Vitro Architectural Glass announced that one of its highest-performing products, VacuMax^™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), has been refined to deliver even better thermal performance and improved aesthetics.

The newest generation of VacuMax^™ VIG is now manufactured exclusively with Solarban^® 70 solar-control, low-e glass by Vitro, which enables a massive 79% improvement in U-values and delivers world-leading wall-like R-values of up to R20. In addition to the improved thermal performance, recent visual upgrades have dramatically enhanced the unit’s aesthetics thanks to eliminated vacuum ports and concealed “getters.”

“These latest VacuMax^™ VIG updates give architects and designers an optimal high-performance option to enhance thermal insulation capabilities, greatly improve energy savings and reduce operational carbon,” said Daniel Sutton, product manager, Vitro Architectural Glass. “Not only does VacuMax^™ VIG help exceed sustainable design goals, but with its cleaner look and improved sight lines, it also makes for a more attractive unit.”

A VacuMax^™ VIG unit comprises two lites of 4mm (0.16") glass separated by a non-leaded proprietary metal edge seal and a vacuum space. The entire VIG unit has a total thickness of 8.3mm (0.33"), only slightly thicker than a standard 6mm (0.24") glass lite. VacuMax^™ VIG is available in sizes from 12”x12” (0.3m x 0.3m) up to 60” x 118” (1.5m x 3.0m).

The unit’s slim construction and light weight allow it to be incorporated into virtually any traditional glazing system, window frame or curtainwall application, and can often replace monolithic glazing in older buildings, making it ideal for retrofit projects.

Thanks to its innovative insulating technology, VacuMax^™ VIG provides thermal insulation performance three to five times better than conventional insulating glass units and up to 20 times better than monolithic glass.

The Hugel Welcome Center in Markle Hall on the campus of Lafayette College in Easton, PA, benefits from energy savings and reduced carbon emissions thanks to extraordinary R-values from VacuMax^™ VIG. (Photography: Jim Cunningham)