Both types of films are commonly used in commercial applications. Frosted finish films closely resemble sandblasted or acid-etched glass, while vinyl films are available in a range of colors. Graphic design films are generally colored vinyl or frosted. 3G switchable film also has UV (100%) and IR (94%) blocking functions and security function. In its opaque state, it can be perfectly used as a projection screen that is viewable from both sides. Switchable films can be switched from opaque to clear by a safe voltage under 36V AC. A layer of film (of 100 µm thickness or greater) can prevent the ejection of spall when a projectile impacts on its surface, which otherwise creates small dagger-like shards of glass that can cause injury. If anchored correctly, they can also provide protection for architectural glazing in the event of an explosion.
These security films are often tinted and can be up to 400 micrometers (µm) thick, compared to less than 50 µm for ordinary tint films. These security films, if applied properly, can also provide protection for vehicles.
#Tinted window clings windows
Another key application for security window films (safety window films) is on large areas of "flat glass" such as storefront windows, sliding glass doors, and larger windows that are prone to hurricane damage. Some companies have even experimented with bullet ballistics and multiple layers of security film. The most robust security films are capable of preventing fragmentation and the production of hazardous glass shards from forces such as bomb blasts. Typically applied to commercial glass, these films are made of heavy-gauge plastic and are intended to maintain the integrity of glass when subject to heavy impact. Security films are applied to glass so when the glass is broken it holds together, preventing dangerous shards from flying about, or to make it more difficult for an intruder to gain entry. Spectrally selective films act by blocking certain wavelengths of the sun's infrared radiation and reject heat without reducing natural light. Silvered film may also be employed to the same end. Such films also reduce the amount of visible and ultraviolet radiation entering a window, and are often applied to reduce fading of the contents of a room. If the windows are designed to provide heat energy in the winter and keep heat inside the house (typical of cold climates), the low-emissivity coating should be applied to the inside pane of glazed windows. To keep the sun's heat out of the house, a low-emissivity coating should be applied to the outside pane of glazed windows. Ceramic window films cost slightly more but provide a substantial increase by reflecting and absorbing Infrared radiation (radiant heat). The ceramic and metallic window films usually cost 50-100+ percent more than regular window film but can reduce energy transmission by as much as 80 percent. Modern window film technology has created ceramic window films which are non-metallic and do not contain dyes that can result in discoloration. Such films are usually dyed or metalized (which can be transparent to visible light) to convert incoming solar radiation to infrared radiation, which is then rejected back through the glass to the exterior. Heat rejection films are normally applied to the interior of flat glass windows to reduce the amount of infrared, visible light, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation entering windows. The colorful film on these windows gives the building a unique appearance while providing privacy and insulation from the sun. The International Window Film Association, founded in 1991, provides unbranded information about window films.
#Tinted window clings professional
Window film is normally installed by professional service companies but there are also DIY kits widely available. Window films are generically categorised by their construction components (dyed, pigmented, metallized, ceramic or nano), by their intended use (automotive, marine or architectural), by substrate type (glass or polycarbonate), and/or by their technical performance (privacy, solar control, safety and security).
It is usually made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family, due to its clarity, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and ability to accept a variety of surface-applied or embedded treatments. Window film (tint) is a thin laminate film that can be installed to the interior or exterior of glass surfaces in automobiles and boats and also to the interior or exterior of glass in homes and buildings.
For the musical group, see Tinted Windows (band).