Smart Film vs. Smart Glass
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Before starting your project, one crucial decision to make is whether to choose smart film or smart glass. Below are the main features of these technologies to help guide your research.
Smart film, also known as retrofit film, uses PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) technology and is designed to be applied to existing windows, converting them into smart glass without needing to replace the glass itself. This makes smart film an ideal solution for projects where replacing glass is not feasible or when the glass needs to be thinner than a double pane. It is a cost-effective option for retrofitting existing glass and is easy to apply to current glass surfaces, making it suitable for temporary projects and renovations. Additionally, smart film comes with scratch-proof protective coatings for durability. However, it is not as durable as laminated smart glass and requires specific cleaning protocols to be confirmed with the manufacturer. Furthermore, because the film is exposed, it offers limited protection from both sides.
Laminated smart glass is produced by sealing a sheet of PDLC film between two panes of glass, resulting in a durable and long-lasting product. This type of smart glass is installed by a glazier and connected to a power source by an electrician, making it best suited for new constructions or major renovations where replacing glass is part of the
project. Laminated smart glass is highly durable since the film is protected from the elements and is easy to clean and maintain. It is suitable for humid and high-traffic areas and is available in various sizes, grades, and custom patterns. However, it comes with a higher cost due to the need for new glass installation, takes longer to install compared to smart film, and requires professional installation by certified specialists.
Switchable PDLC glass is a high-end glass that costs several times more than ordinary glass. Improper installation or use may cause irreversible damage. So, what are the situations that can cause damage to PDLC glass? And how can these situations be avoided?
Sparking of PDLC glass refers to the instantaneous appearance of sparks in certain areas of the PDLC film and the formation of irregular black spots.
Burn spot(Glass power off) Burn spot(Glass power on)The only reason for sparking is that the voltage is too high. As we know, PDLC glass requires a special transformer to convert the 220/110V voltage into a operating voltage of 60V or 48V. For example, if the working voltage of the PDLC glass is 60V, the transparency of the glass will decrease if the voltage is lower than 60V, and the transparency of the glass will no longer increase if the voltage is higher than 60V. When the voltage rises to a certain level, sparking will occur, and the voltage at which sparking occurs depends on the situation. When using PDLC glass, a special and stable transformer must be connected first, and do not directly connect to the 220/110V or reverse the transformer. Especially in reverse, the voltage will be even higher, causing more and larger sparking points.
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The PDLC glass/film slowly turns black, mainly because the wrong power supply voltage was used.
PDLC film turns black color, comparing to the white color sampleThe working voltage of the PDLC glass is 60V AC of alternating current. If it is used as direct current instead of alternating current, it will cause the PDLC glass to slowly turn black until it can no longer work, resulting in damage to the dimming product.
Delamination refers to the appearance of jagged milky white areas on the PDLC film at the edge of the switchable PDLC glass, which can only be seen when the glass is in a transparent state.
Delamination is generally caused by the use of corrosive glass glue for sealing the edge of the switchable PDLC glass. Even neutral glass glue may corrode the dimming film. Therefore, when sealing the edge of the PDLC glass, it is necessary to use the special glass glue approved by the manufacturer. Do not use other glass glues instead because of the lack of special glass glue, otherwise the glue opening may occur after a period of time. If the PDLC glass shows delamination after two or three years of use, it is mostly because the product quality is not good enough. High-quality PDLC glass will not have glue opening problems.
Shrinking is when there are transparent areas on the edges of the PDLC glass, and the liquid crystal layer in that area has oxidized or fallen off, losing its changing effect.
PDLC Glass edge shrinking and become transparentEdge shrinkage may be caused by improper cutting of the PDLC film, poor control of the laminating process, or vibration during glass handling. It may not be noticeable upon leaving the factory and may only become apparent after some time of use. Additionally, shrinking is more likely to occur in PDLC glass produced using high-pressure autoclaves.
These are the four common situations that can lead to damage to PDLC glass. If there is a spark and turns black color, the entire piece of PDLC glass cannot be used. However, if there is delamination or shrinking, only certain areas are affected, and it can still be used, but the aesthetics are greatly reduced.
In any case, we don&#;t want to see these problems appear. To avoid these common mistakes, suppliers have a responsibility to inform buyers on how to install and use the product properly, and users should follow the specifications when operating it. If there are any uncertainties, ask the supplier directly.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of laminated glass or tempered glass. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.