Glossary
System Performance | System Description | Case Study
 
 
3M Vikuiti TRAF Film
Part of:  Prismatic Films  

 
Made by:  3M   
Used by:

The 3M Transmissive Right Angled Film (TRAF) redirects low-angled light through its prismatic structure so as to make it exit along the normal direction.
 


System Performance


3M TRAF refracts light through its prismatic structure, and redirects light coming in at near-normal angles (between 0 and 20 degrees above the horizontal) toward the viewer, along a normal direction . The rest of the light is reflected by and refracted through the film, generating ripples and patterns of light of varying colors. The view through the film is distorted; the film should thus be used where privacy is needed or clear vision is not required. For some combinations of system orientation and relative sun position, glare may occur, but a seasonal tilting of the film through movable pieces can prevent this from occurring. Although this film is not commercialized for architectural purposes its singular properties can be useful to complement certain customized solutions in daylighting projects that would require a specific angle of incoming light. For a more advanced lighting analysis and project specific results, we recommend using the Lightsolve program (under development).

Performance data for all systems in the same category. Comparison to systems in other categories, selected through the matrix filtering process.

 

System Description

3M TRAF is a thin, translucent, optical composite film composed of two layers: a polyester substrate backing and a prismatic structure made of a modified acrylic resin. The film uses a repetitive microreplicated prism pattern to reflect and transmit light. Its nominal thickness is 0.155 mm (.0061 in). To protect the delicate prismatic surface from dust and mechanical alterations, the film should be placed inside the air cavity of a double leaf enclosure, with the smooth side next to the glass pane. The prisms must also avoid any material contact to preserve their optical properties. Movable designs can optimize design solutions to enlarge the range of efficient sunlight angles and avoid glare effects.

3M (2008)  solutions.3m.com/en_US/

 
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