In the modern urban environment, the integrity and longevity of architectural glass and windows face constant threats from vandalism, accidental damage, and natural wear. As architects, specifying materials for glass protection is a paramount responsibility. The new and improved Avery Dennison® AG Clear ix M Surface Protection Films are engineered specifically to meet this challenge.
Anti-Graffiti Clear Films: A Barrier That Preserves Design Intent
The primary function of a protection film is to act as a sacrificial layer, absorbing damage that would otherwise permanently compromise the underlying substrate. However, a less-than-perfect film can detract from the very clarity and aesthetic it is meant to protect. Avery Dennison has addressed this with a key focus on optical performance.
The film’s newly designed topcoat is the culmination of advanced materials science, resulting in a super-clear film with demonstrably low haze. This technological achievement ensures that the installation of AG Clear does not introduce a noticeable visual distortion or cloudiness, a common drawback of lesser-quality protective films.
- Preserving Natural Light Transmission: The high optical clarity is critical for maintaining the designed levels of natural light penetration and view-through.
- Aesthetic Continuity: AG Clear ensures aesthetic continuity; whether applied to exterior glass, storefronts, the film’s clarity preserves the original design intent for building design.
The newly innovated film supports installation on a wider range of surfaces offering a consolidated specification for project teams.
- Interior or Exterior Application: The film is engineered for both interior and exterior use. This dual-purpose capability simplifies material procurement and specification, ensuring a consistent level of protection and clarity regardless of the film’s exposure to the elements. For exterior applications, the durability against UV exposure and weather is essential for long-term clarity and performance.
- Compatibility with Rigid Plastic Substrates: Beyond glass, AG Clear can be applied to rigid plastic substrates, such as polycarbonate or acrylic used in skylights, canopies, or detailed interior elements. This capability is vital for projects where design incorporates varied materials, offering a unified defense system across different structural components.
Superior Performance: Robust Defense Against Vandalism
The core purpose of AG Clear is surface protection, and its performance has been rigorously enhanced to combat the most prevalent forms of vandalism.
The AG Clear hydrophobic topcoat and ink repellency is a key feature of the improved film. This specialized layer is designed to actively repel liquids and minimize surface tension, creating a highly effective barrier against common graffiti media. In addition, AG Clear offers defense against etching and abrasion. The film itself provides a robust, tough layer that resists light scratching and accidental abrasions, protecting the expensive glazing beneath from minor impacts and the tools used for etching (acid etching, carbide scribing).
AG Clear ix M is strategically offered in two key thicknesses—4-millimeter and 6-millimeter—allowing architects to select the optimal level of protection based on the specific risks associated with the building’s location and function.
The film also incorporates a specialized, easy, clean-removal adhesive system. This feature is critical for minimizing the total cost of ownership:
- Minimized Downtime: A main benefit of this film is quick and clean removal leaving minimal residue behind on windows. This drastically reduces the labor time required for building maintenance teams.
- Substrate Preservation: Crucially, the adhesive is designed not to damage or compromise the protected surface (glass or rigid plastic) during removal. This ensures that the replacement process is straightforward: remove the damaged film, clean the surface, and apply a new layer.
AG Clear ix M Surface Protection films offer a critical solution when you need to protect and preserve glazing in architectural design. To learn more about the full architectural film portfolio and request a free sample, visit this website.
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