Security film

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A security film is a multilayer film made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that is applied from the inside to the glass panes of windows. Security films are used to retrofit glass surfaces to protect against break-ins, vandalism, the consequences of explosive attacks (flying fragments) and to protect against the loss of fragments on glass facades. They can also be attached to car windows to protect against lightning break-ins and car-napping. These foils are available in different resistance classes for this purpose. The more resistant, the thicker the film. There are security films in thicknesses between 360µ and 555µ.

Manufacturing

Security films are made from recyclable polyethylene terephthalate (PET). In the manufacturing process, several layers of film are connected to one another with a special adhesive. The production facilities are set up so that all finishing processes can be checked immediately.

An ISO 9001 certification of the manufacturer is an important criterion for the quality of the security films. So far there is a security film manufacturer in Germany.

construction

The structure of a high quality security film consists of at least 8 layers:

  • transparent protective film
  • Special glue
  • Foil layer
  • Special glue
  • Foil layer
  • Special glue
  • Foil layer
  • scratch-resistant coating (hard coat)

Security foils are transparent as standard. Due to the multi-layer structure (sandwich film), a security film can be equipped with additional properties such as protection against eavesdropping, sun, privacy and heat protection. Color variations are also possible. UV protection is always integrated. An alarm function for reporting in the event of glass breakage can also be incorporated. Security foils are always attached to the inside of the glasses to prevent attackers from accessing them.

Effect and resistance classes

Security films work

  • impact resistant
  • inhibiting lightning break-ins
  • anti-splintering
  • Explosive inhibiting
  • fire-retardant (no smoke)
  • UV absorbing

Glass coated with safety film can achieve the following resistance classes, depending on the thickness of the film and the type of glass (insulating glass, single-pane safety glass (ESG), float glass) :

  • A1 according to DIN 52 290
  • P2A according to DIN EN 356
  • P3A according to DIN EN 356 A
  • UL 972

The individual resistance classes say something about the impact resistance of a pane coated with a safety film. In the test, a 4.11 kg steel ball is dropped from different heights onto the disk, the breakthrough is simulated with different tools and with different weights. Testing institutes such as the Material Testing Office test and prove the resistance class achieved with certificates.

The highest resistance class that could be achieved by security films so far is resistance class P3A on 4 mm glass. There is only one film in the world that has received this certificate so far. More recent attempts to apply security films on both sides of a pane of glass (inside and outside) in order to further increase the resistance class do not withstand long-term testing. Security films attached to the outside of windows do not offer any objective protection, as they can easily be cut open from the outside and thus sabotaged and the resistance class is reduced again.

Blast-resistant security films, also known as anti-terror films, offer protection in the event of an explosive attack by absorbing the surface pressure generated by a pressure wave as a result of an explosion. According to the German / European standard, such foils are tested in the pressure surge pipe (according to DIN EN 13541). Here, too, it is important to only use foils that are glued on the inside.

Security foils are not to be confused with so-called splinter protection foils. The latter only meet the requirements for injury protection in accordance with the trade association regulations (accident prevention regulations).

UV resistance

Security films are equipped with a UV filter that prevents the film from yellowing even after many years and at the same time significantly delays the fading of furniture and displayed goods.

Assembly

Security films are self-adhesive films that are applied to existing glass surfaces from the inside using a special assembly liquid. The edge connection ensures a stable connection to the frame, depending on the window construction either under the glazing bead or as a seal with silicone. The glasses do not have to be removed for assembly, the work does not disrupt everyday processes. Safety foils must always be attached by trained fitters and are always applied to the inside of the glass (inside of the window). The assembly on the inside is important, as this way the film cannot be cut or torn from the outside. The guarantee (durability) is also significantly higher for interior films because they are not directly exposed to the weather.

More security films

Anti-terror film / anti-explosion film

High-performance anti-terror films are used to protect particularly sensitive areas in high structural risk zones, in very densely built-up areas or endangered entrance areas and lower floors. These offer a high level of protection in the event of explosive attacks, as their unique structure withstands pressure waves and prevents dangerous fragmentation.

Facade protection film

Facade protection films are transparent security films specially developed for modern glass facades. In the event of a spontaneous glass break in parts of a glass facade, these foils prevent large and heavy pieces of glass weighing up to several hundred kilos from falling. The broken pane is carried by the film in the support structure, the special adhesive prevents the dangerous flying of fragments.

Spy protection film

Anti-espionage films are used in particular by companies to protect against industrial espionage. Due to their special composition, these foils block the transmission path of wireless and other freely transmitted electronic data from, for example, laptops, cell phones and cordless phones from inside the building through the glass panes to the outside. In addition, the high-performance film dampens electromagnetic high-frequency interference attempts and protects people from dangerous electromagnetic radiation.

Car safety film

Car security films minimize the risk of lightning break-ins, vandalism, thrown-through and other external attacks. The possibilities of direct attacks on vehicle occupants are also reduced. In the event of glass breakage, an attached car safety film initially holds the glass in the frame and minimizes the risk of glass splinters flying around and thus the direct risk of injury. The coated glass achieves resistance class A1 according to DIN 52 290, P2A according to EN 356 and UL 972. Car security films offer mobile security for police and special vehicles, military emergency vehicles, service, transport and construction vehicles as well as for private vehicles.

Alarm security film

In addition to mechanical security, a German product also has the function of a full-surface glass breakthrough detector according to VdS class C thanks to inserted alarm threads. This means that the alarm foil is equivalent to a high-quality active glass break detector in terms of reporting and at the same time has the thrown-through resistance of a security foil.

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