Ceramic film is a gimmick in real world situations

[Bham]

Can you guys elaborate on the issue with ceramic making the window hotter because it absorbs.    

 

My rep says the ceramic is not as good as a spectrally selective IR film, because the IR film reflects more heat than ceramic.  

 

He says,,,  "why would you want a film that makes the windows hotter?"  Making it sound like ceramic is not any better that an IR film.  

 

With "ceramic"  being a buzz phrase these days, and non-metalized IR falling right in line.  I want to understand, so I can explain.  

 

Thanks in advance.  Bham

[Ocala]

Sounds like your rep needs more training.

[EWF]

Sounds like your rep needs more training.

 

Does he ever.

 

Ask that rep to furnish you with the following:

 

• A comprehensive data sheet on his "IR film"
• A comprehensive data sheet on a ceramic film at the same VLT/VLR

Ask him to show you (based on the data) what he is basing this opinion on.  In fact, you can even post what he gives you into this thread so we can all have a look at it.

 

Also...  Many ceramics are spectrally selective.  These terms are not mutually exclusive.  And just what does he mean by an "IR Film" anyway?

 

-Howard

[Bham]

Working on getting the data comparison.      As far as the IR--- he is talking about a non-metal  IR nano-particle coated, signal friendly film. Supposedly having better IR blocking capabilities  It's  Not Titanium Nitrite because he offers that also.   

Edited June 18, 2015 by Bham

[EWF]

I think you are justified in asking exactly what nano-material is in the film.  Also ask if the film has IR absorbing dyes (a bit of a negative).

 

-Howard

[aussietinter]

Just to throw some further fuel to the fire, if choosing/comparing between a ceramic and similarly performing silver film, which is

1. More aesthetically appealing?
2. Susceptible to corrosion, affecting warranty and longevity?
3. Signal friendly?

Just some considerations that may or may not influence different customers in different applications.

[EWF]

Without question, there are applications where good old Silver 15% will get the job done at a fraction of the cost.  What is unique about the ceramics is that they provide the high TSER at higher VLTs, hence the higher Luminous Efficacy.  That is where they truly excel. 

 

To answer your specific questions:

 

Aesthetics:  If high VLR is not a problem, Silver will not disappoint.  You may run into folks that would not want it on their home.

 

Longevity:  Silver will do very well in the long haul.  Aluminum is quite stable and corrosion resistant.  The adhesive might fail before the base film does.

 

Signal Blockage:  If it's just vapor aluminum, it will not appreciably attenuate a signal.  Sputtered aluminum may, however.  Check with your supplier regarding the specific process used to metalize the film.  Since this is mostly for architectural application (and not auto) signal blockage is normally not a factor.  If a customer is concerned about their cell phone reception, just take a page sized piece of Silver 15% and wrap it around their cell phone to check the signal strength.

 

Silver 15% delivers great "bang for the buck" if VLR is not an issue.

 

-Howard

[Backwoods tint]

Howard is there a reason that EWF doesn't have anything higher than 42% in a ceramic?

[TTS]

Howard is there a reason that EWF doesn't have anything higher than 42% in a ceramic?

They have 46% and 50% .... it is listed on their website...

[Backwoods tint]

I guess I'm partially blind  , I don't see it. it only shows 4, 18, 32 42 under the Ceramic, Automotive Security & Specialty Automotive Films heading...I'm interested to know where I should be looking instead. Thanks!