Smart glass
Smart glass switches from clear to frosted at the touch of a button, giving instant privacy for meeting rooms, bathrooms, clinics and homes.
What is smart glass?
Smart glass, also called switchable or privacy glass, is a laminated glass with a liquid crystal (PDLC) film inside. With the power off, the crystals scatter light and the glass looks frosted. Switch it on and the crystals line up, making the glass clear in an instant.
Smart glass gives you the openness of clear glass most of the time and privacy only when you need it. It is popular for meeting rooms, executive offices, hospital and clinic rooms, bathrooms and en-suites, and shop windows.
Because smart glass is laminated, it is also a safety glass. It can be used in office glass partitions, doors and windows, and it can double as a projection screen when frosted. Wikipedia has a good overview of smart glass technologies.
Smart glass specification
- Laminated PDLC switchable glass
- Clear when on, frosted when off
- Wall switch, remote or smart home control
- Can be toughened laminated
- Suitable for partitions, doors and windows
How we supply smart glass
- Plan the wiring. Smart glass needs a power supply and a transformer, so cable routes are planned early.
- Measure. Panels are made to exact size with a connection point agreed in advance.
- Manufacture. The switchable film is laminated between the glass panes.
- Install and connect. The glass is installed and connected by a qualified electrician.
Choosing smart glass
Smart glass is best where you need privacy some of the time, not all the time. If a room always needs privacy, frosted glass is a simpler, lower-cost choice.
Plan smart glass early in a project so cables can be hidden in frames or channels. Panels cannot be cut on site, so measurements must be final.
Typical uses for smart glass
- Meeting rooms and boardrooms
- Bathrooms and en-suites
- Hospital and clinic rooms
- Shop windows and displays
- Projection screens
Smart glass FAQs
How does smart glass work?
A liquid crystal film between two panes scatters light when off, making the glass frosted, and aligns when powered, making it clear.
Does smart glass use a lot of electricity?
No. Smart glass uses only a small amount of power when switched on.
Is smart glass private when frosted?
Yes, it gives privacy similar to frosted glass when switched off.
Can smart glass be cut to size on site?
No. It is made to exact size with the electrical connection built in.