--- title: "Technical Forum: Vacuum Insulating Glass" description: Just over a year ago, Vitro Architectural Glass launched VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), an innovative glass product that provides the ultimate in thermal insulation and center of glass R-values from R14+. image: https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Picture1-Dec-13-2022-06-49-01-4916-PM.jpg --- [![VCN_Hor_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN_Hor_RGB.png?width=320&name=VCN_Hor_RGB.png "VCN_Hor_RGB.png")](https://blog.vitroglazings.com/vcn) # *Vitro Certified*™ Newsletter ### The *Vitro Certified*™ Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter for glass fabricators, laminators and window manufacturers within the *Vitro Certified*™ Network. For more information about the *Vitro Certified*™ Network, visit Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass) at [VitroGlazings.com](https://www.vitroglazings.com). --- ## Technical Forum: Vacuum Insulating Glass Posted by [Vitro Architectural Glass](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/author/vitro-architectural-glass) on Jan 6, 2023, 9:19:52 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## ![Picture1-Dec-13-2022-06-49-01-4916-PM](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Picture1-Dec-13-2022-06-49-01-4916-PM.jpg?width=700&height=366&name=Picture1-Dec-13-2022-06-49-01-4916-PM.jpg) ## Vacuum Insulating Glass: What Fabricators Need to Know ### Tips and Tricks for Fabricators Working with *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG) Just over a year ago, Vitro Architectural Glass launched *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG), an innovative glass product that provides the ultimate in thermal insulation and center of glass R-values from R14+, which is unmatched by typical IGUs. In 2023, Vitro expects to see even more demand for *VacuMax*™ VIG and products like it that offer increased energy performance. To help prepare our *Vitro Certified*™ Network for the growth of the VIG market, Daniel Sutton, manager for value added products at Vitro, has answered some pressing questions about what fabricators need to know about working with *VacuMax*™ VIG. ### Q: What is *VacuMax*™ VIG? A: Vacuum insulating glass consists of two 4mm glass lites separated by a vacuum space, which greatly reduces the rate of thermal transmission between the lites. By effectively blocking thermal transmission, vacuum insulating glass can deliver insulating performance that is two to four times better than conventional insulating glass and up to 14 times better than monolithic glass. *Vacumax*™ VIG considerably closes the gap between the R-values of glass and walls, even in a monolithic configuration. When used as the interior lite in a hybrid IGU, it gets even better.  One thing that’s important to know about *VacuMax*™ VIG is that it’s a product suitable for both retrofit projects and new builds. In existing buildings, *VacuMax*™ VIG can replace standard sized windows without having to replace the framing system. It’s roughly the same width as traditional monolithic lites and fits very well into the traditional glazing channel. ### Q: There’s been some concern about how vacuum insulating glass is fabricated. What should fabricators know about VIG production and how has it been going so far? A: Starting in early 2022, Vitro started hybrid fabrication trials at several different *VCN* locations and on various lines to make sure there are no fabrication issues. Everywhere trials were completed, everyone who participated said the product runs very easily down the IG line and there are no fabrication barriers to speak of. For fabrication, product orientation is very important for *VacuMax*™ VIG  to make sure it’s assembled properly. In a monolithic configuration, the vacuum port typically faces the inside of the building (room-side surface) and the low-e coating is applied to the number two surface of the VIG. If assembled with the vacuum port to the air space, it can affect the overall unit’s thermal performance. However, other than that, there’s really no difference – *VacuMax™* runs down the line similar to a laminated piece of glass. ### Q: What value does *VacuMax*™ VIG add to the portfolio of Vitro architectural glass products? A: *VacuMax*™ VIG offers center of glass R-values of R14+, which is hands-down superior to the insulation performance of existing products. We hope that our *VCN* partners see *VacuMax*™ VIG as another tool in their toolbox to help them assist customers and meet increased energy performance demands. As of early 2023, building and energy codes continue to evolve, pushing energy conservation and building performance thresholds to new levels. Products like *VacuMax*™ are available today to meet the performance standards of tomorrow. While the price point now is higher than some competitive products, we believe that the insulating benefits *VacuMax*™ VIG offers will generate significant demand in the coming years. ### Q: How is Vitro educating its architectural clients about *VacuMax*™ VIG? A: In 2023, Vitro is launching a new Continuing Education (CE) course certified by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) all about vacuum insulating glass technology, with an optional additional presentation on the specifics of *VacuMax*™ VIG. Overall, this will help educate architects about the technology that makes *VacuMax*™ VIG not only possible but a superior design option. Fabricators are welcome to take this course as well, along with Vitro’s full range of CE courses. The courses are designed for architects, who are required to earn a certain number of CE course credits per year to maintain their licensure, but they’re a good way to learn more in-depth about all of Vitro’s products. The VIG course in particular provides a good understanding of what *VacuMax*™ VIG is and the technology that powers it. *To get in touch with Daniel, email him at [dsutton@vitro.com](mailto:dsutton@vitro.com). For more information about working with VacuMax™ Vacuum Insulating Glass, contact your [Commercial Account Manager](https://www.vitroglazings.com/project-support/find-your-sales-rep/).* #### Newsletter Archive:  - [June 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-trusted-and-proven-partnership-2) - Project Showcase: Hillman Library, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: *EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Johnny Lorigan - [March 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-toast-to-25-years) - Project Showcase: Lincoln Yards, Chicago, IL - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*® Network Online Training Resources - Get to Know Vitro: Honoring Women’s History Month - [December 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress-1) - Project Showcase: Nashville Airport Hilton, Nashville, TN - Technical Forum: The Growing Role of Glass Reflectivity in Buildings - Get to Know Vitro: New Roles for Chris Fronsoe and Trevor Hall - [October 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress) - Project Showcase: 700 Santana Row, San Jose, California - Technical Forum: *BirdSmart*® Bird Safe Glass Research & Testing - Get to Know Vitro: Logan Tautkus-Berry - [June 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/were-a-glass-half-full-kind-of-company) - Project Showcase: FirstHealth Cancer Center - Technical Forum: FramingFactor™ - Get to Know Vitro: Ben Rider - [March 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2025-has-already-taken-off) - Project Showcase: National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: Bird Safe Glass Advancements and Trends - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Plotnick - [January 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2024-was-a-certified-success-for-vitro-architectural-glass) - Project Showcase: Hugel Welcome Center (Lafayette College) - Technical Forum: Center of Glass vs. Framing Performance - Get to Know Vitro: Patrick (PJ) Campbell - [September 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-network-members-q3-check-in-1) - Project Showcase: RIDC Mill 19 - Technical Forum: Methods for Improving U‑Value - Get to Know Vitro: Larry Withrow - [July 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Amazon HQ2 - Technical Forum: Sustainability Certifications - Get to Know Vitro: Patty Fisher - [March 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: UC San Diego Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood - Technical Forum: Condensation - Get to Know Vitro: Fernando Diez - [January 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: BancFirst Tower  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Erin Casci  - [October 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q3-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-1) - Project Showcase: Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects  - Technical Forum: Pros and Cons of Gas-Filled IGUs  - Get to Know Vitro: Bill Davis  - [June 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q2-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Pittsburgh Produce Terminal  - Technical Forum: Framing and Performance Values  - Get to Know Vitro: Chris Fronsoe  - [April 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q1-2023-update-for-vitro-certified-members) - Project Showcase: Pikes Peak Summit House  - Technical Forum: Color Rendering Index  - Get to Know Vitro: Heather Brion  - [December 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-2022) -  Project Showcase: 345 4th Street  - Technical Forum: Vacuum Insulating Glass FAQs  - Get to Know Vitro: Andre Kenstowicz  - [September 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/third-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: 70 Rainey  - Technical Forum: Codes & Climate Zones  - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Sutton  - [July 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Moody Center - Technical Forum: *Titan* oversized glass - Get to Know Vitro: Annissa Flickinger  - [March 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: KOI Sky Residences  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Mike Hammond  - [December 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members?hs_preview=wuFvkqXz-68122100225) - Project Showcase: Watershed  - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*™ Network Professional Training Modules  - Get to Know Vitro: Adam Polcyn  - [October 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/committing-to-innovating-sustainably) - Project Showcase: Congress Square  - Technical Forum: *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)  - Get to Know Vitro: Nathan McKenna  - [June 2021](https://1977288.hubspotpreview-na1.com/_hcms/preview/content/48387080968?portalId=1977288&_preview=true&cacheBust=0&preview_key=bfZWBlMX&from_buffer=false) - Project Showcase: McMaster University  - Technical Forum: BIPV Q&A - Get to Know Your New Sample Order Website - Get to Know Vitro: Lauren Black, Ph.D.    - [March 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/new-product-update-and-more) - Project Showcase: HOPE Tower  - Technical Forum: Glass Options for School Safety  - Get to Know Vitro: Emily Losego  - [November 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/innovation-and-our-people) - Project Showcase: Old Chicago Post Office  - Technical Forum: Keys to Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Get to Know Vitro: Steve Marino  - [August 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-vcn-september-1-2020) - Technical Forum: Bird-Safe Buildings Act Closer to Law  - Project Showcase: Rolex Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Martin Bracamonte  - [May 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/here-for-each-other) - Decontaminating Glass Surfaces  - Personnel Training Series  - Contactless Bills of Lading (BOL) Now Available  - [January 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity-1) - Technical Forum: The Latest in Bird Safe Glass Legislation  - Project Showcase: Calgary Central Library  - Get to Know Vitro: Paul Bush  - [September 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity) - Our *Solarban*®-Coated *Acuity®* Glass Journey  - Technical Forum: Specifying Heat-Rated Glass  - Project Showcase: Kinects Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Julia Giba  - [July 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/invested-in-our-people) - Technical Forum: Silicone Strength  - Get to Know Vitro: Joanne Funyak  - Project Showcase: 181 Fremont  - [March 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/two-new-chapters) - Technical Forum: Eliminating the Stress Over Strain Patterns  - Project Showcase: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine  - Get to Know Vitro: Carlisle, PA  - [January 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/eyes-on-quality) - The Hallmarks of Product Quality  - Vitro Survey: Insights on General Contractors  - Get to Know Vitro: Salem, Oregon  - [August 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-future-is-here) - Technical Forum: Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Project Showcase: UCSD Jacobs Medical Center  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Carlisle, PA  - Gearing Up to Transport Jumbo Glass  - [March 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-newsletter-march-2018) - Technical Forum: Focusing Beyond Glass Construction in Specifications  - Project Showcase: BioSteel Centre  - Technical Articles to Share with Your Customers  - Vitro, on the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Wichita Falls, Texas  - [November 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/365-days-in) - Technical Forum: Temporary Film Fabrication Guidelines  - Project Showcase: ProMedica Health and Wellness Center  - Lunchtime Training Seminars  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Fresno, California  - [August 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/introducing-the-vitro-certified-newsletter-1) - Technical Forum: New Vitro Glass EPDs Are An Industry First  - Project Showcase: 7 Bryant Park  - Your Show, On the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: A Preview  #### Recent Stories:  [![Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png?width=353&name=Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png "Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png")](http://www.vitroglazings.com/en-US/Glass.aspx)