Evolution of Carbon Window Tint
Carbon window film has exploded in popularity over the last few years, but like any product, carbon window film has had some changes and improvements since it was first introduced in the market in the early 2000s. In fact, carbon window film has had five generations and generation five is the latest and most advanced. All five generations of carbon can still be purchased for various companies across the industry. However, professionals may be unaware of what generation of carbon window film they're actually purchasing. The purpose of the following information is to educate you so that you can make the most informed decisions when purchasing carbon window film.
In the early 2000s, carbon window film was first introduced to the market. Generation one contains large and consistently sized nano-particles that plagued the product with low angle haze. Because of the weakness of carbon technology in this generation, dye is used as a supplement to balance the color and clarity. Installation requires a high skill level and is especially difficult to work with due to the film being rubbery and thing. Longevity of the product is typically just one year. It browns and fades over time.
Carbon window film saw a modest upgrade in 2011 with the introduction of generation two. The nanoparticles were reduced in size, but are still inconsistent. The dye and the carbon are distributed in two separate layers. The dye is incorporated into the layer polyester using a method called chip dying while the carbon is found in the laminate glue layer. Like generation one, generation two is still difficult to work with due to its thick, soft and rubbery properties. The longevity of the product increased by three years, but still suffers from fading, color change and low angle haze.
In 2013, carbon window film saw more substantial improvements with generation three. The nanoparticles were reduced in size and finally became consistent, but in generation three, the carbon particles became prone to clumping, which only moderately improved the low angle haze. Generation three is also the first generation to eliminate dye in the construction. Compared to generation two, the ease of installation improved slightly, but like generations before, it's still plagued by thick, soft and rubbery properties. The longevity of the product increased to a three to five-year product and is no longer prone to fading or color change.
Generation four was introduced into the market in 2017. The low angle haze has improved even more due to the nanoparticles further shrinking in size and the elimination of clumping due to the introduction of chemical encapsulation technology into the product. The product is less rubbery, which makes it easier to install and handle because of advances in adhesive technology. The longevity of the product increased to a five-year product that does not fade or change in color over time. However, the adhesive has inconsistencies in softness, which on occasion leads to premature failure before the general five-year lifespan.
In 2019, carbon window film saw substantial upgrade to the adhesive system. The improved adhesive found in the laminate and mounting layers make this generation clear, longer-lasting and easier to install. The size of the nanoparticles were made smaller than they had ever been before, so with generation five, the low angle haze is virtually undetectable. Generation five no longer feels rubbery or difficult to handle in as a breeze to install. The use of super clear technology improved the polyester and there is still no fading or color change over time, making generation five the most superior carbon window film on the market today.
Without a doubt, carbon window film has seen significant changes over its lifetime. Generation one introduced us to the fantastic product we all know today, but generation five has perfected carbon window film and is now a staple in the industry. We'll leave you with one question. With all these generations available to purchase in the market today, which generation of carbon window film are you buying?
