Smart Film and Smart Glass with Non‑Symmetrical Shapes

Smart film and smart glass, powered by PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) technology, are transforming how we design and experience spaces. These advanced materials allow users to instantly switch glass surfaces from transparent to opaque, offering privacy, glare control, and energy savings—all without mechanical blinds or curtains.

Smart Films International (SFI) is a global leader in developing and manufacturing high-quality PDLC-based solutions tailored for both commercial and residential use. These products are increasingly used in custom architectural settings where design calls for more than just standard rectangular panels.

To download SFI Asymmetric Smart Film PDF, click here.

There are several products based on PDLC films:

• Adhesive smart film. A self-adhesive PDLC layer that can be applied to existing glass, offering a retrofit privacy solution without needing to replace windows.
  

• Smart glass. A laminated product where the PDLC film is sealed between two layers of glass, typically used in new builds or custom glazing projects.
  

• Insulated Glass Units (IGU or Hollow Glass). Multi-layer glass panels that combine smart film with thermal insulation features, often including Low-E coatings for enhanced energy performance.
  

Each of these formats behaves differently when used in non-symmetrical shapes like triangles or trapezoids. In some cases, orientation errors can render the product unusable and require a full remake. This article explores how PDLC products adapt to custom geometries, the risks involved, and best practices for successful implementation.

PDLC Products and Their Behavior in Non-Symmetrical Shapes

The challenge of custom shapes

When working with triangles, trapezoids, or any shape where sides and angles differ, orientation becomes critical. A flipped or rotated panel may no longer fit its designated frame or align correctly with power connections and adhesive sides. While standard rectangles offer installation flexibility, non-symmetrical shapes leave no room for directional errors.

Even something as seemingly minor as which corner is the “top left” can change how the product performs—or whether it fits at all. For installers and fabricators, clear communication, precise drawings, and accurate templates are essential.

Adhesive smart film: one-sided and orientation-sensitive

Adhesive smart film is inherently directional: one side has the adhesive meant to bond to glass, while the opposite is the viewing surface. In standard rectangular panels, this poses little challenge. But when the panel shape is a trapezoid or triangle, orientation becomes a critical factor. If the film is flipped or rotated, the adhesive will face the wrong side, or the wiring may end up on an inaccessible edge.

In these cases, the only solution is to cut and produce the film again—resulting in lost time, material, and project delays. That's why precision in shape direction and labeling during production is absolutely essential when dealing with asymmetrical designs.

Smart glass: symmetrical and installer-friendly

Smart glass is constructed by laminating the PDLC layer between two identical sheets of glass, creating a symmetrical structure. This simplifies handling of asymmetrical shapes such as triangles or trapezoids, as the panel can usually be rotated or flipped during installation without compromising performance.

Because there's no adhesive side to worry about and both glass panes are identical in dimension, smart glass allows greater flexibility. However, careful planning is still required to position busbars and wiring so they align with power supply points and remain visually discreet.

IGUs with smart film: high performance, high precision

Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) that incorporate PDLC film present a more complex scenario. In addition to the smart layer, IGUs often include Low-E coatings that must face a specific direction (typically inward or outward, depending on application). The orientation of these coatings directly affects solar control and thermal insulation performance.

If an IGU is installed with the Low-E layer facing the wrong direction, its thermal properties are significantly reduced. Adding smart film inside the IGU introduces additional orientation constraints. A reversed or rotated panel may not only reduce performance but also cause wiring misalignment or internal fogging.

In most such cases, the entire IGU must be remanufactured—making attention to direction, templating, and labeling even more critical than with other PDLC formats.

Best practices for non-symmetrical smart panels

Working with irregular shapes requires accuracy and planning from design through installation. The most important first step is using detailed CAD drawings or physical templates to ensure proper dimensions and angles. Even a small error in orientation can prevent the product from fitting or functioning correctly.

Labeling is especially important with adhesive film and IGUs. Every panel should be marked clearly with “top,” “bottom,” and “viewing side” indicators. This eliminates confusion during installation, especially when shapes can appear similar in reverse.

Although busbar placement isn’t symmetry-dependent, its position must be considered in relation to shape direction, panel access, and electrical routing. For aesthetic reasons, the busbar is often placed on the longest edge or the bottom of the panel to remain hidden from view.

Proper edge sealing is also critical, especially for IGUs. A symmetrical shapes may place uneven stress on the seal, so high-performance materials and precision application are essential for moisture protection and long-term durability.

Case Study: Custom Smart Film in a Home Bathroom

One of the most elegant examples of PDLC in a non-symmetrical application comes from a private residence. The homeowner wanted to preserve the open feel of a modern bathroom that featured a large trapezoid-shaped window positioned above a freestanding bathtub. While the shape followed the slope of the roofline beautifully, it posed a significant privacy challenge.

Traditional curtains or blinds wouldn’t suit the design—and would be difficult to install given the shape and the room's high humidity. Instead, the homeowner chose to use SFI’s adhesive smart film.

Because the panel was asymmetrical, it had to be cut precisely to fit the unique window geometry. Even more importantly, the film had to be installed in the exact orientation for the adhesive side and busbar to align with the glass surface and power supply.

Had the installer rotated or mirrored the panel—even by mistake—the adhesive would face the wrong side, and the film would be unusable. Thanks to proper templating and factory-side labeling, the installation went smoothly.

Today, the window turns opaque at the press of a switch, offering complete privacy during showers while remaining clear and open the rest of the day. The result is both functional and visually striking—achieving privacy without compromise.

Benefits of Proper Orientation and Planning

Save cost

Smart film and smart glass are premium products. Unlike standard glazing—which is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace—PDLC products are more costly and custom-made. One orientation mistake can result in total loss of the panel. Precision saves money.

Avoid replacement and long lead times

When regular glass is broken, it’s often replaced within a day or two. With smart products—especially custom shapes or IGUs—replacement can take weeks. Avoiding orientation errors helps keep the project on track and avoids frustrating delays.

Prevent embarrassment with the client

Mistakes during installation—especially with visible technology like smart glass—can seriously damage client trust. A wrong-facing film or misaligned panel doesn’t just look bad; it reflects poorly on the whole team. Planning orientation carefully avoids that problem.

Protect your reputation

Getting it right the first time builds a reputation for professionalism. Clients remember smooth installs, not excuses. With smart products, attention to direction and detail isn’t optional—it’s your signature of quality.

Summary

Smart film and smart glass provide exceptional benefits for privacy, daylight control, and aesthetics. But when used in non-symmetrical shapes like triangles or trapezoids, the importance of orientation cannot be overstated.

Adhesive smart films require careful alignment of the adhesive side and busbar. IGUs depend on correct positioning of both smart layers and Low-E coatings to ensure performance. A mistake in direction typically means starting over—with associated cost and time penalties.

With Smart Films International’s templating support, clear labeling, and production precision, even the most complex shapes can be handled with confidence. The result is a stunning, efficient, and fully customized solution that meets the highest standards in both function and design.

FAQ

• Can smart film be used on triangle or trapezoid windows?

  Yes. Smart Films custom-cuts adhesive films and glass panels to fit irregular shapes. Orientation must be carefully followed during production and installation.

  
  

• Could adhesive smart film be installed backwards?

  Not really... :)

  
  

• Does smart glass require directional alignment?

  No. Because smart glass is symmetrical (glass-film-glass), it can be rotated or flipped without affecting performance—although busbar location still matters.

  
  

• Why is orientation so important in IGUs?

  IGUs include Low-E coatings that face outside and internal PDLC layer that must face inside. If reversed, thermal and privacy performance are reduced or lost.

  
  

• What is the biggest risk with non-symmetrical shapes?

  Direction mistakes. A rotated or flipped piece may not fit or function correctly, especially with adhesive film or IGUs. This usually requires complete re-manufacture.

  
  

• How can I avoid these mistakes?

  Pay close attention, asking installers to verify what side they install and after that have another double check.