No, the internal PDLC layer is plastic and does not conduct electricity, since it is electrically insulated. Rather, it behaves more like a capacitor, where the applied signal alternates between positive and negative voltages at the plates of the capacitor, causing an alternating electric field throughout the PDLC dielectric, which is what aligns the liquid crystals with the frequency of the signal (normally 50 Hz or 60 Hz).
Smart glass/film is a switchable light control glass that turns a transparent glass to opaque instantaneously and vice versa.
Yes, smart glass/film is a rear projector screen with wide viewing angles. Even from the side one can enjoy clear, beautiful images and also in bright locations with high functional projectors.
Not at all; common examples of natural occurrences of liquid crystals include proteins, soaps, detergents, and even some types of clay.
A flexible polymer-based film (typically PDLC: Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) with an adhesive layer on one side. It is applied directly to existing glass surfaces like a sticker. A laminated glass unit where PDLC film is permanently sandwiched between two layers of glass using EVA or PVB interlayers under high pressure/temperature. This creates a solid, structural glazing product. • Optical Clarity: • Energy Efficiency: • Durability: • Safety: • Film: Ideal for retrofitting offices, shower doors, storefronts, or rental properties. • Glass: Suited for high-end architectural projects (facades, security rooms, partitions), automotive sunroofs, and aviation. Choose self-adhesive smart film for cost-effective, non-invasive upgrades to existing glass. Opt for smart glass in new builds or high-traffic areas demanding durability and safety. Both deliver dynamic privacy/energy savings but cater to different project scales and budgets.1. What is self-adhesive smart film and smart glass
Self-Adhesive Smart Film:
Smart Glass:
2. Installation & Application
Feature
Self-Adhesive Smart Film
Smart Glass
Installation
Peel-and-stick onto existing glass; DIY-friendly.
Requires professional glazing; replaces entire glass unit.
Best For
Retrofitting existing windows/glass partitions.
New constructions or full renovations.
Complexity
Some skill is needed:
1. How to install the film;
2. How to deal with the edge sealant;
3. How to hide the wire.
Install the glass as the normal glass except for considering how to hide the wire.
How to make smart glass?
3. Functionality & Performance
Both switch between transparent (ON) and opaque (OFF) via electricity. Smart Glass often has higher clarity due to glass encapsulation.
Identical function: Blocks ~99% UV rays and reduces heat gain.
Power consumption is low (~5W/m²/hour).
Smart Glass is more robust (scratch resistant, impact-resistant, safety-glass properties, longer life time). Film is vulnerable to peeling/scratches comparing with smart glass.
Smart glass remains secure after breaking. Film lacks structural security but can prevent glass from shattering.
4. Applications
5. Pros vs. Cons Summary
Type
✅ Pros
❌ Cons
Self-Adhesive Film
Affordable, easy install, UV/heat blocking, retrofit-friendly
Less durable, no structural safety, prone to air bubbles, Lower clarity than smart glass.
Smart Glass
Premium finish, enhanced safety/durability, seamless integration, higher clarity and performance than film.
High cost, inflexible for existing spaces, complex replacement.
Conclusion
How to make the busbars for smart film?
Tools：Dust-free cloth, Square resistance meter, Tape measure, Alcohol, Solder, Scissors, Film spliter, Copper foil, Tape, Brush, Silver paste, Marker pen, Squeegee, Electric soldering iron, Heat gun,Pins, Pliers
Step1: Film preparation.Lay the smart film on the glass table.
Step2: Mark busbars position.Measure and mark the position of the busbar according to the drawings on the side that busbar to be installed. The distance between the two busbars is 5-10cm and each busbar should be as long as possible.
Step3: Cut upper layer PET.Align the edge of the smart film with the glass, start from one end with the film splitter, and cut the upper layer of PET to the marked position.
Step4: Wipe off liquid crystal. Use a dust-free cloth dipped in alcohol to wipe off the liquid crystal exposed after cutting off the PET.
Note: Wipe gently, not only to remove all the liquid crystal , but also not to damage the conductive ITO.
Step5: Check ITO resistance. Use the square resistance meter to select at least 3 different points to measure the ITO after wiping, and the value should be less than 250 ohm, otherwise, the ITO may be damaged and thus the smart film may not work properly.
Step6: Apply tape. Stick the tape at a distance of 5-6mm from the edge of the film to cover the liquid crystal between the lower layer of ITO and the upper layer of PET, so as to prevent the silver paste from applying this gap and causing a short circuit.
Step7: Apply silver paste evenly to cleaned ITO.
Step8: Dry the silver paste with the heat gun. The heating temperature is about 70-100℃.
Step9: Tear off the tape pasted after heating.
Step10: Apply the copper foil carefully on the dried silver paste.
Step12: Cut off the excess part of the copper foil. In order to avoid the edges from lifting, the sharp corners of both the copper foil and the smart film are cut off.
Step13: Turn the smart film over and make another busbar according to the previous steps.
Step14: Pinning: use pliers to drive the pin into the connecting copper foil and smart film to make sure the copper foil stay with smart film.At least 2 pins for each busbars.
Step15: Solder the leads: Use a soldering iron to solder leads of the suitable length on the pin.
Step16: Power-on test: 1. Continuous power-on, power-off cycle 10 times; 2. Continuous power-on for 20 minutes. After test, check if there's any defect such as over heat and black spots.
Step17: Roll up the smart film for transport or storage.
If you want to get more informaion, please feel free to visit globalsmartglass.com.
https://globalsmartglass.com:Switch the smart glass,switch to a new world.
How to make smart glass?
Step1. Wash and clean the glass.
Step2. Move the glass to the cleanroom for lamination.
Step3. Check the lower glass and clean possible stains.
Step4. Lay the pre-cut EVA interlayer on the lower glass.
Step5. Lay the PDLC film with busbars onto the EVA interlayer. During the process, the lower protective liner is removed. Then remove the upper protective liner. Note: Do not leave fingerprints or stains on the PDLC film.
Step6. Carefully adjust the position of the PDLC to align with the glass.
Step7. Lay out and align the upper layer of EVA interlayer.
Step8. Check and place the upper glass, carefully adjust the position of the glass to align with the lower glass.
Step9. Check the glass carefully to remove possible dirty spots and stains inside the glass.
Step10. Cut off the EVA interlayer to align with the glass.
Step11. Fix the busbars leads with high temperature tape, and wrap the glass edge with high temperature tape.
Step12. Move the glass to the next operating table.
Step13. Wrap the whole piece of glass in PET film.
Step14. Bond the PET film with silicone sealant strips to form a vacuum bag.
Step15. Set the vacuum port.
Step16. Pump the vacuum bag. Fold and firm the sides of the vacuum bag with high temperature tape.
Step17. During the pumping process, check whether the vacuum bag is leaking. After the pumping is complete, disconnect the pumping pipe.
Step18. Move the glass to the heating platform, connect the glass vacuum port to the vacuum system of the heating oven or autoclave, transfer the glass to the heating oven or autoclave, and heat the glass.
Step19. Heating. parameter settings.
Step20. After heating, remove the glass from the heating oven or autoclave. To pack and store.
If you want to get more informaion, please feel free to visit globalsmartglass.com.
https://globalsmartglass.com:Switch the smart glass,switch to a new world.
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