Yes, smart glass/film is a safety glass. Being laminated, it prevents scattering of glass fragments in case of breakage.
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
Yes, smart glass/film can be regulated to slowly transform from opaque to transparent or vice versa. A transformer with dimmer function is needed.
Enhanced security (since the glass is shatter-proof thanks to the internal plastic lamination)
Privacy (thanks to the scattering of light, essentially hiding whatever is behind the smart glass)
Glare reduction (again thanks to the scattering effect)
Reduction of the carbon footprint of the building thanks to the solar control, which reduces HVAC needs, both in summer and in winter
Reduced colour fading of interior furnishings and artworks, thanks to the rejection of UV
Creative marketing, since when the PDLC smart glass is off, the scattering effect creates a screen upon which you can project images.
When not connected to a voltage, typically the transmittance can be as low as 2%. When connected to a voltage, it can be up to 80%, but this maximum value varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Yes, smart glass/film is a safety glass. Being laminated, it prevents scattering of glass fragments in case of breakage.
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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