After Buitink contacted Permali, the UK film manufacturer identified the best Tuftane grade and thickness for the application, provided sample materials and shipped the first Tuftane TFL-2Z order of 100m by 1.5 wide rolls to the Netherlands within 10 working days, according to Fraser Rankin, Permali sales and marketing director.
High clarity Tuftane TFL-2Z TPU film is used to make the main screen panel and the integrated inflatable securing frame. When filled with air, the fully inflated clear outer ring tightly holds the isolation screen in position inside the vehicle.
A number of different systems are available with different eyelets, hooks and fixing straps to cover most vehicle types. There is no need to damage the car's interior by drilling additional fixture points.
Permali describes Tuftane TFL-2Z as a transparent, highly conformable, flexible film. The material is tough, with puncture and tear resistance at thickness of 0.2mm. They can be welded, making it possible to build the strong, impermeable, leak free, inflatable outer ring frame section of the protection screen.
The transparent film gives drivers good rear visibility, it is thin enough to allow conversation, and contactless payments through the screen are possible. Its clarity and properties are retained after repeated disinfection.
Permali's elastomeric films are barrier materials, used in a wide variety of medical equipment and health care products. These include personal protection equipment such as surgical gloves, gowns, aprons, clear isolation drapes and hoods.
'Being coronavirus PPE related, we gave this project a high priority,' Rankin said.
Buitink Technology's managing director, Rienk de Vries added that 'We also custom make BICS products if we don't have an existing size which will fit, or if it is for a specialty vehicle.'
