Film, glass and materials testing

Films

Window films are a popular method of reducing heat, glare and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) for buildings and cars as well as for decorative and security purposes.

A large variety of window films are available and the properties of particular films depend on the intended application.

Glass

Different types of glass have different UVR transmission properties. Glass windows typically block out most UVB radiation but the amount of UVA radiation that penetrates through different types of glass can vary greatly.

Transparent building materials

Several types of plastics are used to manufacture transparent roofing. Some, but not all, plastics have good UVR blocking properties.

Assessing the sun protection properties of films

ARPANSA operates a service for measuring the sun protection properties of all types of tansparent films, glass and transparent plastics such as roofing materials. The UVR transmission of the material is measured and a protection factor is also calculated in accordance with the published method, 'UVR Protection offered by Shadecloths and Polycarbonates' published in Radiation Protection in Australia 1995, 13 (2) 50-54. A protection factor indicates how well a product protects human skin from UVR in sunlight. For protection from artificial sources of UVR refer to Assessment of UVR Hazards.

Schedule of charges

Effective 1 July 2019

Film testing is usually performed within 10 working days of receipt of samples, often sooner, depending on laboratory workload. Samples are processed in order of receipt.

Note that samples sent to ARPANSA for testing cannot usually be returned as the testing procedure may require the materials to be cut to size for testing.

Prices quoted are in Australian dollars. Payment is in Australian dollars, either by bank cheque made out to ‘ARPANSA’, by electronic funds transfer (EFT), BPAY or by credit card (VISA or MasterCard) up to $5000.

Film and Materials Testing Request Form

Film and materials testing request form
Film and materials testing request form

Send samples and a testing request form to:

UVR Services
ARPANSA
619 Lower Plenty Road
Yallambie VIC 3085
Australia

Sample Protection Factor Report

Sample film protection factor report
Text description - film protection factor report

Methods of payment

Re-issue of test reports

If you require changes to a test report after it has been issued, a processing charge of $35 per report will apply.