We’re obsessed with glass clarity, and as a leader in the study of iridescence and optical distortion, we invest in the people and resources to create a better experience for our customers.

TECHNOLOGY

It starts with our technology.  Our Softsolution scanner sits on our insulated glass assembly line and tests glass for visual defects such as dirt, fingerprints, grease or hair.  More importantly, this scanner is able to measure the glass surface for iridescence or “anisotropy /leopard spotting” that one may see in polarized light conditions (near water, sunglasses, Brewster’s angle)  and allows us to assign a nanometre value to the visual anomaly.

This measurement permits us to work with our partners to specify a maximum value of iridescence on glass, following the recently developed ASTM C1901-21 standard, whose development was chaired by AGNORA’s own.  This pioneering measurement method and technology means one thing for the consumer: clearer glass.

PEOPLE

Technology can take us so far.  It allows us to conveniently gauge our glass clarity, but the magic lays in the people who assemble each and every unit.  Our insulated glass units (IGU’s) can reach sizes of 130″ x 300″ (3.3 x 7.6m), are fully sealed, contain argon, and can be arranged in double or triple glazed configurations.  When you have that sort of variability, it means an on-hand approach is needed to inspect, align and finish every piece.

ASCENT IGU

The Ascent IGU is an argon filled Insulated Glass Units (IGU’s) that is sealed up to 12,000 ft. We use specialty equipment to accurately pressurize the IGU to the exact altitude at installation resulting in an internal pressure specific to your home and thereby eliminating any deflection or loss of argon gas.

The old style of ‘capillary tubes’ require the window installer to close or “cap” once the window arrives at its final destination, often requiring the IGU to bleed argon over the course of 48 hours.  The Ascent IGU eliminates the risk carried by additional work performed on the IGU at site as well as escaping argon, protecting your investment and maximizing your comfort.

SIMULATED DIVIDED LITE UNITS (SDLs)

Multi-unit windows used to be the only method to increase window viewing area, but evolving window technology and the advent of IGUs sidelined their use in favour of large, efficient single pane IGUs.

Today, SDLs serve a purely aesthetic purpose, simulating the look of traditionally made windows while capturing the performance of modern day IGUs. Prone to bending, flexing and fitment issues, impeccable craftsmanship is required to avoid the resulting poor quality cuts, rattling, and to address straightness.

At AGNORA, we begin with a heavier version of aluminum that is a 30% thicker gauge (0.2” vs 0.14”) than traditional SDL extrusions resulting in rigidity, straightness, and resistance to flex. Next, we use corner connector or “keepers” that becomes invisible when fully embedded in the SDL system. The centre cross-sections also contain a bumper to mitigate any rattling and internal damage.  Lastly, we employ sophisticated cutting equipment that outputs precise, clean cuts that perfectly align for a final tolerance of ± 1mm.

High-quality and fine craftsmanship lead to incredibly durable and long-lasting SDL solutions from AGNORA.