How Does Switchable Smart Glass Work?

Priviglaze, a pioneer in Switchable Smart Glass and Film technology, is dedicated to enhancing the ambiance of both residential and commercial spaces with smart, innovative smart glass solutions. We strive to empower our clients with knowledge, ensuring that every decision made is informed and tailored to meet specific needs.

Here, we’ll explain exactly how our smart glass technology works.

Understanding Smart Glass Technology and Its Functionality

Smart Glass is an advanced product made from multiple layers including glass, self-adhesive layers, transparent ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) conductive film, and liquid crystal molecules. This specialised construction allows Smart Glass to offer dual functionality – transparency and opaqueness in one solution.

When activated, liquid crystal molecules align to create a clear view. Conversely, when deactivated, they scatter to obstruct visibility, ensuring privacy.

Versatile Applications of Switchable Glass

The uses of Priviglaze are vast and varied, catering to both commercial and residential needs.

Our smart glass can be seamlessly integrated into various structures such as:

Corporate Workspaces: Switchable Glass Windows can transform office spaces, offering a modern and sophisticated look.

Partitions: Ideal for both home and office, our privacy-on-demand glass lends a cozy atmosphere to any setting.

Roofs and Doors: Priviglaze skylights provide an elegant solution for homes, replacing traditional curtains and blinds with natural light and privacy.

Showers and Swimming Pools: Enhance your leisure areas with smart glass that offers luxury, privacy, and a vibrant aesthetic.

HD Rear Projection Screens: Turn your smart glass into a high-quality screen for movies or presentations, perfect for both home entertainment and professional displays.

How Does Switchable Privacy Glass Work?

In simple terms, liquid crystal molecules are filled inside a structure and surrounded by electro-conductive foil. The foil is then suspended between two thin glass panes. The glass pane controls how the crystal molecules are arranged inside the glass structure. The molecules are set in a way that they will either allow light to pass through or not.

When the glass is frosted, you cannot see through it. You may be able to see shadows when the items or people come close by. As part of the material makeup, there is always a haze associated with switchable glass. This reduces its normal transparency by 8-10%. However, this percentage can be reduced further by the type of room lighting used. LED ambient lighting is the best and we are happy to advise further on this.

Made in the UK, Priviglaze smart glass is a product of advanced PDLC glass technology and is crafted under the supervision of highly qualified technicians. Installation is a specialised process, conducted by technicians who are experts in smart film technology, ensuring flawless integration.

Take a look at our FAQs for more information about how the smart glass works.

How is Smart Glass Controlled?

Priviglaze supplies a power control unit with a robust remote control for your installation, as well as through a standard light switch. It uses 6w per square metre; 10 sqm would be the equivalent of a 100w light bulb. We estimate that this would cost about £10 a year to run.

Priviglaze Smart Glass functions can also be controlled through touch or voice activation, using a panel on the wall, mobile app as well as Amazon’s Alexa. Smart glass needs to run off a low voltage power supply and supports sustainable living in many ways. It can also be integrated into home automation systems such as LT Smart®, Crestron, Lutron and Control4.

For more information about how smart technology is controlled, take a look at these videos below.

Why Choose Priviglaze?

Priviglaze is a leading manufacturer of Smart Glass & Smart Home Solutions.

• Enable privacy on-demand at the touch of a button.
• Our switchable glass is made in the UK.
• It is laminated and toughened, offering safety and security that conform to British Kitemark Standards.
• Our retrofit smart film option can be applied to existing glass partitions.
• Both solutions will significantly improve and enhance the efficiency of your business by making collaborative workspaces unique, productive and aesthetically pleasing.
• Get in touch below for a free consultation.