ACRYLIC HARD COATS – OVERVIEW
AcryliCo has developed a meticulous five-step cleaning process for all acrylic hard coats performed in our class 100 clean room.
Treatment fluids are tested for every session, and work conditions are controlled under strict environmental rules to ensure we offer consistent, superior results within the field. AcryliCo has never had a windshield returned due to the poor performance of its hard coat.
GRADY-WHITE ENGINEERING HARDCOAT TEST REPORT
Acrylico Windshield Durability and Wiper Evaluation – TECHNICIAN: D. STRICKLAND – DATE: 2/7/11
PURPOSE
The purpose of these tests was to determine if an Acrylico hard-coated windshield could withstand sweeping motion of a wiper over many hours, without suffering distortion, hazing, or scratching.
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
The components used for the test were a standard coated 230 Console Windshield, GW#10-1179, and a Marinco Premier Wiper Arm and Blade.
A platform was built to mount the windshield. Above the windshield a 1/4” tube with a series of small holes was placed to irrigate the windshield via a low volume diaphragm pump. This provided a constant spray of water onto the windshield when desired.
A wiper motor was mounted below the windshield, at a similar height and angle as for wiper motors on production boats. Therefore, the pressure of the wiper arm against the windshield would have been comparable to current technical configurations.
ENDURANCE AND SOLVENT TEST CYCLE
The standard procedure for the test was to run the wiper with saltwater during normal working hours of approximately 8 hours each day. Frequently during the day the windshield was visually monitored and inspected for any changes.
Overnight the windshield was left to dry in such a manner a salt coating would crystallize over its surface. The windshield was not cleaned in between testing intervals, except when required to perform thorough evaluations; approximately every 20 hours.
The endurance test was performed over a period of 100 hours, estimated at 330,000 wiper cycles.
WIPER RUN ON DRY SURFACE
At one point, the wiper was run dry with absence of water, and with the crystallized salt coating not removed from the windshield; this test lasted 30 minutes.
At the end of the standard test, the windshield was cleaned using a variety of solvents which are generally regarded as inappropriate for use on acrylic: These included Windex, Ammonia, and Acetone.
Up to this point, the tests carried out could be considered representative of field conditions.
ABRASSION & DURABILITY TEST CYCLE
In a bid to test the windshield far beyond normal conditions, in the final experiment it was subjected to extreme aggressive misapplication, in rigors which fall well outside of normal wear and tear. So for this phase, two wads of steel wool (#00 & #0000) were placed under the wiper blade: one on the top and the other at the base of the blade. The wiper was then run continuously for a period of one hour.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
At the end of all tests, the windshield was completely free from any visible damage; a testament to AcryliCo’s outstanding manufacturing standards and excellent hard coating finish.
EXCEPTIONALLY DURABLE HARD COATINGS
Sustains repeated exposure to salt, weather elements, deck wash-downs, or wear under wiper use
EXPLORE YOUR OWN WINDSHIELD REQUIREMENTS WITH ACRYLICO
If you would like to find out more about hard coats or any other product or service we provide, please feel free to contact us for a no obligation consultation, so together we can explore different treatments and concepts to help you develop the most suitable solution for your particular individual boat design requirements.
WE ARE HERE TO ASSIST YOU
Where acrylic designs are concerned, there are literally infinite opportunities for you to bring into play and create features which not only exemplify the design of your magnificent boat, but ultimately will reinforce the distinctive unique styling of your brand.
ACRYLIC HARD COATS – OVERVIEW
AcryliCo has developed a meticulous five-step cleaning process for all acrylic hard coats performed in our class 100 clean room.
Treatment fluids are tested for every session, and work conditions are controlled under strict environmental rules to ensure we offer consistent, superior results within the field. AcryliCo has never had a windshield returned due to the poor performance of its hard coat.
PURPOSE
The purpose of these tests was to determine if an Acrylico hard-coated windshield could withstand sweeping motion of a wiper over many hours, without suffering distortion, hazing, or scratching.
EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS
The components used for the test were a standard coated 230 Console Windshield, GW#10-1179, and a Marinco Premier Wiper Arm and Blade.
A platform was built to mount the windshield. Above the windshield a 1/4” tube with a series of small holes was placed to irrigate the windshield via a low volume diaphragm pump. This provided a constant spray of water onto the windshield when desired.
A wiper motor was mounted below the windshield, at a similar height and angle as for wiper motors on production boats. Therefore, the pressure of the wiper arm against the windshield would have been comparable to current technical configurations.
ENDURANCE AND SOLVENT TEST CYCLE
The standard procedure for the test was to run the wiper with saltwater during normal working hours of approximately 8 hours each day. Frequently during the day the windshield was visually monitored and inspected for any changes.
Overnight the windshield was left to dry in such a manner a salt coating would crystallize over its surface. The windshield was not cleaned in between testing intervals, except when required to perform thorough evaluations; approximately every 20 hours.
The endurance test was performed over a period of 100 hours, estimated at 330,000 wiper cycles.
WIPER RUN ON DRY SURFACE
In a bid to test the windshield far beyond normal conditions, in the final experiment it was subjected to extreme aggressive misapplication, in rigors which fall well outside of normal wear and tear.
So for this phase, two wads of steel wool (#00 & #0000) were placed under the wiper blade: one on the top and the other at the base of the blade. The wiper was then run continuously for a period of one hour.
ABRASSION & DURABILITY TEST CYCLE
At one point, the wiper was run dry with absence of water, and with the crystallized salt coating not removed from the windshield; this test lasted 30 minutes.
At the end of the standard test, the windshield was cleaned using a variety of solvents which are generally regarded as inappropriate for use on acrylic: These included Windex, Ammonia, and Acetone.
Up to this point, the tests carried out could be considered representative of field conditions.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
At the end of all tests, the windshield was completely free from any visible damage; a testament to AcryliCo’s outstanding manufacturing standards and excellent hard coating finish.
EXPLORE YOUR OWN WINDSHIELD REQUIREMENTS WITH ACRYLICO
If you would like to find out more about hard coats or any other product or service we provide, please feel free to contact us for a no obligation consultation, so together we can explore different treatments and concepts to help you develop the most suitable solution for your particular individual boat design requirements.
WE ARE HERE TO ASSIST YOU
Where acrylic designs are concerned, there are literally infinite opportunities for you to bring into play and create features which not only exemplify the design of your magnificent boat, but ultimately will reinforce the distinctive unique styling of your brand.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY
EXPLORE OUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
EXPLORE OUR PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
EXPLORE OUR PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Our bespoke manufacture offers superior product solutions for the marine industry
From the simplest to the most complex design, our team of experts and state of the art CNC system can afford you complete flexibility and help you develop the exacting requirements for your next boat model.
Our low distortion, hard coated windshields, flybridge and hullside windows are our specialty and through our considerable expertise, we have set the highest standards of excellence within the marine industry.
