Window Tint Measurement Tools VLT YT1020

Not even the law can ignore the safety issues of window tints. Car inspection officials, automotive professionals, or even vehicle enthusiasts need to know how much light passes through windows. Light and safety issues vary by region, with strict penalties for exceeding dangerous levels of light.

This is the primary function of the 3nh YT1020 Window Tint Meter. In the fast-paced traffic situations, how much time and attention can be devoted to one meter?  YT1020 provides VLT, UV, and IR tint ratings. It pulls complete tune performance, from darkness to heat and UV light, with disregard to time or the elements.

Before discussing the YT1020, the industry and function of window tint measurement tools will be explained.

What Are Window Tint Measurement Tools?

A window tint measurement tool, or tint meter, is an optical device. It tells VLT, or how much visible light passes through tinted glass.  VLT is V, the percentage of visible light transmission.

Consider these examples: 

·         If the VLT is 70%, that means 70% of visible light is able to pass through, and the glass is practically clear. 

·         If the VLT is 20%, that means only 20% of light is able to pass through, which means there is a very dark tint. 

Tint meters are used by law enforcement, automotive professionals, and tint inspection centers to comply with local tint legislation.    

Currently, the two most common types of tint meters are: 

1.       Two-piece tint meters that clamp onto the top edge of a partially rolled-down window. One part gives off the light, and the other measures how much of that light is able to pass through the glass. This works on most window types, including windshields. 

2.       One-piece tint meters are compact and light, making them suitable for side windows. They measure light transmittance through a single sensor and are usually quicker but only work on thinner or roll-down windows. 

The design of the 3nh YT1020 incorporates simplicity and precision, making it a favorite for professionals looking for reliable VLT readings without the need for complex tools.

How Window Tint Measurement Tools Work?

Knowing how tint meters work can give you a better understanding of what they do. The principle is based on light transmittance—how much light passes through a tinted surface compared to the total light of the surface.

Here’s a simplified version of how it works:

·         Light Source: Usually LEDs emit light beams that simulate sunlight, providing the measurement tool with enough light to test the window.

·         Transmittance Detection: Light passes through the glass, and the detector on the opposite side of the glass measures how much light is received, whether it is a two-piece or one-piece meter that is used.

·         Calculation: Light is calculated to give a percentage of how much of the light passes through to give the VLT reading.

·         Additional Measurements: More complex designs, like the 3nh YT1020 meters, can measure the UV and IR transmittance that give data on how much the tint captures ultraviolet light and heat.

This process is very fast. For example, the YT1020 is one of the fastest tint meters and provides readings in 0.5 seconds.

Common Uses for Tint Meters

There are a number of different tint meters used for different things in countless different fields and uses.

·         For Law Enforcement, police officers and vehicle inspectors check compliance with the law by using tint meters during roadside checks.

·         For Automotive Workshops & Tint Installers, tint professionals use these devices post-installation to show their clients compliance and performance.

·         For Vehicle Inspection Stations, these stations verify that window films meet the region’s VLT requirements using tint meters during inspections.

·         For Research & Development, tint film producers and glass makers use these devices to assess new materials and coatings.

·         For the Aviation and Marine Industries, Tint meters assess glass panels in airplanes, yachts, and boats to control light and heat.

Road safety and aesthetic satisfaction are achieved by having the proper darkness levels and avoiding problems with visibility while driving at night. It helps to make sure that drivers are following the rules of the road.

Why is it Important to Measure the Light Transmittance of Car Window Tinting?

It's a legal requirement and also a safety one. Light transmittance testing must be done.

When car windows are tinted too darkly, blind spots while driving are created, particularly during nighttime hours. This decreases visibility and increases the chances of accidents. Moreover, it can create an unsafe situation because pedestrians and other drivers cannot see the occupants of the car. 

Each area has laws around the maximum allowable levels of window tint, which vary by window type. For instance, the law in many places requires a side window tint of at least 70% VLT for side windows and allows the rear and side windows to have a darker tint. 

To ensure compliance, auto owners and installers are responsible for ensuring a light transmittance test is performed prior to the vehicle being driven. 

In professional environments like auto repair shops or inspection shops, having a reliable tint meter is an expectation. This expectation is placed on the professional and customer relations to help eliminate any guesswork to provide measurable results. 

How to Use a Tint Meter 

Even a beginner can use a tint meter for the first time easily. For a beginner that has experience, the process can vary slightly if it is a one or two-piece meter. 

For two-piece tint meters, the first steps are to: 

1.       Open the car window by 2 to 3 inches. 

2.       Then install the primary unit of the meter to the inner side of the glass and the secondary unit on the outer side.

3.       The device determines the angle of the light beam and calculates transmittance automatically. 

4.       The values appear instantaneously on the digital display showing the VLT. More advanced models also provide readings for UV and IR. 

For one-piece meters, like the 3nh YT1020: 

With the device, position it against the glass surface of a roll-down side window.  Hitting the  measure button captures the VLT, UV, and IR transmission values.  Within half a second, the device provides the necessary readings. 

The 3nh YT1020 works with installed side windows, giving rapid and precise readings and requiring no complicated arrangements. 

Key Differences Between Various Tint Meters on the Market 

Core Differences Between Tint Meters 

All tint meters measure light transmission, but the design, functionality, and accuracy can be quite different. The purpose will dictate the appropriate model, whether for law enforcement, workshop testing, or research. 

Design & Form Factor

Some tint meters report only VLT, while others, the 3nh YT1020 for example, provide multi-spectral readings with UV and IR transmittance. Understanding the film’s performance against sun, glare, and heat is made easier with this functionality. 

·         Two-piece meters might be bulkier, but their range is more flexible, as they can work on all windows, including the windshields.

·         Side window checks can be done within moments using portable one-piece meters.

At field inspections, compact models like the YT1020 are lightweight and easy to carry.

Light Source & Wavelength Options

For accurate readings, high-end meters use lasers or LED lights and mimic the sun. Having different wavelength options (visible, UV, IR) makes the meters versatile.

Light Path Design

How the meter measures transmittance is defined by light path. Some meters use a straight path (transmission method) and others use a reflective system for non-transparent materials. The YT1020 is more precise and less erroneous as it uses a direct transmission method.

Popular Tint Meters on the Market

Reliable tint meters are produced by different brands and here are some that stand out.

1.       3nh YT1020: It is roadworthy compliant and ideal for installed side windows. Small, inexpensive, and multifunctional as it measures VLT, UV, and IR.

2.       Linshang LS110A: Made for professionals or government agencies due to its accuracy and a large range.

3.       Enforcer II Tint Meter: Because of its sturdy construction and quick response time, law enforcement commonly uses it.

4.       Laser Labs Inspector II: Professional-grade, precision two-piece meter, and valued in car inspection stations. 

5.       ThreeNH YT1200: An upgraded model of YT1020. Made for wider industrial scopes. 

Top Recommended Tint Meters

If speed, precision, and cost are your priorities, the 3nh YT1020 is the best option. It gives results in: 

·         0.5 seconds and 

·         A spectrum of analysis 

·         And is a compact automated unit. 

·         Compliant with road inspection standards. 

YT1020 is ideal for technicians and inspectors who require instant reliable readings and prefer not to lug around cumbersome two-piece instruments. 

When Choosing a Tint Meter, Consider:

A few different categories must be assessed for choosing a tint meter to determine accuracy and convenience. 

Display & Usability Features

A digital screen, and the ability to quickly operate the device must be present. A screen that can be backlit is preferable for outdoor work or in settings with poor illumination.

Accuracy & Calibration

Choose a meter that is calibrated and participating in a re-calibration performed by the factory. This calibration frequency will improve the value and precision of the work as the meter will lose performance with time. 3nh YT1020 is a reliable option as it has proven to work with high accuracy regardless of the number of measurements made.

Use Cases

When you think about using the meter for roadside inspections, tint installation, or lab testing, the YT1020 is compact and quick, which is great for mobile professionals. However, for extensive testing in a controlled space, two-piece models could be the better option.

Choosing the Right Tint Meter

When choosing the best tint meter, it is a question of features and your needs. If you’re a tint installer or automotive inspector needing rapid, precise VLT readings on side windows, a one-piece portable meter fits the purpose.

For overall testing, including windshields, a two-piece device affords you more flexibility. However, the one-piece convenience often outweighs this, especially for quick compliance checks.

With the YT1020, 3nh provides the best balance when considering cost, accuracy, and ease of use.

3nh YT1020 - The Best Device to Test Window Tint Levels

Among modern devices to measure tint, the 3nh YT1020 is a beacon of accuracy and efficiency. It is small, but, it provides fast readings of VLT, UV, and IR transmittance, making it perfect for professionals and enthusiasts.

Key Highlights:

·         Measurement Speed: 0.5 seconds per reading.

·         Multi-Spectrum Insight: Measures visible, ultraviolet, and infrared transmission.

·         Usability: Ideal for use with installed side windows (not for windshields).

·         Portability: Single lightweight construction facilitates easy use.

·         Roadworthy Compliance: Conforms to international standard for vehicle implements.

Measuring the darkness of a window tint on a vehicle with understanding its UV and heat-blocking characteristics is done using the 3nh YT1020. It is all affordable, and great option built for years of use which you can count on for both professional and DIY window tint contruction activities.

Conclusion

For compliance and personal comfort, the use operation window tint measuring must be done. As a tint installer, vehicle inspector, or vehicle holder, a quality tint measuring scale assists your legally required film performance and regulatory limits compliance measurement.

For a compact and versatile apparatus, the 3nh YT1020 delivers the unique combination of speed, usability and spectrum analysis to your window tinting operations. It is the ideal measurement standard for window tinting operations.

FAQs

What does a tint meter measure?

A tint meter measure the amount of light and and the amount of light that attains a glass surface through the window.

What is VLT in window tinting?

The VLT in window tinting is the is a measure of all the visible light that passes through a window, which is tinted.

Can the 3nh YT1020 test windshield tint? 

No, it’s best suited for installed side windows. For windshields, a two-piece tint meter is recommended.

How fast does the YT1020 measure tint levels?

The 3nh YT1020 delivers readings in just 0.5 seconds, making it one of the fastest in its category. 

Does the YT1020 measure UV and IR? 

Yes, it measures VLT, UV, and IR transmittance, giving complete data about tint performance. 

Do I need to calibrate the device? 

The meter comes pre-calibrated from the factory. Occasional checks ensure long-term accuracy. 

Is the 3nh YT1020 suitable for professionals? 

 Absolutely. Its reliability, precision, and speed make it ideal for professional tint shops and inspection authorities.