Smart glass is made to order. Once the panel is laminated, its size, build and interlayer are fixed. A few questions answered early save time, money and a second order.

These seven tips come from questions we hear every week from film installers, glass processors and building owners. Each one takes a minute to check before you send us a drawing for a quote.

1. Interior or Façade: Where Will the Glass Go?

PDLC smart glass was first developed for interior use, and that is still where it works best: meeting rooms, bathroom and bedroom partitions at home, hospital rooms, hotel suites and even partitions in limousines. Indoors, the glass is protected from rain, direct sun and sharp temperature swings.

Exterior glazing and façades are possible too, but the build changes. A standard two-pane laminated panel works, yet on its own it is not the best answer to outdoor heat, cold and sun. Tip 2 explains what to order instead.

2. Facing Outside? Order an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU)

For windows and façades we recommend a complete insulated glass unit (IGU). We laminate the smart film between two glass panes as usual. Then we join this laminated panel to a second glass with an air or gas gap in between. The IGU insulates against heat and cold and protects the smart film from the outdoor climate.

Tint the Outer Pane

We also recommend tinting the outer glass of the IGU to suit the direct sunlight it gets. This way you choose the visible light transmission you want. The result is climate control and privacy on demand in one unit.

Already Have Double Glazing?

Existing IGUs do not need to be replaced. Self-adhesive smart film adds privacy as a retrofit. For regular glass that needs climate control as well as privacy, we offer a self-adhesive solar control privacy film. For a full comparison, read smart glass vs double glazing.

3. Adhesive Film or Laminated Glass?

This is the first fork in every project. The answer depends on whether the glass is already in place.

• Laminated smart glass: the film is sealed between two glass panes with EVA interlayers. It is the best choice for new glass and for wet areas. It also gives the longest service life, more than 20 years.

• Adhesive smart film: applied on existing glass as a retrofit. It suits dry interiors and saves you from replacing glass that is already installed.

Water and humidity are the main reason to choose laminated glass in bathrooms and showers, as explained in effects of water and humidity on PDLC smart film. For a side-by-side comparison, see smart glass vs smart film.

4. Laminating? Use EVA, Not PVB

EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) and PVB (polyvinyl butyral) are the two common interlayers for laminated glass. PVB has long been the standard in construction and automotive glass. For PDLC smart film it is the wrong choice: PVB attacks the liquid crystal layer and damages the film, whether you laminate in a press or in a vacuum.

EVA is the interlayer we use. There are many EVA types and each one melts at a different temperature. Check that your EVA matches the lamination temperature of the laminated smart film. Our own EVA is customized for smart film lamination.

If You Must Use PVB

PVB lamination needs both pressure and heat. All four edges of the smart film must be sealed well before lamination, which adds work and risk. This is why most of our customers choose EVA. Glass processors who laminate in house start with an advantage, as explained in why glass laminators have an edge in producing smart glass.

5. Want a Sharper View? Ask for Extra Clear Film

Every PDLC film shows a light haze in the clear state. Extra clear film keeps this haze low, so the view through the glass looks closer to ordinary glass. It is the film we recommend for meeting rooms and executive offices, where people look through the glass all day.

• Clear state: visible light transmission (VLT) above 90%

• Private state: VLT below 8%

• Surface: anti-scratch coating for busy areas

• Protection: UV and IR blocking that helps protect furniture and artwork from fading and reduces heat buildup

Our extra clear adhesive smart film is proven in the field, with more than 1 million sq ft (100,000 m²) installed worldwide. See where it fits in smart glass for offices.

6. Need Quiet? Laminated Smart Glass Reduces Noise

Laminated smart glass blocks sound better than single glass because it has many layers. The smart film itself has 3 layers: two PET/ITO substrates with the liquid crystal emulsion in between. This film is laminated between two glass panes with 2 to 4 EVA interlayers. The full build has 7 to 9 layers, and the interlayers act as a noise damper that weakens sound waves as they pass through the glass.

Typical sound reduction values by glass build:

A change of about 8 to 10 dB sounds like half or double the noise to the human ear. For even better insulation, use thicker glass, panes of different thickness, a wider gap in the IGU and a well-insulated frame.

7. Bonus: Turn the Glass Into a Projection Screen

In its private state, smart glass works as a rear projection screen. Place a projector behind the glass and the frosted surface shows logos, product images or video. Switch the glass on and it is clear again.

Retail windows, showrooms, reception areas and presentation halls use it to catch attention without a permanent screen. More ideas for shops in pros and cons of smart glass for retail and custom logo smart films.

Quick Checklist Before You Order

• Interior or exterior? Exterior means an IGU.

• New glass or existing glass? New glass means laminated, existing glass means adhesive film.

• Laminating yourself? Use EVA matched to the film.

• Standard or extra clear film?

• Any sound or projection needs?

Send us your sizes and answers and we will recommend the right build. Contact us for a quote, and read our installation tips from the factory before the glass arrives.

FAQ

• Can smart glass be used for exterior windows?

  Yes. For windows that face outside we recommend an insulated glass unit (IGU): the laminated smart glass on the inside and a second glass, preferably tinted, on the outside with an air or gas gap between them.

• Is adhesive smart film or laminated smart glass better?

  Laminated smart glass is better for new glass, wet areas and the longest service life. Adhesive smart film is the right choice when the glass is already installed in a dry interior.

• Why is PVB not recommended for laminating smart film?

  PVB damages the PDLC liquid crystal layer during lamination. EVA with a melting temperature matched to the film is the safe choice.

• What is haze in smart glass?

  Haze is the light milky look that PDLC film keeps in its clear state. Extra clear film keeps haze low, with visible light transmission above 90% when switched on.

• Does smart glass reduce noise?

  Yes. Laminated smart glass has 7 to 9 layers and reaches about 36 to 38 dB (Rw). An insulated glass unit reaches about 47 dB.

• Can smart glass be used as a projection screen?

  Yes. In its private (off) state the glass works as a rear projection screen for logos, images and video.