Pass/Fail Judgment of Automotive Window Tint Film Using the Spectral Evaluation Function of LabSolutions™ UV-Vis Software

Importance of Topic

Automotive window tint films play a vital role in reducing harmful ultraviolet (UV) and visible light exposure inside vehicles. Accurate and efficient measurement of their transmittance characteristics is essential for quality assurance, regulatory compliance and end-user safety. Spectrophotometric analysis ensures that films meet specified UV-blocking performance criteria before installation.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note demonstrates the use of the spectral evaluation function in LabSolutions UV-Vis software to perform automated pass/fail judgments on two commercial automotive window tint films. The goal was to verify that each film exhibits no more than 2 % transmittance in the UV region (270–350 nm), using a bare glass slide as a control.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation and Measurement Workflow:

• Two types of UV-blocking tint film adhered to standard microscope slides.
• Control measurement on bare slide glass.
• Transmittance spectra recorded from 220 nm to 780 nm.

Instrument and Software Settings:

• UV-1900 UV-Vis Spectrophotometer.
• Wavelength range: 220–780 nm; slit width: 1.0 nm; sampling interval: 1.0 nm; scan speed: medium; automatic light-source change at 340 nm.
• LabSolutions UV-Vis spectral evaluation configured for maximum-value detection over 270–350 nm, with pass criterion ≤ 2 % transmittance.

Main Results and Discussion

Spectral Evaluation Outcomes:

• Sample 1 maximum UV transmittance: 0.1 % → PASS.
• Sample 2 maximum UV transmittance: 0.4 % → PASS.
• Bare slide glass transmittance > 2 % → FAIL (highlighted in red in result table).

The automated function detected peaks, applied thresholds and generated a color-coded pass/fail table. Results can be exported to Excel or copied to other applications, streamlining report creation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By integrating the spectral evaluation function into routine QA/QC workflows, laboratories can:

• Eliminate manual peak identification and threshold checks.
• Increase throughput and reduce operator error.
• Ensure consistent acceptance criteria across multiple samples.
• Facilitate rapid reporting and data archiving in LIMS or spreadsheet formats.

Future Trends and Possibilities for Use

Emerging developments may include:

• Integration with automated sample loaders for high-volume production lines.
• Expansion of evaluation templates to other thin-film or coating quality checks.
• Incorporation of machine-learning algorithms for advanced pattern recognition in spectral data.
• Real-time monitoring of UV barrier performance during film manufacturing.

Conclusion

The spectral evaluation function in LabSolutions UV-Vis software provides a robust, efficient and user-friendly method for pass/fail assessment of automotive window tint films. Automated peak detection and thresholding ensure reliable UV-blocking performance verification and greatly enhance laboratory productivity.

Reference

Application No. A595, Shimadzu Corporation, First Edition July 2019