The Truth About Smart Glass and Film

Switchable glass is the biggest innovation to come to glass technology in over a century. Both smart glass and film go from clear to frosted when powered on and off. Now, glass can be installed with built-in privacy or you can apply smart film to the surface of existing glass, transforming it into smart glass. While switchable glass technology may seem like magic and the ideal solution, there are a few things you should know before purchasing smart glass or film.

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Watch this video and keep reading to better understand how smart PDLC glass works, its limitations and the value it offers beyond privacy.

HAZE

When privacy glass is switched to clear, there can be a slight milkiness that we refer to as haze. This cannot be avoided because of the PDLC crystals that give the glass it&#;s switchable properties. These crystals act as tiny droplets that reflect the light and create some haze. Under normal lighting conditions, smart glass will look perfectly clear when powered on. Any haze will be most obvious under uneven lighting conditions and artificial light.

Fortunately, there are ways to minimize this haze. With a high quality product, this haze will barely be noticeable. Smart Glass Country&#;s products have a haze rating below 4 percent, which is the best on the market. Lower quality PDLC films may be hazier due to an uneven distribution of PDLC crystals throughout the film and cheap plastics. Any haze can be made less visible by optimizing lighting conditions.

PRICE

Smart glass and film are not as cheap as buying a standard set of curtains. Smart glass costs $80-100 dollars per square foot and smart film costs $25-40 per square foot. While you may come across some PDLC films being sold at cheap prices overseas, this is usually for a reason. Many of these films are thinner, more prone to damage and difficult to install.

If you are considering privacy glass as an option for your windows, walls or doors it is helpful to consider it&#;s overall value, as smart glass offers many other benefits in addition to providing privacy. Our smart glass is laminated and tempered, comes with built-in soundproofing and minimizes heat gain.

Here is a breakdown of how much each of these features would cost if purchased separately:

Tempered glass = 10$/sqft

Laminated glass = $15 per sqft

Smart glass blocks 99% of UV light

Cost of UV protection= $12 per sqft

Smart glass blocks 73% of Infrared light

Cost of heat gain reduction treatment= $15 per sqft

Privacy glass includes built in soundproofing

Cost of sound reduction glass=  $100 per sqft

Smart glass is as convenient as motorized blinds

Motorized blinds= $50 per sqft

It can also be used as a whiteboard or rear projection screen.

Whiteboard= $5 per sqft

Projection screen= $10 per sqft

10+15+12+15+100+50 +5+10=$217

The total value of all these features bought separately is $217 dollars per square foot.

High quality smart glass combines all these properties and costs 60 % less.

SMART FILM IS MORE PRONE TO DAMAGE

Smart film is not recommended for outdoor use, moisture prone areas and public spaces where vandalism is common. While our smart film is made with the best materials available, it still is an electric device and may become damaged if exposed to excessive moisture and should not be used outdoors. Privacy film can be used indoors in moisture prone areas and cleaned with liquids so long as the edges are covered with silicon to prevent damage.

The busbar area is the most delicate part of the film, as this is where the wires connect. If it is damaged the film will no longer switch from clear to frosted. So you should pay extra attention to this area and handle it with care.

Like any plastic, smart film can be scratched by dogs, cats or small children. If you are installing privacy film on a window or door that your pets or young children will constantly be in contact with, you will want to place a protective liner over top of the film to protect it from scratches.

We recommend purchasing smart glass for high traffic areas, public spaces and glass surfaces that are exposed to the outdoors. With smart glass, the PDLC film is sandwiched between two pieces of laminated and tempered safety glass, which protects it from damage. This is also why our warranty for our switchable glass is 3 years and our warranty for the switchable film is 1 year.

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DISCOLORATION

Some privacy films will slowly discolour as they are exposed to UV light and become yellowish. However, high quality window films will not yellow with the sun and will always look clear.

DELAMINATION

Low quality smart film can easily become delaminated. One factor that can lead to delamination is the peeling strength of the film. A high quality film will have a strong PDLC glue that keeps the layers of the film stuck together, lower quality films may have poor adhesives and peel apart- even when in storage.

Delamination can also occur during smart film installation. These common mistakes, such as trimming the film with a dull blade, can easily be avoided and we provide thorough installation instructions to ensure smart film is installed successfully.

Now you know the truth about privacy film and glass. For more information please explore our website or contact us and we will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with a free estimate.

Introduction

Smart glass, also known as switchable glass or intelligent glass, is an innovative technology that has gained popularity in recent years. It offers the ability to control the transparency of glass with the use of electricity. While smart glass brings several advantages to various industries and applications, it is important to understand its limitations and potential disadvantages. In this blog, we will explore the disadvantages of smart glass and shed light on the challenges associated with this technology.

Definition of Smart Glass

Smart glass refers to a type of glass that can change its light transmission properties, including transparency and opacity, when subjected to an electrical voltage. This technology allows users to control the amount of light, heat, and glare passing through the glass, offering privacy and energy efficiency benefits.

Overview of Smart Glass Technology

Smart glass technology utilises innovative materials and techniques to achieve its unique properties. It typically involves the integration of liquid crystal, suspended particle, or electrochromic materials into glass panels. These materials react to electrical signals, altering their alignment and changing the transparency of the glass.

Importance and Benefits of Smart Glass

Before delving into the disadvantages, it&#;s crucial to acknowledge the significance and advantages of smart glass. This technology has revolutionised multiple industries, including architecture, automotive, aviation, and healthcare. Some key benefits of smart glass include:

1. Energy efficiency and reduced HVAC costs
2. Enhanced privacy control
3. Dynamic aesthetics and design possibilities
4. UV and heat protection
5. Noise reduction
6. Natural light optimisation

Despite these benefits, smart glass is not without its drawbacks. It is essential to consider these disadvantages to make informed decisions regarding its usage and implementation.

Disadvantage 1: High Cost

The cost of smart glass is another drawback that often hinders widespread adoption. Smart glass technology is relatively expensive compared to conventional glass solutions. The manufacturing process, specialised materials, and the integration of electrical components contribute to the high cost, making it less accessible for budget-conscious projects.

Disadvantage 2: Maintenance and Repairs

Smart glass systems require regular maintenance and may involve complex repairs. The electrical components and control systems integrated into the glass panels need professional attention for troubleshooting and fixing any malfunctions. This adds to the overall cost and effort associated with smart glass installations.

Disadvantage 3: Energy Consumption

While smart glass can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing the need for artificial lighting and HVAC systems, it is important to note that the technology itself consumes electrical energy. The continuous operation of the electrical signals necessary for transparency adjustments can add to the overall energy consumption of a building or structure.

Disadvantage 4: Transition Speed

The transition speed of smart glass can be a disadvantage in certain scenarios. Some smart glass technologies may have slower transition times, which could be inconvenient for situations where immediate privacy or light control is required. Delays in transitioning can impact user experience and practicality.

Disadvantage 5: Glare and Reflection

Smart glass, particularly when in the transparent state, can create glare and reflections. These reflections can be distracting, affecting visibility and making it difficult to use devices with screens. It is crucial to consider the placement and orientation of smart glass to minimize potential glare and reflection issues.

Disadvantage 6: Limited Style Options

Compared to traditional glass, smart glass often has limited style options. The integration of electrical components and materials can restrict the variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses available. This limitation may not align with specific design requirements, posing challenges for architects and designers.

Disadvantage 7: Reliance on Technology

Smart glass heavily relies on technology, which can be a disadvantage in case of power outages or system failures. In such situations, smart glass may become non-functional, potentially compromising privacy, visual comfort, and thermal control. Backup systems or alternative solutions should be considered to mitigate these risks.

Disadvantage 8: Accessibility Concerns

Smart glass may present accessibility concerns for individuals with disabilities or impairments. The reliance on electrical controls for transparency adjustments might pose challenges for those who are unable to operate the technology independently. Ensuring inclusive design practices and considering alternative accessibility measures is important.

Disadvantage 9: Compatibility Issues

Integrating smart glass technology into existing buildings or systems can sometimes present compatibility challenges. Retrofitting smart glass solutions might require modifications to the infrastructure, control systems, and power supply. These adaptations can add complexity and cost to the implementation process.

Disadvantage 10: Durability Challenges

Smart glass faces durability challenges compared to traditional glass. The integration of electrical components and materials may affect the long-term performance and lifespan of the glass panels. Factors such as humidity, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress can impact the reliability and durability of smart glass.

Disadvantage 11: Limited Market Availability

Although smart glass technology has gained popularity in recent years, it may still have limited market availability in certain regions. Access to specialised suppliers, manufacturers, and installers might be restricted, making it challenging for businesses and individuals to acquire and implement smart glass solutions.

In conclusion, smart glass is a remarkable technology with significant advantages, but it also has its fair share of disadvantages. Understanding these limitations is crucial for making informed decisions regarding the usage and implementation of smart glass in various applications. The limited privacy, high cost, maintenance requirements, energy consumption, and other challenges associated with smart glass should be carefully considered in the planning and design stages of projects.

With advancements in technology and further research, many of these disadvantages can potentially be addressed, leading to improved smart glass solutions in the future. However, for now, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to determine the suitability of smart glass for specific needs and requirements.

Who We Are

Tecdur is the leading manufacturer of smart glass for the UK and Ireland. Tecdur Switchable Glass provides the best clarity, lowest power consumption and lowest haze currently available.  We can offer a wide range of specifications to meet project requirements with our switchable glass, cost is dependent on specification, application and design. Please get in contact with us to discuss further.

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