Window Film – The Types

Window films are widely used and they serve several purposes like privacy, safety and protection, decorative element and UV protection. Window films are generally used on the interior surface of flat windows. This clogs the entry of infrared, ultraviolet radiation and visible light.

Window films are metalized or dyed in order to transform solar radiation to infrared radiation, which is denied entry through the exterior surface of the glass window. Window films are generally of several types, depending on the type:

Dyed film: Dye absorbs heat. Most films are applied on the interior surfaces of windows. It is a wrong belief that the heat absorbed by the film will get distributed indoors. It is not so. In actuality, the heat that is rejected by the window film gets stored in the glass and eventually gets outdoors owing to the external air movement. Interior dyed window films are not ideal for thermal glass as double paned windows do not allow air movement in between the panes.

Deposited film: Deposition technology is used in the manufacture of this kind of film. The layer is achieved from a tank that contains metal lumps (nickel-chrome, aluminum or copper). The process initiates with a vacuum creation in the tank that is a result of a pressure reduction. The tank is then flooded with argon gas, and heated along with the metal lumps. The heat makes the metal release particles that settle on the surface. Speed of the film controls the density of metal deposition. The metal coating needs to be considerably thick to achieve best results.

Sputtered film: This kind of window film is manufactured based on the sputtering technology. Sputtering is done in a vacuum chamber. However, the metalizing is accomplished at the atomic level. Streams of ions from a chemically inert gas are directed towards the metal by electromagnetic fields. This leads to an ion bombardment that is also known as 'atomic billiards'. This reaction causes atom groups to dislocate in small eruptions and scatter evenly on the layer.

Hybrid film: Some window films contain a mixture of reflective metals and dyes. The harmful effects can be largely reduced with the combination of metals and dyes. A prominent example of this kind of window film is gray dye and titanium coating.

Make sure to opt for the best quality when it comes to choosing window film. Seattle home owners can now contact ABC Sun Control for premium quality glass tinting services.