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Whether you want to add some privacy to a room or create a larger-than-life projection screen, smart film may be for you. This innovative product is transforming the interior design and architectural space by changing from transparent to opaque with the flick of a switch.
In the article below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about smart glass, including how it works, how it’s made, and when to use it. We’ll also provide a FAQ that answers other top questions we hear when customers call us about smart glass installation.
Smart glass film (i.e. switchable film or PDLC film or privacy film) is a laminate layer designed to be installed on pre-existing glass, plexi-glass or any hard smooth surface to alter the amount of light transmitted through it. It allows a traditionally transparent material to change between transparent, translucent, or opaque by simply turning a switch on or off.
Smart glass may sound brainy, but the idea behind it is quite simple. In the mirror and glass industry, the product is better known as switchable film or PDLC film. That’s because the product is made up of Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal, or microcrystal droplets that are trapped between sheets of polymer.
In the smart film’s inert state, the crystals refract light and cause the surface to appear frosted or opaque. Then, when you turn on a switch and AC energizes the material, those crystals polarise and let light pass through.
Homes and businesses across the country install smart film every day. Some of the most popular reasons are:
First, you must decide if you want smart glass or smart film. The cheaper and more popular option is smart film. It’s made to the exact size of your surface and it’s a simple peel and stick to install it. Lastly, the electrical diodes are connected to your AC circuit. The entire install process can take anywhere from one hour to one day.
Smart film can be used on a variety of transparent surfaces including:
While the names may seem interchangeable, there are big differences between the two products.
As the names suggest, smart glass encases a PDLC material between two panes of glass. Smart film, on the other hand, is an adhesive polymer that you can install onto any glass surface.
Know that the cost of smart glass is much higher than smart film. That’s because you must remove your old windows or partitions and install new PDLC-ready panes. Most customers choose smart film instead of glass for this very reason.
Because the liquid crystals in smart film are highly sensitive, switchable glass and film products must be made in a very clean environment.
Manufacturers set up very delicate electrical connections between the multiple layers of polymer and liquid crystal, sort of like a sandwich. Then the entire product is baked at high heat. This seals the contents together and makes sure nothing can interrupt the connection.
Because smart glass is a powered device, the expiration date hinges on the experience of your installers. Properly installed smart film should last anywhere between ten and twenty years.
Most smart glass spends approximately the same amount of energy per two meters of material as a single 40-watt bulb. To save on electricity, only power on your smart glass when you want to see through the window. When shut off, the glass will be opaque.
The price of smart glass depends on many factors, such as the size of your window or partition, the smart glass product you choose, and the company you choose to install it.
In our experience, the most affordable choice is smart film, which can be installed directly onto your existing windows.
Smart film is a great way to get the most out of your windows. It’s safe, affordable, and often enough, it uses less energy than an everyday lamp. At AMG Mirror & Glass, we’ve helped homeowners and businesses find new and creative ways to reimagine their spaces with glass technologies.
For more ideas, take a look at our services. For a free quote on smart film installation, contact us today.
B-929 Brock Rd.
Pickering, Ontario
Canada, L1W 2X9
782 McKay Rd
Pickering, ON
L1W 2Y4
905.837.2043
info@amgmirrorandglass.ca
