DYED POLYESTER FILMS
(Ultra Tint does not recommend, nor stock this type of
film.)
These film contain no metals and are considered to be non
reflective. They provide some glare and fade control, along with some element of
heat control by way of solar absorption. Absorption of heat is far less
effective than reflectance.
METALLISED FILMS
Metallising (also referred to as vacuum coating) allows a
metal (usually aluminum) to be applied as a layer or coating to a clear
polyester film, before being laminated with another polyester layer. Since this
process can be accurately controlled, films can be made with varying levels of
light transmittance.
SPUTTERED METAL FILMS
The sputtering process requires a large vacuum chamber to be filled with an
inert gas as well as electrical energy. This energy creates a negative charge in
the gas molecules which are allowed to move around freely within the low
pressure vacuum of the chamber at high velocity. The metal that is to be applied
to the polyester film, (or cathode) is struck by these particles releasing atoms
of the metal also at high velocity. these eventually strike the film substrate
creating a thin layer of metallic oxide. Sputtered films have excellent solar
control properties.
NON METAL - CARBON FILMS
A common practice with today's new cars is to mount the radio antenna in the
rear glass. Use of a metallised film on this type of vehicle often results in
the loss or partial loss of radio reception. 3M and a number of other companies
have since developed a new method of manufacturing film that replaces the metal
content with carbon, thus eliminating the radio interference that is seen with
metal films. Other inherent benefits of carbon films include guaranteed colour
stability, (carbon will not break down when exposed to UV light) and a true
black finish to the glass without any reflection, or sheen.
ADHESIVE SYSTEMS
Automotive Films use a Pressure Sensitive (PS) adhesive system that allows it to
bond correctly on curved automotive glass. This adhesive will dry clear and
completely distortion free if installed correctly. The adhesive is applied to
the back of the film during the manufacturing process, and when applied by the
technician, little more than a correct mix of mounting solution and filtered
water is required. This allows installation without risk of damage to vehicle
interior trims, or carpets.
HEAT MOULDING TECHNOLOGY
With current technology already being used in high quality window films, it is
now possible to apply solar control films to even the most curved of automotive
glass in one piece. The methods of relief cutting (or splicing) compared to
today's modern techniques are antiquated and sub-standard. Heat Moulding
Technology refers to the films ability to be shrunk during the application of
heat to allow the film to conform to the shape of the window to which it is to
be applied.
