Next Generation Window Tinting Evolves To Meet Modern Needs.

The evolution of window tinting film in the last five decades may make the term ‘film’ redundant as an adequate description to properly describe the sophisticated technology that is applied to vehicle windows, home or office panes in the 21st century.

Many simply still regard window tinting as little more than the simple dyed films, which were available from the1960s onwards. Based on the principle of light absorption according to the darkness of the film dye, energy efficiency could be improved when the increased use of large glass planes appeared in the new generation of commercial office architecture.

Indeed, low-cost window tinting, which uses basic dyed films are still available today, but are really not advised for applications in specific geographic locations where multiple functionality and high specification can only be achieved by the latest manufacturing processes.

Throughout the 1970s, developments in solar control window tinting to prevent heat from escaping from buildings saw vapour aluminium coating sandwiched between a vinyl and polyester layer containing a UV inhibitor and/or shading medium, which were also beginning to be produced in colour.

By the 1990s, next generation tinted windows integrated a metallic element to produce a "hybrid" film to combine the dual process of both absorbing and rejecting solar heat. Window ‘films’ became ever thinner even as they became available in a completely clear format. Produced for residential and commercial applications, considerations of visibility could be designed alongside areas required for privacy. High-tech security films could also now keep vehicles, homes and business properties safe by preventing windows from shattering when subject to impact and intrusive forces.

Previously, development of solar control film was crucial to protect against the harmful effects of UV solar radiation. Today, nano-technologies have made possible a breakthrough in window tinting film by using ceramic or crystalline oxides, which can precisely block out and protect against the infrared wavelength of the solar spectrum.

Latest ‘sputtering’ processes of thin-film covering can be employed, which bombard a solid target material by energetic particles forcing atoms to be ejected.

High end window tinting has much changed over time and continues to evolve as technology is developed to meet the challenges of a changing climate and social need. 

About the Author –

Rico Lowe is the author of this post and the owner of a window tinting company called Solar Tint and Design. He is based in Johannesburg but covers surrounding areas for all commercial, residential, automobile needs. Rico and his tinting team have over25 years’ experience in this field, keeping up to date with the latest technology.