Does Privacy Smart Glass offer better acoustics?

Yes it does!

Does it block UV radiation?

Almost all types of Smart films block more than 99% of UV and this is thanks to the PET ITO characteristics.

What is the watt consumption of the glass?

PDLC Power Consumption doesn't behave in linear way. In general, there is a linear pattern of power consumption up to about 2 sqm, which is about 0.3A at 110v per sqm, so it will take about 6 watts per hour at 2 sqm, thereby making it about 3 w/sqm When the size grows beyond 3 sqm, the power consumption increases in a non-linear fashion, so it may absorb more than 10 watts.

Can Smart Glass block outside noise?

SFI Glass is an effective sound control product. Since it is triplex glass, usually 5+5 mm it is truly considered as acoustic barrier.

Do you provide Smart Glass?

Yes! SFI also offers Smart Glass ready for installation.

What is the format of your products?

We offer Smart Film in the following formats: Roll format, one roll can be any length (our standard is 20 meter) Cut to size with wires per customer drawing.

What is the glass shelf life?

Our Smart Film based products are as follows: Laminators or glass processors Smart Film - extra clear white, dark grey Installers Smart Glass Extra Clear – very transparent super clear glass Self-Adhesive film to stick on existing glass

Why aren't other companies engaged in NCAP development and production?

The NCAP is protected by trade secrets, know-how as well as patents compared with the PDLC which is basically a public knowledge.

How does Smart Film work?

While “Off State” when no electrical power is applied on the smart film the light is scattered and the film looks 'milky'. While “On State” the light is transmitted directly and the film is transparent like a regular glass.

What is the different between 'Smart Film', 'Switchable Film' or 'Privacy Film'?

All expressions above are referring to PDLC.
There are several sub-technologies and techniques related to manufacturing of PDLC film.
Our Smart film is based on NCAP PDLC which leads to the highest quality and reliable film. NCAP - refers to Nematic Curvilinear Aligned Phase, known also as NCAP or Micro Emulsion EM method
PDLC - Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal known also as PDLC or Phase Separation method.

What is the usual Smart Glass thickness?

Smart Film is laminated between 2 glasses.
Each glass can be 3,4,5,6,7 mm. The inter-layer thickness is 2 mm.

Can we use tempered glass to laminate Smart Films?

Basically, it is possible to laminate Smart Films between two tempered glasses. We do not recommend to use tempered glasses but to use float glass for the following reasons: De-lamination. Tempered glass isn’t very flat compared with float glass. Unevenness. As tempered glass isn’t flat compared with float glass, the LC white appearance (off-state) is irregular. The glass size changes bigger. This matters also expand during time.

Can SFI’s Smart Films be laminated with a variety of glass types?

Yes, such as Toughen, Low E, Mirrored, Fire rated, etc.

What type of silicone can be used with Smart Film?

Use only Neutral Silicone Sealant. Do not use Acetic Silicone. Just because Silicone is neutral cure it does not mean it is proper for PDLC Glass. It depends on what Silicone neutral cure is made out of. If it is alkoxy group material it is most likely to be incompatible. For Examples, Dow Corning 799, 995, 795, 791 or 1199 Neutral Sealant is a good for PDLC Glass.

What is the recommended way to laminate Smart Films? EVA? PVB?

Glass laminators who plan to do glass lamination offer feel confused about the difference between PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) and EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) glue film.

The machine type and process for laminate PVB and EVA are not the same.

Different types of glue film has different kinds of properties when it comes to adhesion level achieved during processing. Standards define the level of safety performance required for each use case from the final laminate.

PVB Advantages compare with EVA:

• Strong impact resistance

• Sound insulation

EVA Advantages compare with PVB:

• Better adhesion with other insert (PET, Paper, Fabric)

• Excellent moisture resistance (could be open edge installation)

• Easy storing conditions

EVA film is the proper film rather than PVB when laminate the PDLC smart switchable glass. Since the PDLC film could not surfer higher temperature and pressure during lamination, smart glass production using EVA film can help prolong the guarantee life time of smart glass.

What is the right way to cut a film?

The right way to cut a film is to use a trimmer or Laser machine. If you do not have one, use a scissors. A utility knife is not good to cut film since it cause problems in the edges that may cause a short circuit.

What is the electrode style and your recommended ratio?

Single Side Electrodes is our standard style, and the maximum rate we recommend for this style is 7. When the rate is over 7, we adopt Opposite Double Side Electrodes. To view a scheme, click here

Are there any limitations or recommendations regarding the location and length of the conductive layer applied to the Smart Film?

Actually there is no one rule, it changes from one shape to another, also dependent on the type of Smart Film, high voltage/low voltage. It is recommended to consult with SFI technical support before applying the conductive layer in order to verify that the configuration fits the size, shape and type of Smart Film.

Does SFI provide training for processing Smart Film?

Yes, we do have a training program. SFI provides to its customers training on site at customer facility. Training will cover all you need to know for processing Smart Film, from unloading the roll from its package through cutting, conductive exposures, applying conductive layer, attachment of buss bars, powering and testing, laminating and more.

Does SFI provide training for processing Smart Film?

Absolutely, processing a Smart film requires experience and know-how as well as adequate tools and equipment for processing Smart Film, preparing it for glass lamination. Processing Smart Film without proper training and tools is not recommended and most probably will damage the Smart Film. Please note that some of the damages may not appear immediately but over time. For avoiding inconvenience and unnecessary costs please make sure you have the proper knowledge and tools for processing Smart film beforehand. For more information, please contact us.

Can the glass be exposed to sun?

Our Adhesive Film could be exposed to sun since it has an extra UV block layer. It could be then installed either internally or facade.

Why need silicone to stick the film over the glass?

It is common practice to use neutral silicone to stick the film edge to the glass. This way it avoids film peel off the glass.

What is a weight of a glass ?

As an estimation, we can say that each 1x1 sqm x 1mm thickness is 2.5kg. Example: 5 sqm glass, 5+5 will weight: 5 x 10 x 2.5 = 125kg

What electricity protection the Power Supply has?

To avoid an accident by over-current, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor is mounted in the power unit. When the PTC thermistor is heated by the over-current, the current is limited by the thermistor. After that, if the current decreases to normal condition and temperature of thermistor drops to RT, the thermistor recovers to normal condition.

Do we need transformer?

The NCAP smart films are targeted for 100/110 volt AC. There are films in the market target 60 volt AC. These are used a common PDLC technique not NCAP. Our Transformer supports as follows:

• It is acceptable to work in any glass shape. For example, a PS that covers 2.5 sqm will work no matter if using film by 0.5 x 5 or 2.5 x 1.
• Over-current protective device (fuse) is included in each Power Supply.
• CE/UL
• Support different size (5, 10 or 20 sqm)
• Enable using remote switch control

Is there a MOQ (Minimum of Quantity)?

No MOQ

What is the usual carton size?

When sending film roll, each roll is approximately 20m length. Example, one carton box contains 2 rolls. A box with 2 rolls, size and weight:
L x W x H - 45 X 45 X 120cm
Gross weight 40KG In general, each 1x1 meter of 1 mm thickness weigh 2.5 kg. For example: Smart glass 2x1 meter, 5+5 mm, weight 50 kg.

What is SFI's product lead time?

Our lead time for for smart film roll or cut to size is 3 days + shipment. For glass it is 10 days + shipment.