PPG Introduces Glass Configurator Widget for Architects

The desktop widget is the latest in a series of mobile and Web-based tools PPG has introduced recently to make it easier for architects to research and specify products whether they are traveling, in the office or at home.



The glass configurator helps architects to identify the best architectural glass for their projects by enabling them to view and compare the aesthetics and performance data of every PPG glass product, including high-performance tinted glasses, ultra-clear STARPHIRE® glass, and energy-efficient passive and solar control, low-emissivity glasses such as SUNGATE® and SOLARBAN® products. The online tool has been used more than 200,000 times since it was launched in 2010, and it currently attracts more than 10,000 visitors per month.



By downloading the configurator widget directly to their computers, architects can access and compare glass products even when they don’t have Internet access. To download the widget, architects must download the YAHOO!® Widgets application at widgets.yahoo.com/download, and then download the WinZip file for the PPG Glass Configurator Widget by visiting ppgideascapes.com and clicking on “IDEASCAPES TOOLS” on the home page and then on “Glass Configurator Widget” in the list that appears.



The introduction of the desktop widget follows the launch earlier this year of a mobile version of the PPG Glass Product Performance Calculator, which architects can access through APPLE® brand and ANDROID™ system smartphones.



PPG’s Architectural Glass Product Performance calculator, which is based on the Enermodal FRAME™plus Program, enables architects and specifiers to estimate the thermal and optical performance of windows and insulating glass units (IGUs) fabricated from any combination of PPG products. When architects enter a prospective IGU configuration, the tool instantly calculates the related performance data for U-value, solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), visible light transmittance (VLT), light-to-solar gain (LSG) ratio, color index and other thermal and optical measures.



Glenn T. Miner, PPG director of construction, flat glass, said PPG’s mobile calculator was designed to function on the full array of platforms architects and specifiers use every day. “If you have a smartphone and access to the Internet, the PPG mobile calculator is really the best tool for you,” he said. “Anybody can use it because it doesn’t favor one technology over another.”



The PPG mobile calculator can be accessed at mobile.ppgglasscalc.com/.



Architects who want to see what a particular PPG glass looks like on a building can visit the online project gallery at ppgideascapes.com or projectgallery.ppg.com. The gallery features photographs of nearly 400 finished buildings that are searchable by project type, country and/or state, product name and LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.



PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.™

PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG (ppg.com) has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG).



Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark and Solarban, Starphire and Sungate are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.



Apple and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc.

FRAME is a trademark of Enermodal Engineering.

Yahoo! is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Yahoo! Inc.

Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.