How the best car window tint for heat reduction is made
How the heck is window tint film made anyway? We would like to break down the steps to educate you on this process.
Window tint film was developed in the 1960's, and it is a product with transparent benefits. Applied to the windows of cars and buildings, tinted film will let the light in, while shutting out some of the sun's harmful rays. Depending on the darkness of the tint, it also provides a measure of privacy.
Tinted window film allows drivers to see things in a different light, one that can be a lot less harsh. Not only does the tinting mean less squinting, but it also reduces the amount of heat that enters the vehicle's cabin. The film will also hold glass together if it happens to shatter.
Because dark tints can make it harder for the driver to see the road or to be seen, the use of window film is regulated in all states. The laws also vary in each state. Because of this, the factories manufacture different types of window film for different markets and applications.
There are numerous formulations for the tinted coatings.
Steps to relate the tint film
The process starts with the acrylic adhesive that will hold the layers of plastic film together. The adhesive will also serve as the base for the tint and other additives.
The technician will thin the adhesive with solvent which will make it easier to blend it with other ingredients. Those ingredients include:
- Chemicals to absorb ultra-violet rays
- Initiators to make the mix cure faster
- Colorant
The colorant is carbon based. As a result it is highly soluble and it disperses well. Achieving the right shade of colorant is truly an exact science when it started beforehand in the lab.
A technician mixes up test batches, combining one or more dyes with the adhesive base until they are satisfied with the results.
Once the adhesive has been mixed, they add a chemical catalyst to activate it.
They are now ready for the plastic film. The film comes in various grades and thicknesses. The type used will depend on the type of window film that is being manufactured.
The plastic film unwinds over rollers into the coating machine. At the same time the tinted adhesive flows into a pan in the machine. A roller soaks up the adhesive and applies it to the plastic. The coated film travels over a narrow cylinder, with fine grooves etched into it. The excess formulation collects in the grooves and drips back into the tank.
This gets rid of the excess, and ensures an even application.
The film then moves through a long dryer. The heat causes the coating to cure.
The film exits under a glare of blue UV light. The light activates the initiator chemicals in the adhesive to further cure the coating.
Next, a second plastic film unwinds, and meets up with the coated one. They travel between rollers that apply heat and pressure, to laminate the two films together.
A computerized system checks for defects. A worker does a double check as the film passes in front of a bright light. After that a third layer - mounting adhesive and release liner have been applied to the product, a technician will test a sample. They will pull it off a piece of glass and a sensor measures the amount of force it takes. The test confirms that the window film grips the glass adequately.
If all is good here, the production run will then get the green light.
Next, blades trim the sides and cut it to width. The width of the film can be customized to the specific job.
Window Tint Rolls
At the end of the cutting line, workers slide a plastic core onto a cylinder. They will then stick the end of the window film onto that core. The cylinder is then activated and it revolves to wind the film up onto the core.
Sold in window tint rolls, the film will later be cut for an exact fit to various windows by an installer.
Window film comes in a range of colors with a variety of characteristics. The choice is up to the customer .
No matter what, window film is sure to change one's view of things.....literally!
So, if you are buying window tint for your car, the important constant is the way the film is made!
I am sure you could attempt to install the film yourself. You actually could save time if you let a professional take care of it or you. Either way, consider getting window tint on your car.