Switchable Smart Glass or Smart Film, Which One is better?
Choosing between smart tint (switchable film) and smart glass is a real struggle. You visit a smart glass website where customer testimonials clearly illustrate that nothing can replace switchable film, highlighting that it’s inexpensive and effortlessly operable. Upon listening to personal feedback from your friend, who says that in contrast to smart tint, smart glass is much more durable and lasts for years, your focus diverts. This scenario propels you into deep bewilderment; your brain cells wander in uncertainty, looking for something that satisfies you. It’s not astonishing.
Whether you are an architect, interior designer, construction expert, or a homeowner looking for smart solutions, you frequently experience such a state of indecisiveness. Switchable glass and film have their pros and cons, however, choosing the right product is subject to your specific needs and desires.
We’ll help you figure out what best suits your requirements and how we always provide you with the ideal product you need.
Diversity among Smart Glass Products.
Switchable glass technology has revolutionized the conventional glass canvas, surprising people with endless shades in which glass can be modified. Switchable glass products come in various kinds to fulfill your desire for privacy without sacrificing natural light.
If you want to turn your already-glazed glass window frosted instantly, you need a switchable film that can be applied to its interior, rendering privacy in a second. Switchable glass, on the other hand, is a ready-to-glaze product, that can be used in windows, doors, and ceilings to create an intimate environment. These products contain liquid crystal film, wherein switching between opaque and transparent is the function of electric current.
Smart glass that does not require electricity but rather responds to other stimuli such as heat and light is also available to meet your expectations. Thermochromic glass turns hazy when exposed to warmer temperatures exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, while photochromic glass exhibits a continuous transparency spectrum that changes with the light intensity.
It is to be noted that PDLC smart glass is widely used nowadays as it does not require fixed climatic conditions to function.
Merits and Demerits
Switchable Film.
Switchable film, also known as smart tint, is a self-adhesive PDLC film specifically used to make traditional glass switchable. It is a budget-friendly solution to your privacy problems, costing between $20 and $ 40 US dollars. Its easy installation and simple operation via remote control make it a DIY product. Like switchable glass, PDLC film offers instant privacy and saves most of your energy.
Besides the potential benefits that make smart tint stand out from smart glass, it also possesses some notable drawbacks. Manufacturers say this product lacks longevity as it deteriorates faster than switchable glass. The fact that switchable film is not sealed within glass panels makes it more prone to external factors like humidity and dust. Since the edges are a little exposed, moisture and dust begin to accumulate within, disturbing the composition of the liquid crystal mixture. The result is a significant loss in the clarity and formation of patches.
Moreover, a small bruise or cut while installing this glass film can dramatically affect its functioning. Therefore, hiring a professional to apply the film on existing glass articles is always recommended.
The self-adhesive switchable film is not as durable as switchable glass, so it is not a perfect answer to long-lasting perks.
Switchable Glass.
Laminating a piece of PDLC Switchable film between two glass sheets provides a readily available switchable glass glazing. The exorbitant nature of this innovative glass technology is what holds you back from making an investment. But the truth is that the everlasting rewards offered by this product certainly outweigh its high costs in the long run.
Unlike smart tint, switchable glass has a high life expectancy as it is sealed from the edges, and water and other impurities cannot penetrate the glass coat. This is the reason switchable glass offers much more clarity than the film. Switchable glass is water-resistant so that it can be easily installed anywhere inside or outside. Also, the fragility of smart glass is such that it cannot be shattered with minor cuts, as it’s strong enough to withstand high pressures.
These features, which are unique to switchable glass, make it durable and last for longer periods. Thus, switchable glass is a long-term cost-saving solution as it does not require day-to-day maintenance once installed.
Market Trends in Switchable Smart Film Industry.
With the growing concern for energy-efficient means of technology, the focus on smart glass and film has increased immensely. The future of this industry looks even brighter as people are actively integrating smart film into their houses to enhance privacy and sustainability.
Smart Film and Home Automation.
Nothing gets prevalent as early as an easy-to-use technology-based product and that’s true for switchable glass film. Won’t you hasten to get what is like an ordinary glass sheet but turns your windows opaque instantly, providing privacy with a single click?
Home automation refers to the integration of innovative technologies within homes to improve security, regulate energy consumption, and enhance convenience. The handiness and cost efficiency of smart film has increased its usage multiple times. From the United States to the United Kingdom, the Middle East to Europe, and the UAE to Asia, smart film is a trending product for residential and commercial settings.
Big Names in Smart Film Market.
The self-adhesive switchable film market is flourishing across the globe at a burgeoning pace. You can witness smart glass industries established in all the major countries of the world.
A major player in the smart glass market in the United Kingdom is Intelligent Glass, which manufactures and delivers top-notch smart film worldwide. The matchless quality and longevity offered by this company’s products are the reason for its continuous growth since its birth in 2007.
The world’s superpower, the USA, is also a prominent name in smart film manufacturing with Smart Tint Inc. as one of its leading industries. This is a trusted brand that has been fulfilling the needs of its customers in the construction, automotive, residential, and commercial sectors for the past two decades.
Additionally, smart film industries can also be spotted in areas like Dubai, China, Germany, and Japan.
Cost Analysis of Smart Glass with respect to its Benefits
Here we’ll try to explore the cost-benefit analysis of different types of smart glass.
Electrochromic Smart Glass.
Electrochromics require a direct current power supply to exhibit their functioning, typically between 1-5 volts. This type of smart glass takes 5-10 minutes to alter its opacity and is a good option to be considered for construction purposes. Using electrochromic smart glass not only boosts productivity and comfort but also eliminates the need for curtains and blinds.
Electrochromic glass costs as much as $1600 to $2600 US dollars for every square meter.
PDLC Switchable Glass.
Smart glass, having a liquid crystal polymer film, that responds to alternating current to become clear is known as PDLC switchable or smart glass. It consumes 5 to 10 watts per square meter to shift its transparency within seconds. It is widely used nowadays as it provides instant privacy on demand with little expenditure of energy.
A square meter of PDLC smart glass is worth $270 to $1700 US dollars approximately.
Thermochromic Smart Glass.
Thermochromic glass works on exposure to threshold temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, which turns it frosted. It does not require wiring and efficiently blocks UV and IR influx.
You can get a square meter of thermochromic glass in a price range of $500 to $1000 US dollars.
Photochromic Smart Glass.
Photochromic film or glass does not require cabling cost as it functions in response to visible light. It automatically adapts to changes in sunlight, being transparent in the morning and turning opaque in the afternoon.
Photochromic smart glass is relatively cheap and costs about $50 to $100 US dollars.
Why is Innovative Future Smart Glass Your Ultimate Solution?
We bring smart film and glass products for you that offer maximum clarity compared to other suppliers in the market. Our premium-quality PDLC film is imported from Japan, which prevents your households from harmful UV exposure while enhancing aesthetics and visual appeal.
It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for tinted windows for your living room or a smart glass partition for your office, our customizable products are what you need. We intentionally craft our smart glass to satisfy your specific desires.
Our smart film that uses imported optical polymer not only provides privacy on command but also minimizes undesirable heat gain. We are the most reliable option in the town to get high-grade switchable glass to transform your living settings into peaceful sanctuaries.
What is the right smart glass product to purchase is always a negotiable question because every project has a unique set of demands and budgets. Therefore, it’s always advisable to communicate your project details effectively to the company staff.
Smart glass prices are typically high and are not affordable for everyone. Thus, having a straightforward opinion about smart glass being always the best is not a realistic approach, to be honest. However, considering the endurance and efficiency aspect, smart glass will always lead the pack.
Is Smart Glass the best choice?
Whether you are an architect, an interior designer or a common man planning to renovate your house, the question that always crunches you is if smart glass is the best option or not. Well, if we weigh the benefits on one side with the cost on the other, the benefits certainly weigh much more. Smart glass, with its privacy settings and ease to handle, not only adds beauty to your homes and offices but also saves most of your energy. With its one time investment at the time of installation, the fruit of this innovative technology can be harvested for more than five years. Hence, smart glass is the best solution to your problems today.
People Also Ask:
Is smart film waterproof?
Smart film is not waterproof but a little bit water-resistant. Since it’s not sealed within glass sheets, water droplets can penetrate and disturb the PDLC film composition, hence affecting its working.
How long do smart film and glass last?
Smart film is not as long-lasting as smart glass because it is exposed to external impurities and deteriorates quickly. Smart glass can last for a much longer time, typically for years, as it’s highly durable.
Does smart film block visible light?
Smart film blocks a small portion of visible light in an opaque state. However, it efficiently prevents the influx of other electromagnetic radiations (UV and IR) in transparent and opaque states.
How much does a smart film cost?
For every square foot of smart film, you have to pay $20 to $40 US dollars. On the other hand, smart glass costs about $100 to $200 US dollars.
Does Innovative Future Smart Glass provide a maintenance check after initial installation?
Yes, our company provides a maintenance check every six months after initial installation.
