Glass in Focus || October 24, 2023
In early 2024, BENGglas will introduce the world’s largest piece of vacuum glazing. Whereas dimensions were previously limited to a maximum of 1,500 x 2,500 millimeters, that restriction will now be definitively lifted. Starting in early 2024, glazing can be installed at full-story heights with dimensions of up to 4.2 meters. This new development is characteristic of the rapid advancements taking place in the “world of vacuum glazing.”
Vacuum glazing was first described in a German patent from 1913, but it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that the technology was actually put into practice. The first commercial product was finally launched in 1996 and was immediately available on the Dutch market from that point on.
Gaining Momentum
In recent years, however, these developments have gained momentum. BENGglas, one of the first entrants into the vacuum glazing market, is driving this momentum. This is clearly evident in the breadth of its product range. Whereas BENGglas started with a single type of vacuum glazing, it now has four types in its portfolio. BENGglas MAX* is the most recent addition and is also BENGglas’s flagship product. BENGglas MAX* is unique due to a combination of properties. The glass is tempered (safety glass), has no vacuum valve, features barely visible spacers, achieves a U-value of 0.40 W/m²K, and will be available in sizes up to 4.2 meters starting in early 2024. BENGglas MAX* is supplied exclusively by BENGglas B.V.
* As of July 2025, BENGglas MAX is now called BENGglas Single Coated or BENGglas Double Coated
BENGglas: Best U-value on the Market
BENGglas has been active on the Dutch market for four years and traces its origins to Giga-Glas! B.V.; an international glass wholesaler with 30 years of experience. BENGglas is a brand of vacuum glazing. Vacuum glazing is an extremely thin type of insulating glass in which two glass panes, each at least 4 millimeters thick, are separated by a vacuum cavity of at least 0.3 millimeters. This results in a total thickness of 8.3 millimeters for the glass unit. Despite this minimal thickness, U-values as low as 0.40 W/m²K are achieved. To distribute the pressure of the glass across the glass surface and prevent the two glass panes from touching each other, micro-spacers are evenly distributed across the entire glass surface. These spacers are spaced every 40 to 60 millimeters (depending on the type) and are barely visible from a distance of 2 meters or more. BENGglas offers several advantages over standard vacuum glazing. For example, BENGglas has up to seven times fewer spacers, is tempered as standard, and has the best U-value on the market. It is also by far the most cost-effective choice in vacuum glazing.
“You really can’t tell the difference”
In collaboration with Achterberg Schilders and BENGglas, the thermal and acoustic insulation of this 1930s home in Ede has been significantly improved. The single-pane glass (U=5.8 W/m²K) on the first floor and the old double-pane glass (U=2.8) on the ground floor have been replaced with vacuum glazing from BENGglas (U=0.40). This represents a significant improvement in insulation performance.
The homeowner, Loet van Beurden, explains his choice of BENGglas. “In my 1930s home, I still had the original single-pane glass on the first floor. I kept putting off installing insulating glass because the wooden frames and windows were relatively light and thin. I was afraid they would have to be replaced if I had new glass installed. This turned out not to be necessary at all. BENGglas is only 8 millimeters thick and therefore fits perfectly into old frames. You can’t really tell the difference. However, the difference is clearly noticeable in both insulation and comfort. My gas consumption has dropped dramatically. The windows no longer fog up on the inside during the winter months, and the indoor climate has become much more comfortable.”
*Photo for illustrative purposes only due to privacy considerations
Because Loet lives on a relatively busy road, sound insulation was an important factor in his decision to choose vacuum glazing, in addition to thermal insulation. “An added benefit of BENGglas is that it also dampens outside noise much more effectively than standard insulating glass. There’s a relatively large thoroughfare at the back of the house, where you used to always hear traffic noise. With the windows closed, that’s completely gone now, and it’s wonderfully quiet. In short, nothing but major improvements.”
BENGglas—a smart investment!
Vacuum glazing is often still wrongly perceived as being unaffordable. Not only have prices dropped significantly in recent years, but there are numerous other factors that make investing in BENGglas a smart choice. For example, the glass reduces a home’s energy needs, meaning a less powerful heat pump or fewer solar panels are required. The glass also increases the property’s value and, in many cases, saves on the cost of replacing window frames.
Source: Glas in beeld
Date: October 24, 2023
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