building Solutions at Dow Corning. “Our new Dow Corning 3363 Insulating Glass Sealant and Dow Corning TSSA” will enable us to continue this tradition and lead the industry by driving new architectural design freedoms and streamlining manufacturing to help our global customers innovate more aesthetic and energy-efficient building façades.
New Dow Corning 3363 Insulating Glass Sealant is a fast-curing, high-modulus silicone sealant that could deliver up to 50 percent higher bond strength compared to traditional materials. The bond strength of Dow Corning 3363 Sealant also helps streamline the production of façades by supporting – under the same application conditions – the use of up to 30 percent smaller joints in comparison with more conventional, deeper joint designs that take more time to seal. It enables architects to create gas-filled double- and triple-glazed panels that meet European standard EN 1279 for sealed unit manufacturing, and that could withstand hurricane-level wind loads subject to appropriate joint dimensioning. By enabling such highly engineered structural applications, this advanced material from Dow Corning allows architects and manufactures to deliver total glazing solutions that sacrifice neither design, safety nor productivity.
Dow Corning TSSA offers crystal clear bonds for fixed-point glass façades. Combining a sleek finish with enhanced energy conservation performance, this next-generation material allows designers to specify frameless, durable spider façade systems for insulating glass units. The adhesive protects the integrity and energy efficiency of the window by bonding directly onto the glass units instead of drilling through the glass panels leaving the gas-filled, insulating glass unit untouched. It is a significant contribution to the overall durability and consistent energy efficiency of insulating glass units.
Both materials are already enabling cutting-edge architectural designs. Italian architect firm, Studio Cucchiarati Srl, specified Dow Corning 3363 Insulating Glass Sealant and Dow Corning TSSA to improve the overall thermal efficiency, durability and aesthetics for a glass façade it designed for the offices of the Istituto per la Ricerca e la Cura del Cancro, a private non-profit cancer research organization in Torino, Italy. The façade was constructed using insulating glass units that were gas-filled and dual sealed around the perimeter by Glastebo, an Italian glass manufacturer. Studio Cucchiarati chose Dow Corning 3363 Sealant for the façade’s secondary seal to limit stress on the primary sealant and enhance its durability and longevity. The architect also attached the façade to the curtain wall using a point fixed glazing system and Dow Corning’s TSSA, which helped to optimize the façade’s durability, thermal insulation and aesthetics.
Also on display at the company’s stand is another real-world application used in conjunction with Dow Corning’s technology: Kömmerling Chemische Fabrik’s new warm-edge spacer is used with energy efficient insulating glass to optimize thermal performance at the glass edge. The thermoplastic spacer bar is tailor made for use in structural glazing applications. When used in combination with the bonding strength of Dow Corning 3363 or Dow Corning® 3362 Sealants it provides long-term durability and longevity in gas-filled insulating glass applications meeting European standard EN 1279 and European Technical Approval Guideline (ETAG) 002.
Visitors to the company’s stand can also view the Dow Corning AIM technology, which combines enhanced thermal performance and a thin profile with the convenience of curtain wall construction. Dow Corning AIMs are available in various combinations of glass/glass and glass/metal facings. A variety of coatings such as enamels, screen and digital prints as well as specific inlays offer a wide range of design possibilities to support the architect’s vision. Due to the slender design of the Dow Corning AIM, it is possible to gain more usable and saleable floor space thus adding to a building’s real estate value.
Dow Corning has also invested in services and solutions beyond products such as new innovative joint designs that transfer higher loads with less joints; tools to enhance efficiency in internal project management (COOL-Construction Online); the company’s Quality Bond™ membership program; and much more. Dow Corning experts in silicone solutions for the architectural industry will be available at the company’s stand to discuss these and other innovative services, new products and engineering solutions.