Republic Windows and Doors of Chicago has announced a $75,000 investment in a wet glazing process, which will be used initially on its Contour single-hung window series.

Joe Neely, director of technical services, said the moisture cure polymer used in the wet-glazing process has three times the holding power of standard pressure sensitive adhesives.

"The moisture cure polymer process is truly the cream of the crop," said Neely. "Of the few innovative companies that have converted to wet glazing, most are still using standard silicone, or a form of quick-set silicone. The major advantage of the new moisture cure polymers from HB Fuller is in the manufacturing environment, where windows are produced quickly, packaged and shipped, sometimes in the same day …"

Republic expects the new process to increase its manufacturing capacity by 15 percent, while reducing the risk of potential seal failures currently experienced with standard pressure sensitive applications. The company also says re-glazing time in the field will be faster. Erdman Automation manufactured the machinery for the wet-glazing process.