A liquid crystal is a hybrid between (i) a liquid which flows like a fluid and (ii) a crystal which is normally found as a solid, exhibiting short- or long-range symmetry.
The liquid crystals change their refractive index in relation to the isotropically transparent polymer in which they are immersed, thereby creating multiple step boundaries throughout the PDLC.
It is this change in refractive index at each boundary which causes light to change course. Since the PDLC material contains millions of liquid crystals, each with a boundary facing a slightly different way, the light is scattered in many directions.
The net effect is to hide whatever is behind the PDLC smart glass.
Switchable Toughened Glass
Switchable Laminated Glass
Switchable Double-Glazing
Switchable Window Film
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
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.
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.
Yes, smart glass/film is available in all irregular shapes as you want, including curved glass.
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