As the largest trade show for glass “in the Western hemisphere,” GlassBuild America gathers companies and professionals from across the full supply chain under one roof. From October 31 through November 2, the event will fill Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center with the industry’s latest products and services, where several key trends are expected to emerge.

A Full Lineup of Insulating Glass

This won’t be the first show to place vacuum insulating glass (VIG), thin-triple, hybrid glass and the latest double-pane technologies side by side, but this year the event parallels deployment of Energy Star 7.0. For this reason, you can expect the competition between glass suppliers to be at an all-time high, as door and window companies weigh the options.

Bigger Competition Among Screens

With manufacturers offering new materials and fresh options for safety and security, the competition among screen providers should be at an all time high. While some providers will push outsourcing, others will offer equipment for in-house production—including some brand-new options. For this reason, [DWM]’s editors predict this segment to be hotter and more competitive than ever.

Return of the Machines

In past years, the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues took their toll on machinery exhibits. Companies skimped on their lineups for fear of upsetting customers who were left waiting for new equipment to be delivered. Manufacturers have since leveled out production. For this reason, you can expect to see more equipment on the show floor.

[PREVIEW]

A Machine for Everything

If equipment tops your list, Joseph Machine will have a booth full, including a fabrication and cut processor, a CNC machining center, a two-head cleaner and automated welders.

The company’s fabrication and cut processor is well suited for light aluminum alloys, PVC and fiberglass extrusions, offering what officials say is, “the ultimate in door and window fabrication.”

The SFMC platform features 45-degree double miter and/or 90-degree straight cut saw modules, combined with a custom array of fabrication tools for creating assembly, hinge and drainage holes, or machining patterns for accessories. The machine can be customized to your exact needs and cycle times, saving labor, improving throughput and part quality.

Data-Driven Cuts

If imported lists and automatic cutting sound good to you, then you’ll want to swing by Oz Machine’s booth for a look at GEMINI – V SA.

The company’s servo-controlled double-head cutting machine includes 22-inch saw blades and is ideal for cutting aluminum and PVC profiles at various angles and thicknesses. The machine’s 20-foot-long bed allows you to cut 195-inch-long pieces at once.

Data transfer is possible via standard ethernet or USB connections and remote connection is enabled for service issues. The machine can import a cutting list from optimization software and run in automatic mode to prevent operator-caused mistakes and material losses.

Flexible and Conformable

Lamatek will feature two products in its booth: expanding foam sealant tape and SmartBlox 2.0 setting blocks.

The company’s expanding foam sealant tape is compressible, combining the sealing properties of closed cell foam with the flexibility and conformability of an open cell tape. The product replaces caulk, spray foam, putty and other liquid sealants to provide an airtight and watertight seal for over 20 years. The tape does exactly as the name implies—fills gaps, seals joints and provides insulation in door and window applications by blocking air, vapor, moisture and dust infiltration, and is especially well suited to irregular surfaces.

SmartBlox 2.0 setting blocks protect insulating glass from stress by allowing room for thermal expansion and contraction as temperatures fluctuate.

Flexible In-House Production

FlexScreen and Erdman Automation have teamed up this year to present an industry-first: what officials say is the world’s first and only automated window screen line. Earlier this year, the duo collaborated to unveil technology that opens the world of licensing for FlexScreen brand flexible window screens to door and window manufacturers that are interested in producing the product in-house.

Booth visitors will get to experience the full FlexScreen line producing screens in real-time and be able to get their hands on and test the product in various window displays.

For more products and trends, watch for [DWM]’s September-October edition.

Come and See Us

Booth 3009: [DWM] Magazine

If you’re at the show, drop by [DWM]’s booth (3009) to say hello. Drew Vass and our team of editors would love to hear about how the show is going and to meet you.