PrivetekTM Laminated Smart Glass Vs. Adhesive Smart film: which is best for your project?

As a Smart Glass solution provider, we explore the difference between laminated smart glass and adhesive smart film (a retrofit solution) to help you decide the best choice for your project. Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) smart glass technology is used two ways: by laminating PDLC smart glass films between two glass planes or by retrofitting adhesive PDLC smart film to existing glass partitions.

Privetek LaminatedTM SMART GLASS is produced by sealing a sheet of PDLC between two glass lites. This process ensured that your liquid crystal interlayer or PDLC is totally secured from humidity, moisture, environmental disintegration and is a durable solution with longer life cycles. This tempering and laminating process is done in our 30,000 square feet, state of art manufacturing facility in Mumbai. After supply, the electrician connects the laminated smart glass to the power source. Here, you can clean and sterilise it just like regular glass, using standard glass care products on both surfaces. On the other hand, adhesive smart films or retrofit films have a sticky side that must be stuck onto the glass. The other side is scratch resistance for additional protection. This glass must be wiped using a plain dry microfiber cloth only. Moving of equipments around this retrofit film, exposure to moisture or chemicals must be avoided to secure the film from reacting to elements.

liquid crystal (PDLC) smart glass

Smart glass technology involves using switchable film or switchable smart glass to provide privacy and control the amount of light to pass through the glass. This film technology is ideal for conference rooms and other transparent surfaces where controlling the amount of light and privacy is essential. The amount of light can be adjusted, making these technologies versatile and adaptable to various environments.

Switchable glass often incorporates liquid crystal or polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technologies to achieve its effects. When an electric current is applied, the laminated glass containing these crystals changes its opacity, allowing users to switch between clear and opaque states. This flexibility is what makes smart glass technology a popular choice for modern architectural designs and innovative privacy solutions.

Both options offer several advantages over regular glass, such as higher return on investment, temperature control, complete privacy, space optimisation, low maintenance, access to spatial control and natural light, minimum energy consumption, suitable for outdoor and indoor applications and available in C2F or rolls and compatibility with annealed, low-iron, clear and tempered glass.

Electronically controlled switchable glass also called privacy glass or smart glass is glass that turns transparent or opaque depending on how much light passes through its wavelengths. It is suitable for new renovation and construction projects for longevity, especially in high-traffic and humid areas.

Adhesive smart films are an economical alternative to laminated smart glass, which can turn transparent or opaque according to the button pressed. It is more suitable for renovation projects that don’t require the glass to be removed.

Laminated Smart Glass Vs. Adhesive Smart film

Laminated Smart Glasses have longer life cycles and a solid Privetek backed warranty of 5 years due to the inherent advantage of the PDLC being laminated and sealed from the environment.

Retrofit adhesive smart films have a warranty of 2 years subject to basic maintenance procedures being followed.

Privetek LaminatedTM has been delivering Smart Glass Solutions for large and small projects for more than 10 years in India, Dubai and Middle East. Unparalleled experience, world class quality and a specialist team for full technical assistance from concept to installation – all ensure you get the exact solution you need.

Also Read: Electric Smart Films Vs Smart Laminated Glass

Smart glass installation