Solar film is becoming a must-have as the hot weather continues, with many people suffering from heat stroke. On the way to work, they seek shade every minute when exposed to the sun. As a result, many car owners apply solar film to the window film as soon as they pick up their cars to block the annoying ultraviolet rays and heat.
So what other functions does solar film have besides sun protection and heat insulation? How to choose a high-quality solar film? This article will take you to understand the somethings about solar film, so that you can avoid detours when installing solar film.
1. What is solar film?
First of all, briefly introduce that solar film is also called window film, heat insulation film, and explosion-proof film. It is installed on the window inside the car glass to play the role of heat insulation, sun protection, light filtering, explosion-proof, and protecting the privacy of the car.
2. Origin of solar film
The predecessor of solar film is architectural film and security film. It was first used on the exterior wall of building glass. It mainly played an explosion-proof role to prevent glass slag from splashing and causing personal injury after accidental shattering of glass; later, there was a film that can protect against sun and heat, which was gradually introduced into the automotive field and installed on the inside of the car window glass. It is mainly used for sun protection, heat insulation and explosion prevention. Some solar films with low light transmittance or one-sided light transmittance can also increase the privacy in the car.
3. Composition and structure of solar film
Automotive solar film generally has 7-8 layers. The main film layers are anti-adhesive film, installation glue, polyester film, and the categories are metal film and ceramic film, but they are all relatively traditional and have shortcomings in heat insulation and signal transmission. The most advanced is the nano creamics film layer, and there is also a surface wear-resistant layer. The thickness of the film layer of different processes is different, and the sun protection and heat insulation capabilities are also different; the traditional metal film layer will block the signal while blocking heat, so pay attention when choosing.
4. Several key functions of solar film
Insulation: Insulation film can reflect the heat source in the sun, especially the infrared ray which is the main source of heat. While reflecting part of it, it also absorbs part of the heat radiation. When the car is running or the air is flowing, this part of the heat is dissipated with the air, playing a role of heat insulation.
The earliest solar film technology was relatively primitive, such as dyed film, which used color to reduce the penetration of visible light, but the film itself was dark in color and would absorb a lot of heat, so the heat insulation effect was poor and it has been eliminated; nowadays, it is best to choose nanographene film for window film.
The nanomolecules in the graphene film layer have spectral selectivity, which can ensure high light transmittance, high clarity and good heat insulation performance.
Energy saving: Good heat insulation effect can reduce air conditioning energy consumption. When the car is parked under the scorching sun, even if you hold an umbrella, it will still be hot. However, for a car with window film, it will cool down quickly after starting the car and turning on the air conditioner. The difference in physical feeling is huge.
Therefore, the good heat insulation effect can save fuel consumption of turning on the air conditioner to a certain extent. I won’t say much about the increase in oil prices. Isn’t it good to save some oil? For new energy vehicle owners, reducing energy consumption also reduces mileage anxiety. After all, no one likes to turn on the air conditioner and watch the range drop from 200 to 50.
Sunscreen: Blocking ultraviolet rays. Although most original glass is said to be sunscreen glass, it can only block 90% of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength less than 300nm. For UVA with a wavelength between 350 and 300nm, glass can only block about 10%. More than 90% of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength greater than 350nm will pass through the glass and directly reach people and objects in the car, accelerating the volatilization of formaldehyde in the car, causing light aging hazards of the interior, and damaging the elasticity and water retention of skin tissues.
The role of the solar film is to block this part of the medium and long-wave ultraviolet rays, protect the skin of drivers and passengers, and reduce the harm of light aging. Especially for female friends, it is equivalent to applying a layer of sunscreen; it also protects the interior and delays the aging of materials such as interior, leather seats, and instrument panels.
Anti-glare: Driving is safer. The sun exposure during the day, the high beam when meeting the car, and the suddenly bright vision when leaving the basement will interfere with the driver’s vision and affect driving safety. The solar film can prevent excessive light. Some solar films with color-changing effects can also change the luminous flux under different light, just like putting color-changing sunglasses on the car’s windows, protecting the driver’s driving comfort.
Explosion-proof: After the solar film is installed, it has tension attached to the glass, which is equivalent to increasing the strength of the glass. At the same time, the film itself is attached to the inside of the glass. The film has a certain toughness. When the car encounters an unexpected situation and the glass bursts, it can prevent the broken glass from splashing and causing secondary damage to the person.
Some people may argue that now the glass is safety glass, and it doesn’t matter if it breaks. Then I still advise you to take a look at the collision test of C-IASI. Whether it is a luxury car or a shopping car, the glass will splash out when it hits a certain degree. It is not easy to deal with if it slips on the face or splashes into the eyes; the most important thing is to apply the film.
Privacy: The front windshield of a car has requirements for light transmittance, but the rear windshield is more free. If you don’t want the situation inside the car to be seen, you can apply a rear windshield film with low light transmittance, or a one-sided light transmittance film. It not only looks high-end, but also has good privacy. You can do whatever you want in the back seat.