The Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance (IGMA) continues work on three technical documents that are expected to be published this year. Additionally, IGMA plans to launch the IGMA Online Classroom in December 2012.
Documents Update
The Design Guidelines for Multiple Cavity IGUs has been approved by IGMA’s Technical Services Committee and will be re-issued to the committee for a final ballot before proceeding to the Technical Policy Committee for final approval. Publication is expected in December 2012.
IGMA’s Thermal Stress Task Group has completed work on Guidelines to Reduce Incidences of Thermal Stress, and the document has been balloted to Technical Services Committee. Additionally, The Guidelines for Use of Capillary Tubes is currently being balloted to the Technical Services Committee. It is anticipated that the comments from the ballot will be editorial and no substantive changes are expected. Publication is set for December 2012.
Also, IGMA has agreed to provide the majority of the funding required for the development of an ASTM standard related to thermal stress for insulating glass units (IGUs). IGMA will be contacting other organizations to determine if there is interest in participating.
Education
During GlassBuild America, held September 12-14 in Las Vegas, NV, IGMA offered a two-day seminar, Performance and Innovation Education Seminar, focusing on the “dos and don’ts” best practices approach for the manufacturing of quality IGUs. Day one of the seminar focused on components, special handing and fabrication, while day two featured presentations on glass breakage, glass selection for energy efficiency and post fabrication considerations.
Additionally, the IGMA Online Classroom is set to launch in December 2012. Seminars will include all sessions from the Performance and Innovation Education Seminar, as well as other presentations.
Annual Conference
The IGMA 2013 Annual Conference will be held February 5-8, 2013 in New Orleans, LA. Presentations during the conference will include the latest testing equipment for argon and exotic gases by MOCON, a walk-through presentation by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on their new testing facilities, as well as a presentation on European gas loss testing and related benefits.
