Technology

The Glazing That Changes the Rules

The Evolution of Vacuum Insulated Glazing (VIG)

From the first scientific experiments in the 1950s to today’s advanced technologies, transparent insulation has undergone remarkable progress. The idea of using a vacuum to improve thermal performance led to decades of research in Japan, the United States, and Europe.

1950 - 1970

  • Early Concepts and Fundamental Research

    • Emergence of the idea of using vacuum technology to improve glazing thermal insulation
    • Initial laboratory research conducted in Japan, the United States, and Europe
    • Major technological limitations related to materials, sealing methods, and vacuum retention

1980 - 2000

  • First Prototypes and Commercialization

    • 1989: Dr. Robinson (University of Sydney) develops the first functional VIG prototype
    • 1998: Launch of the first commercial vacuum insulated glazing product, SPACIA, by NSG (Nippon Sheet Glass, Japan)
    • Validation of the concept for real-world building applications

2000 - 2010

  • Improved Performance and Reliability

    • Optimization of glass edge-sealing processes
    • Integration of Low-E (low emissivity) coatings between glass panes
    • Addition of getter materials to maintain long-term vacuum stability
    • Significant improvements in durability and thermal performance

2010 - 2025

  • Industrialization and Market Expansion

    • Emergence of new VIG manufacturers in Europe and Asia, along with the creation of LuxWall in North America
    • Implementation of more stable production processes through industrial automation
    • Gradual adoption in construction and renovation projects

2025 - 2040

  • Integration with Smart Glazing and Sustainable Transition

    • Integration of VIG into electrochromic, photovoltaic, and dynamic thermal-control glazing systems
    • Development of ultra-thin, high-performance glazing
    • Goal: recyclable glazing with a very low carbon footprint
    • Progressive replacement of traditional triple glazing in high-efficiency buildings

Enthermal™

Enthermal™ is a flagship product developed by LuxWall. Its sleek design reflects both the precision of the technology and the clarity of the glass.

  • Key Features

    Enthermal™ technology is based on a proprietary design that achieves unmatched thermal performance levels. By combining vacuum insulation with a Low-E coating, it can block up to 60% of solar radiation and reduce winter heat loss at the center of the glazing by up to 45%.

    This synergy positions Enthermal™ as the future of insulated glass, delivering both exceptional insulation and optimal light transmission.

Energy Transfer Through Glass

Vacuum insulated glazing simultaneously addresses the three fundamental modes of heat transfer. This combined approach delivers thermal performance far superior to conventional double- and triple-glazed systems.

Convection

The vacuum inside the glazing completely eliminates heat transfer through convection, providing thermal stability that conventional glazing cannot achieve.

Conduction

Heat conduction is drastically reduced: the vacuum cavity has a thermal conductivity of only 0.002 W/mK, far lower than traditional insulating gases such as argon.

Radiation

Low-E coatings combined with vacuum technology reflect solar radiation and block heat transfer, improving performance in both summer and winter.

Technical Data Sheet Download

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