What is the difference between automotive film and architectural film?

The main differences are as follows:

1. Different Production Processes: Typically, architectural films are produced using a vacuum deposition process, which results in high visible light reflectivity and excellent solar control capabilities. However, this high reflectivity is not suitable for automotive applications as it can lead to intense glare and hinder rearview mirror visibility.

2. Different Adhesive Materials: Automotive films typically use standard adhesive materials (HPR), while most architectural films rely on clear dry adhesive (CDF) that offers superior adhesive properties. Due to these distinctions, the lifespan of automotive films is typically around 3-5 years, whereas architectural films can last 10-20 years under normal conditions. If regular automotive film is applied to architectural glass, prolonged exposure to sunlight can rapidly deteriorate the adhesive, resulting in peeling, fading, and cracking of the film, seriously affecting the aesthetics of the building.

3. Thickness Variations: Architectural films generally range from 2mil to 16mil in thickness, whereas automotive films are typically between 0.8mil to 1.5mil.

4. Different Metal Content Requirements: Automotive films should not contain more than 5% cadmium-nickel-titanium, while architectural films should not exceed 2.5%. These limitations are in line with environmental and ecological standards. This distinction is because vehicle occupants are generally healthy adults and do not spend prolonged periods inside their cars. In contrast, architectural films may be installed in residential spaces with pregnant women, infants, and vulnerable individuals. The radiation from rare metals can have certain effects on fetal and infant development. Therefore, architectural films must adhere to strict ecological and environmental standards regarding metal content.

5. Both automotive and architectural films can effectively block ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, the UV-blocking layers differ between the two. Automotive films use a high-pressure single-layer deposition for UV protection, while architectural films employ a vacuum-interlayer structure that contains trace elements like thorium, allowing them to absorb harmful light spectra and modulate the spectrum accordingly for better visual comfort.