It's often said that every solution brings a new challenge, but it's the unwavering quest for answers that propels genuine innovation.

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We believe this rings true for our narrative - the ExoShield story.

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The seeds of ExoShield were sown in the University of Waterloo's Nanotechnology Program when our team -  initially a group of engineering graduates - took on the challenge of combating windshield frost. They developed a new coating technology that prevents frost from forming on the windshield. But as they tried to bring it to the market, they realized that one of the bigger risks for drivers was actually their windshield breaking. 

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While early versions of Windshield Protection Film were available on the market, they were struggling to gain widespread traction due to abrasion. Essentially, the protective layer, designed to endure impacts, needed its own safeguard; otherwise, it risked scratches, which would undermine the film's optical clarity and safety standards.

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Leading the way… 

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Tackling Abrasion: Introducing the First Generation of ExoShield's Hardcoat Technology

In response to market needs, the team developed the first generation of ExoShield's hardcoat technology, giving rise to ExoShield, the first Windshield Protection Film known for its heightened resistance to abrasion and extended durability.

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At this point, Windshield Protection Film was becoming increasingly popular, yet drivers encountered another significant issue with the film: delamination. This refers to the separation of layers within the film, where the uppermost protective coating, meant to prevent scratches and damage, detaches from the underlying layers.

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Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, UV radiation, and other environmental elements gradually weakens the adhesive bonds within the film. This weakening can eventually lead to the separation of layers, a major issue because it undermines the protective film's effectiveness. When layers peel apart, they affect the appearance and diminish the film's ability to provide the intended protection against impacts, scratches, and other hazards. Essentially, it reduces the usable life of the protective film and may require premature replacement.

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Conquering Delamination With the Second Generation of ExoShield's Hardcoat Technology 

Delamination posed a significant challenge during the early stages of ExoShield, especially in regions with high-risk climates (where there is an increased need for windshield protection due to various factors). As the segment grew, we gained exposure to a broader range of climates and driving conditions, enabling us to identify market patterns in our products and competitive films. 

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With this insight in hand, our Research & Development team transitioned into the next development phase, focusing on enhancing our nanocoatings platform, which forms the protective layer of the film. The new coatings technology significantly improved crosslinking, resulting in stronger bonds with the underlying layers and effectively preventing delamination. This breakthrough laid the foundation for what we now call our Endurance Class nanocoatings system, which served as the cornerstone for the second iteration of our Windshield Protection Film, GT3. With this system in place, delamination is reliably prevented throughout the film's warrantable 2-year lifespan.

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During this phase, ExoShield evolved into the brand name, with GT3 emerging as the flagship windshield protection film product, all within the framework of the nanotechnology company Alchemy.

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Since introducing GT3 in 2021, it’s been leading the market with optical quality, longevity and warranty. ExoShield GT3 is a PET-based technology. This technology has allowed us to develop a high-quality, long-lasting windshield protection film that drivers can confidently rely on. 

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"You can see from this video the huge rock that was coming at me. It bounced off my Jeep going 70MPH. No crack in my windshield. It did leave a little divot where it hit. Well worth the money. Has saved me several times but first time caught on camera."

- Misty Weddle 

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The Engineering Challenges of Windshield Protection Film

While similar in function to the popular Paint Protection Film, Engineering Windshield Protection Film presents a complex challenge that stems from the inherent trade-offs: developing a coating with exceptional abrasion and UV resistance often leads to distortion or discoloration. On the other hand, creating a clear film is relatively straightforward but tends to compromise durability. The challenge lies in finding the delicate balance required to achieve both qualities simultaneously.

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We recognize that drivers desire a nearly invisible film yet durable enough to maximize their investment in WPF (windshield protection film). There's no room for error here; quality must remain uncompromised, as people rely on their windshields for unobstructed visibility. This unwavering commitment to quality is non-negotiable for us, even in the face of cheaper or simpler alternatives. We firmly believe there is a market for customers who prioritize reliability above all else. 

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And that’s when it gets even more exciting… 

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Breaking New Ground in Windshield Protection Film Longevity

At ExoShield, we recognize that perfection is elusive. Our philosophy revolves around constant improvement of product performance, with lifetime standing as one of the key aspects of windshield protection film. When we say lifetime, we primarily address three key aspects: optical clarity, mechanical durability, and UV stability. Our trajectory within our culture of innovation is centred on advancing our current product, GT3, and continuously pushing the boundaries of longevity.

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With that approach serving as our guiding Northstar, our Research & Development team embarked on phase 3 of development approximately a year and a half ago. This phase involved testing the next generation of our Endurance Class nanocoating and constructing the successor to our current windshield protection film, paving the way for GT3+. 

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We conducted extensive testing cycles for GT3+ to ensure its efficacy, specifically focusing on UV stability. Our internal accelerated weathering test mimics and speeds up the effects of natural elements such as UV rays, heat, and humidity on materials. This testing methodology enables us to assess product durability, accelerate product development, and refine product performance.

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This new technology prioritized enhancing the product's overall UV durability and stability. For drivers, this means improved resistance to delamination and minimized yellowing over time, indicating reduced susceptibility compared to previous generations. 

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GT3+ establishes a milestone as the premier windshield protection film with a 3-year warranty. Engineered to endure damage from UV rays, weather elements, chemical exposure, and other aging factors.

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Bringing Windshield Protection Film Within Reach 

As we introduce a new product, our sights are already set on its next evolution. We're dedicated to advancing product longevity, inspired by the lifetime warranties offered for Paint Protection Films. Furthermore, we're unwavering in our commitment to making Windshield Protection Film accessible to all, be it professional installers or DIY enthusiasts. This dedication to accessibility is reflected in our ULTRA Kit, designed to meet a wide range of user needs.

People are at the heart of everything we do - driver’s safety and our partners' growth are the driving force behind each innovation from ExoShield.

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