IGMA Hosts Seminar on IG Failures

The Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) held an educational seminar today on the prevention of insulating glass (IG) failures. Approximately 25 attendees tuned in closely, as industry experts shared the associated "do's and don'ts" for their respective fields.

IGMA executive director Margaret Webb opened the session with a brief overview of the latest IGMA developments. Among them was an IG quality manufacturing procedures guideline that Webb said is currently under development. She explained that one of the primary focuses for the alliance is getting "everyone on the same playing field."

Tom Dangieri of UOP LLC gave a presentation on the role of desiccants in IG units.

"If your workmanship is up to date and your people are proud of the windows they make, you're going to make good units," explained speaker Tom Dangieri of UOP LLC.

Guest Speaker Tracy Rogers of Edgetech IG reiterated that message and expanded by pointing out that the key ingredient for successful insulated glass construction is in "workmanship, workmanship, workmanship."

"We're all producing quality and highly capable products," Rogers explained. "Or we wouldn't be able to sell them." He continued by explaining that the least advanced components, assembled by the greatest craftsmanship are capable of performing perfectly well and for a long period of time.

Amidst an overview for the session, Bill Lingnell of Lingnell Consulting Services and IGMA's technical consultant, asked each attendee to stand, introduce themselves and share what they would like to get from the session. "Whenever you think you've got it all figured out, something else pops up," explained one attendee. "That's why I'm here."

The first half of today's featured advice included information on glass washing and cutting techniques, the role of desiccants and information on spacer systems and internal muntins/grids.

Attendees from various manufacturing companies were relatively quiet when specific operational questions were asked about individual manufacturing methods, but began to share more as the session progressed.

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