Smart glass is dynamic, allowing a traditionally static material to become alive and multifunctional. This technology allows for the control of various forms of light including visible light, UV, and IR. Smart privacy glass products are based on technologies that allow transparent materials (like glass or polycarbonate) to switch, on demand, from clear to shaded or completely opaque.
The smart switchable glass technology can be integrated into windows, partitions and other transparent surfaces in various sectors, including architecture, interior design, automotive, smart retail windows, and consumer electronics.
There are two primary types of smart glass: active and passive.
These are defined by whether or not their changeability requires an electrical charge. If so, it’s categorized as active. If not, it’s categorized as passive.
The term smart glass mainly refers to active technologies in which privacy glass films and coatings, activated by an electrical charge, change the appearance and functionality of the glass.
Types of active switchable glass technologies and their common applications include:
• Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) glass, eg: typically seen in privacy partitions in various industries
• Suspended Particle Device (SPD) glass, eg: windows that tint to shade as seen in automotive and buildings
• Electrochromic (EC) glass, eg: coated windows that slowly tint for shading
The following are the two passive smart glass technologies and common applications for each:
• Photochromic glass, eg: eyeglasses with coatings that automatically tint in sunlight.
• Thermochromic glass, eg: coated windows that change in response to temperature.
Synonyms for smart glass include:
LCG® – light control glass | Electric Switchable glass | Smart tint | Tintable glass | Smart Privacy glass | Dynamic glass
The technologies that allow you to instantly switch surfaces from transparent to opaque are the ones referred to as Privacy Smart Glass. They are particularly popular for glass-walled or partitioned conference rooms in agile workspaces based on open floor plans, or in hotel guestrooms where space is limited and traditional curtains ruin design aesthetics.
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