Sunscreen Pty Ltd
Window Tinting
Licensed 3M Film Installer
Wholesale 3M Film Distributor
48 HOTHAM PARADE
ARTARMON NSW 2064
AUSTRALIA
Phone: 02 9439 5999
Fax: 02 9777 8790
sunscreen@windowtinting.com.au
Explanation of 3M Glass Expected Edge stress report
(The 3M “Expected edge stress report for glass with Existing building Conditions.”)
What is edge stress on glass.
Each glass panel that is manufactured has a predetermined maximum acceptable edge stress level. Heat from the sun applies stress to the glass. When window film is applied, the heat stress levels are higher than for clear glass, but when correctly specified they are well within the maximum acceptable levels as specified by glass manufactures.
Background to test procedure.
The glass stress test that 3M uses comes from a major glass manufacture in the USA. The calculations come from a program designed by the manufacturer to validate their own tinted glass installations. 3M have worked with the manufacturer to incorporate window films into their test validation procedures. This program has been used for a number of years by 3M worldwide and its network of applicators, and is highly regarded for its accuracy, consistency and authority in determining suitability of film applications.
The validity of glass edge stress tests results
The glass edge stress report assumes a number of conditions when assessing the suitability of a particular window film. The basic assumption is that the glass has been installed according to manufactures standards & Australian glazing standards, as set out in AS1288, and AS/NZS4667. In these standards there are very strict guidelines on things such as how the glass is held in the frame, and the condition of the edge of the glass, for example, is it smooth or does it have any sharks teeth or has it been nibbled. If the glass has not been installed as per standards it can greatly lower (by up to 50%) the amount of stress that a piece of glass can withstand.
The test takes into account various factors such as, film type, building age, glass type & thickness & size, type of seals & frames, air conditioning, winter temperatures, indoor and outdoor shading, and reflection.
The results give no guarantee against glass breakage. This is because it is not possible to determine if the glass has been installed according to Australian standards, without removing the glass from the frame, which is not practical. The results are a good guide to eliminating films which impose unacceptably high levels of stress on a glass panel.
Warranty
3M Australia and its licensed applicators do not warrant against glass breakage.
Further information please contact:
Danny Adams
3M Technical Service
Building Safety Solutions
02 9498 9468