The challenge

Automation is becoming increasingly important in insulating glass production. Manufacturers are looking for ways to improve process reliability, reduce manual production steps, and address the growing shortage of skilled production personnel.

For producers who want to continue using rigid warm edge spacers, however, the options for automating frame production have been very limited. Together with Eduard Kronenberg and Rottler & Rüdiger, Technoform is therefore exploring a new approach to combine hybrid rigid warm edge spacers with automated cut & corner frame assembly.

The aim is to create new opportunities for automation without giving up the established benefits of hybrid rigid spacer systems, such as quality, durability, and flexibility.

The solution

The concept combines a Technoform hybrid rigid spacer, a 45° cut, a universal steel corner key, and automated processing.

The universal steel corner key closes the 45° corner mechanically without welding. The current concept demonstrates the corner key across spacer widths from 12 to 20 mm, reducing the need for different connectors for different spacer widths.

At the same time, the modular approach creates the possibility to introduce automation step by step, according to individual production requirements. This gives insulating glass manufacturers greater flexibility when considering how automation could be integrated into their existing production environment.

Keeping the benefits of hybrid rigid warm edge spacers

The idea behind the development is simple: instead of changing the spacer system to enable automation, bring automation to rigid spacer frame production.

This approach allows manufacturers to retain the quality, durability, and flexibility of hybrid rigid warm edge spacers while exploring new opportunities for automated processing. It combines the proven characteristics of a hybrid rigid spacer with an approach designed for the increasing automation of insulating glass production.

The concept brings together complementary expertise from three partners: Technoform in spacer technology and insulating glass production, Eduard Kronenberg in connector technology, and Rottler & Rüdiger on the machinery side.

Developing the next step in rigid spacer automation

At glasstec 2026, Technoform is presenting the concept as a development approach and inviting insulating glass manufacturers to discuss their production requirements and automation challenges.

The complete automated solution is not yet commercially available. Customer feedback is therefore an important part of the development process and helps us better understand which requirements matter most in different production environments.

Let’s talk about your production

Where could automation make the biggest difference in your spacer frame production? And which requirements would an automated hybrid rigid spacer solution need to meet in your production environment?