FAQ: Smart Glass

What is Smart Glass?

Smart Glass is defined as glass that changes transparency and opacity in response to external stimuli, such as electricity or heat. Smart Glass is currently used to control various types of light in the architectural, automotive, interior, and product design industries.

What are other names for Smart Glass?

Synonyms for Smart Glass include:

LCG® – Light Control Glass
Switchable Glass
Switchable Film
Smart Film
Smart Tint
Tintable Glass
Privacy Glass
Dynamic Glass
Electric Frosting Glass
Electric Opaque Glass

How does Smart Glass work?

Smart Glass technology uses electricity to control various forms of light (visible, IR, UV). When the power is off, molecules are randomly scattered making the glass opaque. When switched on, the molecules align making the glass transparent.

What does LCG® stand for?

In the context of glass, LCG® stands for light control glass. LCG® technology developed by Gauzy allows glass to change from transparent to varying degrees of opaque.

Can you make existing glass Smart Glass?

Yes! Existing glass can become Smart Glass by applying switchable films to the glass. Gauzy offers retrofit films available with both a dry or a wet adhesive for easy installation by professionals on any glass.

Windows
Doors
Digital signage
Skylights
Interior privacy partitions
Cars, trains and aeronautics
TV Studios
Ultrasound rooms
Galleries, where art can be damaged by sun exposure

What can Smart Glass be used for?

Smart Glass can be used to create privacy or an open atmosphere when applied to the following:

Windows
Doors
Digital signage
Skylights
Interior privacy partitions
Cars, trains, boats and planes
TV Studios
Ultrasound rooms
Galleries, where art can be damaged by sun exposure

What is soundproof Smart Glass made out of?

Soundproof glass is made of laminated glass. Smart Glass is also laminated, so when applied to an insulating glass unit (IGU) with an air gap in between, the result is Soundproof Smart Glass. Factors including the thickness and air space between the glass determine how soundproof the glass will be.

What is Smart Glass technology?

In its simplest definition, Smart Glass technology alters the amount of light transmitted through typically transparent materials, allowing these materials to appear as transparent, translucent, or opaque. Smart Glass technology includes PDLC and SPD.

What are the types of Smart Glass?

There are two primary types of Smart Glass in the market:

Active – active Smart Glass requires an electrical charge to work. Examples include Suspended Particle Device (SPD), Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) & Electrochromic (EC).
Passive – passive Smart Glass doesn’t require an electrical charge to work. Examples include thermochromic and photochromic.

What is PDLC glass?

Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) is a type of active Smart Glass technology that allows glass to change from transparent to opaque on demand.

What is SPD glass?

SPD stands for Suspended Particle Device. It’s a type of active Smart Glass technology that allows glass to change from transparent to opaque on demand.

What is the difference between PDLC, SPD and EC (electrochromic)?

Type	Difference
PDLC (Indoor)	Offers privacy without blocking light. Transitions quickly
PDLC (outdoor)	Special solar variations can control IR (heat) which can enter from sunlight, without blocking light Transitions quickly improves energy ratings for green buildings
SPD	SPD blocks up to 99%, tinting windows to create a shaded space or allowing light in when transparent. Transitions quickly
EC	Blocks light Transitions slowly

How is Smart Glass controlled?

Smart Glass technologies use either transformers or controllers to manage power. Gauzy Smart Glass utilizes patented controllers that can maintain a continuous charge. Transformers have to be turned off for part of the day.

What is the difference between Smart Glass and Switchable Film?

Smart Glass and Switchable Film are generally interchangeable terms for the same product. The PDLC or SPD technology is coated between two sheets of PET to create a switchable film that is laminated into, or applied onto, glass creating Smart Glass. Therefore, Switchable Film is used to create a Smart Glass product.

What is the difference between retrofit and laminated Smart Glass?

Smart Glass films can either be laminated into new glass or retrofitted onto existing glass:

Laminated film is sealed between two pieces of new glass with PVB, EVA, or UA adhesive interlayers — forming one piece of glass
Retrofit film can be adhered to the surface of existing glass with either wet or dry adhesive.

How do I specify Smart Glass products into a project?

Preparing Smart Glass product specifications for architectural plans is a three-step process, involving investigation, research and selection of available products along with choice of supplier. Download Gauzy’s LCG Smart Glass CSI for more information.

Is Smart Glass used for interior or exterior applications?

Both! Gauzy’s Switchable Smart Glass can be used for interior partitions, exterior facades and automotive glazing.

What is a Smart Glass partition?

Interior partitions in offices, hotels or residential buildings with Switchable Glass technology are considered Smart Glass partitions. These allow privacy or an open atmosphere on demand for user flexibility.

What industries can Smart Glass be used in?

Gauzy supplies Smart Glass to large-scale interior design and building construction projects across the healthcare, hotel, residential, office, retail and automotive industries.

What regions does Gauzy serve?

Gauzy serves regions across the globe. To find a certified Gauzy partner near you, visit our partners page.

How do I purchase Smart Glass?

Ready to upgrade your space? Contact Gauzy’s Smart Glass Experts today for a price quote.

Can you project images and videos onto Smart Glass?

Yes! Gauzy’s vizio line is optimized for rear projection. Vizio allows for HD videos and 180 degree viewing angles creating the best projection surface. Vizio is available in active (turns on and off) and passive (without switching) versions.

What type of partition can I install Smart Glass in?

Smart Glass can be installed into a wide variety of partition styles, from floor-to-ceiling and half-rise partitions. The glass is suitable for aluminum, wood, or metal frames.

What are the major smart glass cities of the US?

The smart glass market continues to grow and expand through-out the world. In the United States there are has been extensive growth in the following areas:

What is the difference between adhesive smart film and laminated smart glass?

With laminated smart glass, a sheet of PDLC or SPD film is cut and sealed between two panes of glass. It is ideal for new construction or renovation projects in which glass can be replaced. On the other hand, adhesive smart film is applied retroactively onto existing glass – making it great for existing projects.

Where are the world's most prominent smart glass markets?

Here are a number of cities around the world that are utilizing smart glass technologies.