Profile Series: What is the Difference Between 60, 70, and 80 mm?
Materials · 2026-06-01 · PenSoft Team · 6 min read
PVC profile catalogs are filled with terms like "60 series", "70 series", and "80 series". Where do these numbers come from and what do they represent? In fact, they signify a lot: from profile depth to the number of chambers, from insulation capacity to the glazing it can carry. In this article, we explain the logic of profile series in a straightforward manner.
Number = frame depth
The number in the series name indicates the frame depth (in mm) of the profile. A 70 series has a frame profile that is approximately 70 mm deep. This depth determines how much space is available within the profile and consequently how many chambers can fit inside.
Why is the number of chambers important?
When you look at the cross-section of the profile, you will see chambers divided by air voids. These air chambers slow down heat transfer:
- More chambers = more layers of still air = better insulation.
- A deeper series typically means more chambers.
Thus, a 70 series usually offers more chambers and better insulation compared to a 60 series. 80 series profiles are designed to achieve insulation levels approaching those of passive houses, featuring multiple chambers.
Glazing capacity
The profile depth also determines the thickness of the glazing unit that can be installed. A deeper profile accommodates thicker glazing units (for example, triple glazing). A 60 series generally works with standard double glazing, while 70 and 80 series can comfortably support thicker double or triple glazing. If you want triple glazing, you need to select a series that can accommodate it.
Which series, where?
- 60 mm: Economic projects, interior partitions, temperate climates. Sufficient but basic insulation.
- 70 mm: The "golden mean" of the industry. Good insulation, support for thick glazing, balanced price. Most residential projects fall into this category.
- 80 mm and above: High insulation, triple glazing, cold climates, high comfort. More expensive but offers top energy performance.
Steel reinforcement: independent of depth but critical
After selecting the series, one important point to remember is steel reinforcement. PVC is flexible; the wind load and sash weight are supported by galvanized steel within the profile. Even a deep and multi-chambered series can sag with insufficient steel in large sashes. The steel section should be chosen according to the sash size and glazing. Good insulation makes sense with the right steel.
Is deeper always better?
No — a deeper series is not always necessary for every project. An 80 series may be excessively costly for a small kitchen window in a temperate climate. The right approach is to choose the series based on climate, location, and expectations. Excess is waste, while deficiency leads to discomfort.
Aesthetic impact
Profile depth also somewhat affects the visible profile width. Very deep and multi-chambered series may appear wider; if the aesthetics of a slim profile with wide glazing are important, this balance should be considered. (In the aesthetics of slim profiles, aluminum systems also stand out.)
For the fabricator: linking the series to the quotation
Each series carries its own profiles, drawing thicknesses, and permitted accessories. The quotation must use the correct profiles and prices based on the selected series. When you change the series, the profile thicknesses and thus the geometry also change.
At PenSoft, series selection is tied to the catalog: when you choose a series, the profiles for frame/sash/mullion and drawing thicknesses of that series come automatically; the drawing is updated according to the actual geometry in mm; accessories are listed according to the series. Thus, when you say "70 series", the quotation is calculated with the profiles of that series, at the correct thickness and price.
Summary
- The number in the series name = frame depth.
- A deeper series = generally more chambers = better insulation.
- Depth determines the glazing thickness that can be installed (deep series for triple glazing).
- 60 is economical, 70 is balanced and common, 80+ offers high insulation.
- Steel reinforcement is critical but independent of insulation.
- Deeper is not always necessary; choose according to climate and expectations.
Gasket, corner welding, and unseen quality
The quality of the profile series is not only measured by the number of chambers; production details are also decisive.
- Gasket system: The airtightness of the profile depends on the number and quality of gaskets installed within it. Good series offer multiple gasket lines (including a middle gasket) between the sash and frame, reducing water, air, and sound leakage.
- Corner welding: PVC profiles are joined at the corners by heat welding. The cleanliness and strength of the weld affect both aesthetics and durability. Poor corner welding poses a risk of opening over time.
- Surface quality: The smoother and more even the surface of the profile, the less dirt it attracts, making cleaning easier.
These details may not catch the customer’s eye, but they determine the long-term performance of the window. A good fabricator evaluates the series not only by its depth but also by these unseen quality factors.
Certification and test values
Profile series are tested and classified under headings such as thermal insulation (U-value), water tightness, air permeability, and wind load resistance. These values link the claim of being a "good series" to concrete data.
Being able to present the test values of the selected series to the customer — especially in high-expectation or corporate projects — is a strong argument. Being able to say, "This series has this U-value and this water tightness class" justifies the price and enhances the perception of professionalism. Supporting the series selection with this data removes intuition from the decision and grounds it in evidence.
Frequently asked questions
What does the series number indicate? The number in the series name indicates the frame depth (in mm). A 70 series has a frame that is approximately 70 mm deep. This depth determines how many chambers can fit inside the profile and the thickness of the glazing that can be installed. So, the number is not just a thickness; it also indicates insulation and glazing capacity.
Is a deeper series always better? No. A deeper series generally offers better insulation, but it is not necessary for every project. An 80 series may be excessively costly for a small kitchen window in a temperate climate. The right approach is to choose the series based on climate, location, and expectations; excess is waste, while deficiency leads to discomfort.
Which series is needed for triple glazing? Triple glazing is thicker and requires a deeper profile. Generally, 70 mm and above series can comfortably support triple glazing; 60 series typically works with standard double glazing. If you want triple glazing, you need to select a series that can accommodate it from the start. Additionally, since triple glazing is heavier, the hardware must also be suitable for it.
Is steel reinforcement independent of series selection? Relatively independent but critical. PVC is flexible; the wind load and sash weight are supported by galvanized steel within the profile. Even a deep and multi-chambered series can sag with insufficient steel in large sashes. The steel section should be chosen according to the sash size and glazing; good insulation makes sense with the right steel.
Series selection and long-term value
Profile series selection is often discussed solely based on today’s cost: "which is cheaper?" However, a window is a product that will be used for 30–40 years, and the right series selection is a decision that generates value over this long period. The series should be considered not just by its initial price but by its total cost of ownership.
Let’s illustrate with an example. In a cold climate, choosing a low-insulation series for economic reasons may save some initial investment; but every winter, this difference is paid back as higher heating bills — for years. The difference will exceed the initial savings within a few years. Conversely, a correctly chosen high-insulation series, although slightly higher in initial cost, pays for itself with lower bills and higher comfort. Therefore, a "cheap series" does not always mean an "economic series".
Another dimension of long-term value is building value. Windows with high energy performance positively impact a building’s energy identity and thus its market value. Buyers and tenants prefer spaces with low bills and high comfort; good joinery is a visible advantage in this preference.
The third dimension is durability and satisfaction. A quality series, along with the right steel and hardware, operates smoothly for years; this means satisfaction for the end user and reputation for the fabricator. A window that requires frequent servicing, sags, or leaks wears out both the customer and the company.
All of this transforms series selection from a "cheapness race" into a conscious value decision. The fabricator’s task is to show the customer this long-term picture: "This series has a slightly higher initial investment, but it means this much savings on bills and this level of comfort in this climate." This clarity allows the customer to place their money in the most appropriate place and makes it easier for them to stand behind their decision.
Explaining the series difference to the customer
Profile series are one of the most abstract topics for customers; the numbers "60, 70, 80" mean little to most people. Therefore, an important duty of the fabricator is to translate the series difference into understandable language. Instead of saying, "This series is 70 mm with five chambers," saying, "This series keeps your home warmer in winter and lowers your bill thanks to its air chambers" connects a technical feature to a tangible benefit. Similarly, instead of saying, "can carry triple glazing," saying, "if you live in a cold climate, this series opens the door to the highest insulation option" places the decision in the customer’s life context. This translation enables the customer to make an informed decision and makes the price difference meaningful; because now the difference they pay is not an abstract millimeter but a tangible comfort and savings. A visual tool facilitates this explanation: when you select a series, the drawing and measurements are updated with real profiles, allowing you to clearly present to the customer, "this is your position with this series, the price is this; with the next series, insulation improves like this, and the price is this much." Making the series understandable strengthens both the correct selection and customer trust.
The profile series is the foundation of the window. When chosen correctly, everything built upon it (glazing, hardware, color) gains meaning. Determine the series not by guesswork but by need.