3M Launches Solar Product Line for Glass

A broad range of new products derived from advances in 3M’s core technologies offer innovative products and processes to glass makers.

“3M’s unique technologies are opening new possibilities to the world of glass that were not possible in the past for architects and glass makers”

3M is highlighting three new films for solar control, decorative, daylighting and safety and security that can be used in architectural glass. These products all reflect 3M’s basic initiative of developing solutions that not only help architects address their design challenges, but also promote energy efficiency, and increase safety and comfort. 3M’s films are easily applied in the glass fabrication process.

Solar Control

3M Ultra-Clear Solar Film, sandwiched between outer and inner glass, enables a new generation of architectural glass. This high-clarity, solar film reduces solar radiation by up to 34 percent with minimal reduction of visible light — especially beneficial for retailers who require clear view of merchandise in store fronts or façade designs, which maximize natural light. Scientists figured out a way to reduce heat streaming through the glass by selectively blocking infrared (IR) light, using 3M’s proprietary Multilayer Optical Film technology. This clear, low reflective film is compatible with tinted, coated and other types of glass. Because the 3M Ultra-Clear Solar Film contains no metal, it will neither corrode nor interfere with radio frequencies of electronic devices. The film offers the ability to bend the glass for curved glass designs. 3M’s Ultra-Clear solar film works with PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral), EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate), and SentryGlas®Plus interlayers.

Daylighting

New 3M Daylight Redirecting Film brings natural light deeper into the interior of the building by actually changing the direction of light as it streams through windows. As the only innovative film soon to be available with these properties, this cost-effective option redirects light toward the ceiling, reducing the need for artificial light during the day. This is made possible when scientists capitalized on the company’s patented microreplication process – a technology in which researchers created precisely shaped pyramids on the surface of the film that are all exactly alike. This precision enables the properties of 3M Daylight Redirecting Film to reduce glare and move more natural light to occupants’ spaces. The film acts like a light shelf that redirects the light while blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays to minimize fading of carpets, furniture and window fabrics, plus requires no maintenance or cleaning. The film allows architects to gain LEED credit through increased use of daylighting. This versatile film gives glass manufacturers and architects new and different aesthetic designs when applied to different glasses.

Decorative

3M Dichroic Films for laminated glass are films that offer a brilliant and unusual decorative look to architectural glass. They provide the value of a high-end look without the high-end cost of coated glass. Amazingly, the color of the glass changes from different viewing angles, to give the exterior building a distinctive and eye-catching glass look. Depending on the type of film used, architects and designers can turn a mundane structure into vibrant hues of gold, blue, aqua, bronze or copper. The films can even be patterned or used in combination to enhance aesthetics with stunning designs and looks. These colorful films can be applied to low iron, tempered and other glass types. 3M nonmetallic Dichroic Films won’t corrode or interfere with electronic device signals. This is the only film that can manipulate different wavelengths of light to create visual appeal.

“3M’s unique technologies are opening new possibilities to the world of glass that were not possible in the past for architects and glass makers,” noted Jon Mansheim, marketing manager, 3M Renewable Energy Division.

Also part of 3M’s portfolio are 3M Safety and Security Films, which provide protection during hurricanes or windstorms, bomb blast, general impact protection or vandalism. When impacted, the film keeps the glass shards in place providing general safety as well as reducing the risk of flying glass causing injury.

3M has been a leader in optical science since the 1930s, when the company first applied reflective beads to highway signs to make them more visible. Researchers have invented, refined, and improved technologies over the decades pioneering pathways to create innovative reflective products that changed industry. Today, optics are the basis for products now used in consumer electronics, safety apparel, road signs, interior lighting, and solar panels. Light Management is one of 3M’s 46 Technology Platforms. 3M filed the first patent for window films in 1966 and now offers energy-saving, decorative, and safety films for commercial, residential, and automotive applications.

Visit www.3m.com/glass.

Source: 3M press release

Tags: architectural glass, curved glass, design challenges, energy efficiency, glass fabrication, glass makers, LEED, microreplication, renewable energy, solar control, solar film, solar panel, solar product, solar radiation