Glass Specification:

Daily on both hand and automated cutting tables.

Pre-Toughening Inspections:

Glass is inspected pre-toughening for type, thickness, quality of the arising and the size.

Post-Toughening Inspections:

Glass is inspected post toughening for the following:
Local bow
Overall bow
Material strength
Fragmentation (Safe particle count and spline length)

 

Spacer Bar Cutting Inspections:

Spacer bar cutting is inspected to ensure that the correct amount of sealant is applied to the IGU’s, thus ensuring excellent performance in service.

Desiccant Activity Testing:

Start of shift and every new box which is opened, also a frame test if the cut and filled bars are left standing for a prolonged period. The volume of desiccant within the spacer bar is also tested. At Padiham Glass Limited we also use the organic warm edge spacer bar SuperSpacer, this too is tested for its desiccant activity using a test method recommended by the spacer bar manufacturer.

Primary Sealant Weight Testing:

The weight of primary seal is tested daily, this ensures that the primary seal will provide an excellent barrier for gas leakage and also moisture penetration.

Sealant Temperature Testing & Sealant Adhesion Testing:

The application temperature of the sealant is tested along with a butterfly adhesion test to the glass at start of shift and immediately after midday break and at the end of the day. Any failures require an immediate re-test and subsequent failures require the cause to be determined and acted upon to correct the problem. The sealant manufacturer and/or machinery supplier shall be informed if necessary.

Final Inspections:

Every day IGU’s are randomly selected from the production racks, they are inspected for the following:

Size of unit compared to size on label
Type of glass in unit compared to glass on label
Type of spacer in unit compared to spacer on label
Type of unit compared to type of unit on label
Overall thickness
Internal visual quality
External visual quality
Depth of sealant and square-ness of spacer bar within cavity
Absence of air pockets or inclusions
Marking Flatness (immediately after sealing the unit)

Argon Gas Concentration Testing:

Radom IGU’s are tested for their argon gas concentration levels using both destructive and non destructive gas analysing equipment, the expiry date of the argon gas is also recorded.

We also have various other accreditations including EN1279 part 3 (3 passes). This information is available on request.