3M Launches Reflective Cooling Film for Fleet and Rail Vehicles
3M has launched 3M Cooling Film, a roof-applied thermal-management film designed to reduce heat buildup in fleet and rail vehicles without requiring additional power.
The company says the film reflects more than 85% of incoming solar radiation and can reduce interior vehicle temperatures by up to 10 °F depending on the application. The technology also has thermal emissivity greater than 91% in the atmospheric window, allowing absorbed heat to dissipate from the surface.
3M developed the product for applications including last-mile delivery vehicles, refrigerated trucks and trailers and passenger rail vehicles. The company said lower interior temperatures can reduce cooling demand, limit heat exposure for temperature-sensitive cargo and improve conditions for drivers and passengers.
The film includes a durable hard coat designed to resist dirt, chemicals and wear, while maintaining reflectivity in transportation environments exposed to UV radiation, rain and temperature cycling. 3M is backing the product with a five-year warranty.
Installation uses 3M's Controltac and Comply adhesive technologies and is designed to fit into workflows similar to those used for fleet graphics.
Although Cooling Film is a performance film rather than a conventional liquid or powder coating, its reflective surface and protective hard coat illustrate how functional surface technologies are being used to manage heat, durability and energy demand in transportation applications.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
