Film, glass and materials testing

ARPANSA can assess the sun protection properties of films, glass and transparent materials.

A whole range of materials are designed to reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR) passing through. For example:

Transparent roofing material is designed to allow sunlight to pass, while reducing UVR transmission.
Food and beverage packaging glass and plastics are designed to help preserve food when exposed to UV light, which helps to prevent food from spoiling.
Car window tinting film is designed to provide UV protection for occupants, as well as reducing heat and glare.

A protection factor indicates how well a product reduces UVR transmission. The higher the protection factor the better.

ARPANSA's material testing service can calculate the protection factor (or UVR blockage) of films, glass and plastics. We do this by measuring the UVR transmitted through materials in our lab.

How does the ARPANSA materials testing service work?

To test film, glass or plastic with ARPANSA:

Step 1 - Complete the testing request form:
Film and Materials Testing Request Form

Step 2 - After completing the form, print and send with samples to ARPANSA (half a metre by one metre for film or roofing material; one product for bottle or other packaging).
Step 3 - ARPANSA tests the material, and return results in 10 business days via email.

How much does it cost per sample?

$219.00 each inc GST for 1 to 10 samples
$186.00 each inc GST for more than 10 samples

Prices quoted are in Australian dollars. We cannot usually return samples as we may need to cut them to size as part of the testing procedure.

What test methods do we use?

ARPANSA calculates the protection factor using the method outlined in 'UVR Protection offered by Shadecloths and Polycarbonates,' published in Radiation Protection in Australia 1995, 13 (2) 50-54.

What materials can ARPANSA assess?

Transparent building materials

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

Plastic packaging for food and beverages

Plastic packaging has differing UVR blocking properties to assist the shelf life of food and drink.

Glass

Different types of glass have different UVR transmission properties. Glass typically:

blocks out most UVB radiation
allows UVA radiation to penetrate to varying degrees, depending on the type of glass.

Films

Window films are a popular method of reducing:

heat
glare
ultraviolet radiation (UVR).

They are used on 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.