WHAT IS SMART GLASS?
SMART PDLC FILM GLASS
FOR PRIVACY
Privacy Smart PDLC Glass or switchable glass is a glass or glazing whose light transmission properties are altered when voltage is applied
In general, the glass changes from transparent to translucent and vice versa, changing from letting light pass through to blocking wavelengths of light and vice versa.
PRIVACY GLASS
IN A NUTSHELL
SMART GLASS
TECHNOLOGIES
Electrochromic (EC)
Light Tinting activated electrically
Polymer-Dispersed
Liquid-Crystal (PDLC)
Light scattering or absorbing activated electrically
Suspended-Particle Devices (SPD)
Light Tinting activated electrically
Thermochromic (TC)
Light tinting activated by temperature
Photochromic (PC)
Light tinting activated by sunlight UV rays
HOW PRIVACY SMART GLASS WORKS?
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The principle of operation is polarization of a liquid crystal (LC) using an electric field.
When the smart glass is not connected to electricity, the liquid crystal molecules will scatter the light and the smart glass will be in an opaque milky hue. Under an electric field the liquid crystal molecules are arranged in a way that transmits light and the glass becomes transparent with a certain level of opacity.
HOW TO CHOOSE SMART GLASS?
MAIN FACTORS
Quality and reliability are the most important factors in deciding on the smart glass manufacturer. In a situation where you will need to replace the installed smart glass, you will have to deal with a financial loss and more than that damage to reputation.
The following facts will help you make the right decision for you:
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Smart glass with NCAP PDLC technology means a stable product over time. Because the LC liquid crystal solution is water-based, which evaporates in the production process, we are left with a solution that has not undergone a chemical reaction. This is different from the process of manufacturing smart glass in step separation which is based on chemical solvents. The use of solvents creates a chemical reaction and an unstable product (discoloration, bubbles and separation of layers)
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High-quality raw materials, which means that the transparent plastic sheets, the liquid crystal (LC) and the conductive transparent layer (ITO) must be of uncompromising quality. We discovered that the standard shelf products of the plastic sheet with the transparent conductive layer, which was not originally intended for smart glass but for a touch screen do not meet our quality standards and we invested in equipment and machinery and we produce the transparent conductive layer ourselves in the required quality. Compromising quality of the transmission layer will cause problems over time (malfunctions, separation of layers, short circuits)
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The production process should be in a clean environment, high standards of production machines (chemical laboratories, coating line, healing room, testing and QA, database and digital analysis). Well-experienced engineers and a very rigorous manufacturing process.
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Experience and reputation, very important, you would want your manufacturer to have proven experience and products in the market for decades. A manufacturer that can provide you not only a high quality product but full support from the design stage to a successful installation.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF PRIVACY GLASS?
IS IT ECONOMICAL?
Smart glass is priced per square meter.
Measure the length and width of the glass and multiply the price per square meter.
The price of glass is affected by both the type of glass: triplex, insulation or sticky film and also by the thickness of the glass: 5+5, 6+6, etc.
Another important component is quantity. As far as large order is concerned the price tends to go down.
In addition to the price of glass, it is customary to price a 220-48 volt or 110-48 volt transformer, customer transport and installation.
USES AND APPLICATIONS
ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS
Architects, interior designers and building owners use smart glass in the following categories
