Material Formulation
Not All Vinyl is Created Equal
Quality windows reduce your liability of field failures and replacement costs. Competitive formulas often use low cost alternative ingredients which can result in yellowing and discoloration. MikronBlend ™, Mikron's unique vinyl material compound, optimized for best weathering, durability, and color retention, contains a proprietary blend of stabilizers, TI02 and specialty resins.
Actual photos of samples after 1 year equivalent UV accelerated weathering Xenon-Arc.
Most color change in vinyl is caused by ultraviolet light from the sun. That's why windows that are shaded from the sun might look great, while you may see discoloration in windows that are in direct or full sunlight. Though the cause is sunlight, the reason for the discoloration is in the choice and proportion of vinyl ingredients. The ingredients in MikronBlend vinyl block nearly all light penetration to minimize ultraviolet light penetration therefore decreasing degradation and yellowing.
To maintain quality and consistency over time, Mikron controls every aspect of the MikronBlend process - including blending our own special vinyl resins and additives to ensure total control over the formula. Unlike some vinyl extruders, which buy compounds on the open market, Mikron uses only MikronBlend, produced in our fully-integrated blending facilities. We believe having complete control of our recipe is the only way to ensure the best, most consistent material quality that performs over time. See the Light?
Not all vinyl is made the same. Even in the light of day, you might not see a key difference between lasting strength or early failure, but time will tell. The key is ultraviolet light penetration though the surface that can attack polymer bonds that hold vinyl resin together and keep it from getting brittle. Mikron has over 35 years of development history behind our MikronBlend formula and extruded shapes and we won't compromise the long-term performance in our customers' windows for a short-term cost advantage. Mikron vinyl is more opaque for better protection against harmful ultraviolet light.
Mikron vinyl is more opaque and allows less harmful ultraviolet light penetration
Other vinyl allows too much harmful ultraviolet light to penetrate
Tested Tough and Real World Proven
We believe that the quality of vinyl is measured by testing and performance over time in real climatic conditions. It's why we conduct a battery of laboratory and outdoor tests designed to exceed required industry standards. We've developed 14 key tests to ensure our vinyl profiles meet the toughest quality controls - our own.
Quality windows reduce your liability of field failures and replacement costs. Competitive formulas often use low cost alternative ingredients which can result in yellowing and discoloration. MikronBlend ™, Mikron's unique vinyl material compound, optimized for best weathering, durability, and color retention, contains a proprietary blend of stabilizers, TI02 and specialty resins.
Tested Tough and Real World Proven
Weatherability Test
AAMA-Mikron Weatherability Test
For over 35 years, we've worked to refine and improve our MikronBlend™ formulation. Proof of success is based on years of real-world outdoor weathering - in the toughest conditions. This includes real-life, proven weather-tested in arid, Arizona and hot, humid South Florida to exceed AAMA weathering standards.
In addition, MikronBlend is accelerated lab test proven. We subject our vinyl to tests beyond what the industry requires to ensure it will survive the elements. Tests such as:
Heat Absorption Test
Exposes vinyl to infrared radiation to determine how much radiant heat it can absorb and still remain stable.
Deflection Temperature Test
Determines the temperature at which a profile of specific dimension will bend under a specific load.
Mikron has successfully sold and installed in every geographical area in the United States.