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3M™ Ultra Scotchshield™ Safety and Security Window Film helps
hold your glass in place during destructive weather conditions,
bomb blasts, explosions, or smash and grab burglaries. It helps
maintain the integrity of a structure's outer shell to keep
wind, rain and flying glass fragments from wreaking havoc inside
the structure. Our films can also reject harmful UV rays, which
cause fading and lower energy costs.
3M Safety and Security Films are one of the most vigorously
tested window films out there. Windstorms, bomb blasts, flying
objects, we have tested them all to make sure our films not only
meet, but exceeds industry standards for impact and tear
resistance. When a tinted 3M Ultra Safety and Security Film that
is selected, you receive additional benefits from the film such
as reduced energy costs from reflected heat, reduced glare and
improved comfort.
Thickness Is No Substitute for Technology
The 3M understanding that thickness is no substitute for
technology was the motivation behind the development and
production of the latest generation of Scotchshield™ window
films.
It was generally accepted that protection increased as a film's
thickness increased. As other manufacturers sought to produce
films in excess of 10 mils (.010 inches), 3M understood that
such thicker films create two fundamental problems: loss of film
elasticity and increased optical distortion.
Loss of film elasticity
A
bomb blast has two phases - a positive phase, where the glass is
pushed away from the source charge, and a negative phase, where
the glass is pulled back toward the source charge. These two
phases subject glass to significant stress. A film with little
elasticity provides little cushion during such shock.
Consequently, thicker films provide less protection throughout
the course of a bomb blast.
Increased optical distortion.
Thick window films
cause optical distortion from both sides of the window in a
fashion similar to that of a thick pair of eyeglass lenses. This
reduces an occupant's ability to see outside with visual clarity
and alters a building's cosmetic appearance.
3M's Response
In March 2002, Fortune magazine named 3M as America's
most innovative company. The underlying technology of 3M
security films illustrates such innovation.
Without sacrificing blast protection or building aesthetics, 3M
developed a thinner security film comprised of an industry
unique and patented system of multi-layered, cross-woven
polyester fibers. For every 2 mils of film, there are thirteen
of these layers.
A
multi-layered manufacturing technique creates product elasticity
to allow the film to "give" with the glass during an explosion.
This "give" provides the glass with a cushion during the related
stress and shock. That cushion better protects occupants from
flying glass shards than would a non-elastic film.
The main benefit afforded by cross-weaving the polyester fibers
is that tear resistance is maximized. Regardless of how a window
breaks, the applied film will always be torn against its grain.
Consequently, a 4 mil thick 3M film is more difficult to tear
than a competitor's 7 mil thick product. This strong, thin film
increases tenant safety without creating optical distortion.
Only the 3M Company manufactures multi-layered security films.
However, for clients (especially government clients) who must
adhere to a set specification for film thickness, 3M offers
single-layered films in 7, 8, and 14 mil thicknesses.
Click Here to Watch Bomb Blast Video
3M Ultra Safety and Security Films are available
in 100% clear, sun control, and Prestige versions. To learn
more make a selection below:
3M
Ultra Safety and Security Prestige
The most technologically advanced safety and
security film in the world
3M Ultra Safety and
Security Classic Series High
Performance films available in clear to a range of tinted
versions including Night Vision™
3M Impact Protection
Profile Frame Attachment Systems |
