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Solar Window film starts as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) pellets that are melted. PET is used because of its excellent optical clarity and strength. The melted material
is then biaxially streched into a polyester sheet, meaning it is stretched in the direction of both its length and width. UV blockers are usually added during this process.
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| Raw Material of Solar Control Window Film |
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The next phase of construction is to add dyes or metals to the polyester
sheeting. The materials chosen will be determined by the desired performance of the film and its application. Dyed films
absorb a lot of heat, and therefore are generally used for automotive applications. Metallized films work in the opposite,
rejecting most of the heat rather than absorbing it and are most common for residential/commercial films. Dyeing - The polyester
film is coated and then cured in heated ovens. The pigments are impregnated into the polyester by the heat. The color becomes
a permanent part of the film and will not wash off.
Metallizing
- can be achieved through three processes: - Evaporative Coating - A crucible containing
metal is heated until the metal melts and forms a gas cloud. This metal gas is deposited on the film and bonds as soon as
it cools. Aluminum is the metal of choice because of its low melting point.
- Electron Beam
Coating - This method is similar to the evaporative method except that a beam of high-energy electrons is aimed at
the source of metal to heat it. This energy causes the metal to vaporize and form a cloud of gas that deposits on the polyester
sheet.
- Sputtering - An electrically charged gas, such as argon, bombards the metal and
frees the molecules. These molecules are deposited onto the film and layered side by side, providing extremely thin and precise
coatings. This coating is so tight that the water used during installation cannot evaporate, which causes a hazy look. This
hazy look will go away after two to three weeks of curing.
Next,
a scratch-resistant coating is applied to the side that will face the interior of the home. This coating acts as a protective
barrier against dust and debris or for anything that may come into contact with the film. A great scratch-resistant coating
is a key element for longevity.
| Solar Tint Production |
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| Manufacturing process |
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After the scratch-resistant coating phase, the mounting adhesive is applied to the side of the film that will
be applied to the window. An aggressive adhesive is also needed to provide longevity and ensure the film does not bubble or
peel. Adhesives come in a pressure sensitive (sticky) type for automotive, and a clear dry adhesive that utilizes a gel covering
activated by water for residential/commercial films.
Finally, the film is covered
with a liner over the adhesive that is peeled away during the installation process. The liner acts as a guard against contamination
from dust and debris. Multiple plies may be joined together to provide extra performance and durability.
| Solar Tint Supplier |
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| Window Film Manufacturer |
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Solar Control Films is your local tint
supplier and distributor to buy commercial tint, buy residential tint, buy reflective tint, uv tint, auto tint, tinting tools and
safety film. With two distribution centers located in Houston, Texas and St. Louis, MO your tint supplier will get premium quality window film delivered fast when you order and buy tint.
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