Full Coverage for a Flawless Finish:
What You Need to Know About Temporary Protective Film Fabrication
Utilizing temporary protective film (or TPF) is an established methodology in the flat glass industry. For Vitro Certified™ Network members, TPF is a highly effective way to provide an extra measure of protection for microscopically thin Solarban® solar control low-e coatings, which may otherwise experience mechanical damage during transportation and its subsequent fabrication into glazing units—however, please note that the effectiveness of temporary film fabrication in reducing damage can be limited when transporting glass over long distances.
This recyclable polyethylene film has a blue hue and provides full-surface coverage with low adhesive content and is easily removed to reveal a flawless surface. Fortunately, TPF is extremely easy to work with from a fabricator’s perspective—not only can it be easily removed from the glass prior to heat treatment, but also it requires no special setup requirements and can be safely disposed of in a variety of ways. It’s important to note that special care is still required when handling and processing any MSVD or “soft coated” glass.
While TPF is fabricator friendly, it’s critical to be aware that glass with TPF must go through a somewhat different fabrication process. Review TD-152 for general fabrication guidelines for successfully processing glass with TFP.
