Question 1

How does smart glass or smart film work?

Accepted Answer

PDLC smart tint or intelligent glass switches from opaque to transparent in the presence of an electric current and changes from transparent to opaque in the absence of an electric current. When current is applied, the liquid crystals between the PDLC film align in an orderly manner making it transparent. When the current is turned off, they scatter, dispersing light, thereby creating the frosted effect.

Question 2

What happens when there is a power failure?

Accepted Answer

PDLC smart tint or intelligent glass switches to opaque (its neutral state) when there is a power outage.

Question 3

How is smart glass controlled?

Accepted Answer

Smart glass can be controlled in various ways, including remote controls, wall switches, smartphones, home automation systems and voice commands.

Question 4

How much power does switchable glass consume?

Accepted Answer

Opaquing glass consumes very little electricity, an average of 4 watts per square meter.

Question 5

I already have glass installed. Do I need to replace my existing glass?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to replace your existing glass. A switchable smart film can be installed on your existing glass, transforming it into a switchable smart glass. A switchable smart film can be installed on any glass surface.

Question 6

Can Smart film be installed on an existing glass's top or bottom half?

Accepted Answer

If desired, you can install our smart switchable film on the top or bottom half of any existing glass.

Question 7

Does switchable glass or film completely block light?

Accepted Answer

No. When switched to opaque smart glass or film, allow over 70 per cent of the light through while providing privacy and cutting glare.

Question 8

Does a switchable smart glass or smart film block harmful UV rays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Smart tint blocks 99% of the harmful UV rays in both it's on and off state.

Question 9

Can smart glass and film replace curtains and blinds?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Smart glass is a sanitary alternative to curtains and blinds. It is much easier to clean and maintain than curtains and blinds.

Question 10

How clear is smart glass?

Accepted Answer

Smart tint and glass contain tiny liquid crystals that make glass go from transparent to opaque. Smart glass and film are extremely clear, but due to their composition, they are less clear than plain glass. Smart Glass Africa's switchable film has the lowest haze rating on the market at below 4 per cent and 7 to 9% off-axis haze.

Question 11

Can you project images and video onto smart glass?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When the glass is switched to opaque, it can be used as a rear projection screen. Many retail stores utilise their store glass façade as a video billboard.

Question 12

How thick is the switchable film?

Accepted Answer

Our smart switchable film is 0.38mm thick.

Question 13

Does smart film come in other colours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, privacy film comes in various colours, including grey, blue, red, green, and yellow. Please note that the glass will only switch from coloured transparent to coloured frosted, not from plain clear to coloured.

Question 14

Can smart film be installed on curved glass?

Accepted Answer

Yes, smart glass film can be installed on curved glass.

Question 15

How do I clean smart film?

Accepted Answer

Privacy film should be cleaned with a soft cloth and gentle glass cleaning solution.

Question 16

What is the lifespan of smart glass and film?

Accepted Answer

Switchable glass products can be powered on for at least 100,000 hours. This makes the average lifespan of smart glass 12-20 years.

Question 17

Do smart glass panels require any special maintenance?

Accepted Answer

As long as proper voltage is maintained, switchable glass panels do not require any special maintenance.