Transitional vs. Switchable Smart Film: What Do Your Windows Really Need?

Transitional Smart Film

Transitional Smart Film, also known as PDLC(polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) smart film, is a thin, flexible film that can switch between opaque and transparent states when an electric current is applied. The transitional film changes from a clear to darker tinted state, but only when exposed to the sun’s UV radiation.

Transitional smart film takes advantage of such materials as liquid crystals and electrochromic matters. These kinds of elements change their state provided with a current of electric charge passing through. In some terms, the transitional window film seems to be really smart since automatically it adapts to greater or smaller exposure to direct sun light. Transitional smart window film will be changing positively according to how much or how little sunlight is streaming through windows and doors; it renders intense levels of sun control with exacting, consistent clarity when required. CoolVu Window Film is a transitional smart film that efficiently filters solar energy. It blocks 99% of UV rays from the sun and reduces over 80% of infrared heat passing through the glass.

How Transitional Smart Film Works?

As already I mentioned that transitional smart film is based on two materials like liquid crystals and electrochromic substances. The LCD is a display that arranges liquid crystals in a matrix and uses an electric current to manipulate them in depicting an image. PDLC technology operates in a similar way, with liquid crystals arranged in scattered droplet patterns. When an electric current is applied, the droplets move in a coordinated way, causing the liquid crystals to transition from opaque to clear.

Key Features of Transitional Smart Films:-

1. Speed of transition:-  One of the main key features of transitional Smart Glass films is that it changes gradually between different levels of capacity. The duration of this process can range from a few seconds to a minute, depending on the technology being used. This transition allows for a controlled experience of light, privacy and aesthetic effects.
2. Frugality:- Some transitional films have the benefits of reducing heat against glass or loss through windows. The ability to control the opacity helps to reduce the glare and certain types can also provide heat reflection when it is needed.
3. Privacy Control:- The transition from transparent to opaque allows users to control the privacy delicately without making a switch which is especially valuable in spaces like bathrooms, office partitions, conference rooms, corridors etc. 
4. Advanced Integration:- Many transitional  films controlled remotely via smart systems or apps , integrating processes will be held easily with home automation setups for long term convenience.
5. Pleasing Appearance:- Because of their bland transition and ability to diffuse light these films offer a visual charm, soft look compared to traditional window coverings like blind and curtains.

Benefits:- 

1. Energy Saving:- Transitional film helps in reducing the energy efficiency, reducing air conditioning and heating by blocking more sunlight or heat.
2. Intensified:- Mainly these films help to reduce the glare and provide better light control, making the space more comfortable to inhabit without compromising natural daylight.
3. Improved Privacy:- This transition provides a sophisticated way to create security without the need of blind, curtains, or other bulky window treatments.

Switchable Smart Glass Films:-

It is also known as smart glass. It is a type of advanced substance that can help to change their optical quality in response to external catalysts like voltage, heat ,light or high pressure.Smart glass can be used to control the amount of light passing into the building and providing privacy Glass and visibility to the room.Switchable smart glass is made by crushing PDLC which is polymer dispersed liquid crystals. When electricity is not applied the liquid crystals in the PDLC film are randomly arranged in a systematic way and scattering light and making the glass hazy. Smart glass effects can be achieved by applying a smart film to flat glass surfaces. Certain types of smart film can be easily installed on existing glass windows, either by directly applying the film or using an adhesive for better bonding.

How Switchable Smart Film Works?

As we all know, smart glass is made up of crushing the liquid crystal or electrochromic materials. The smart glass operates using an electric current to control the crystals or electrochromic materials. The liquid crystals are scattered randomly, causing the light to diffuse and giving the film a blurred appearance. The switchable film can be controlled by a variety of methods like remote control, smartphone or apps.

Key Features of Switchable Smart Film:-

        1.Noise Cancellation:- It can block up to 20% more noise than normal glass.

2. Isolation:- Switchable smart glass film can be helped in reducing the noise and their light is more effective and efficient.
3. Security:- Switchable Smart Glass provides privacy Glass and safety .
4. Maintenance:- Smart glass is simple to clean and maintain.

Benefits:-

1. Privacy:- Switchable Smart Film is more beneficial for its security purpose and we can make windows opaque and transparent with the flip of switch or remote control.
2. Energy Efficiency:- Smart glass can also help to reduce the heat that enters into the building. And by reducing the heat it will also be helpful in reducing the electricity bill, lower heat lowers the bill.
3. UV Radiation Protection:- Smart Glass also be helped in by protecting from UV rays which come from direct sun. It also protects the furniture and other valuable products from UV radiation.
4. Low Maintenance:- Switchable film is easy to clean that’s why their cost of maintenance is very low.
5. Customization:- You can customize smart glass with the help of graphics or logos.

Application:-

Transitional Smart Film:-

• It can be ideal for locations where natural sunlight and temperature changes are prominent. For example; building windows in sunny climates.
• It can be used in applications and gradually changes in opacity are desired.

Switchable Smart Film:-

• It is best suited for applications needing instant privacy Glass or transparency control.
• It can be integrated into high technology space that require more and specific transparency on demand.

Pros & Cons:-

Transitional Smart Film:-

Pros:

1. It’s continuous adjustment which is based on natural environmental changes.
2. The consumption of power is low, It consumes less heat and provides natural light.
3. Simple operation without the need for switches or electricity.

Cons:

1. Less precise control over the opacity.
2. Limited to passive adjustment.

Switchable Smart Film:-

Pros:

1. It is an instant process and there will be customizable changes.
2. It can be controlled by the user. For example; via remote, switches etc.
3. It is more versatile for privacy and aesthetic purposes.

Cons:

1. It can be more expensive than transitional smart film.
2. It requires power for functioning.
3. It will be expensive due to smart and advanced technology.

How to Maintain Transitional Smart Film?

• Clean with the soft cloths and mild detergent to remove the dust or any type of dirt.
• Avoid water and chemicals from the smart electrical product.
• Avoid sharp objects from the glass because it will be risky to scratch or damage the product.
• Turn off the film before cleaning and wait until it’s completely dry before turning it back on.
• If you face any electrical issues in the film then immediately check your film with a professional consultant.

How to Maintain Switchable Smart Film?

• Use a soft and dry cloth for removing the dust and also avoid the harsh chemicals which can damage the surface.Before cleaning make sure that the film is power off and don’t touch it until the film dries.
• Before installation make sure that the surface is clean and free of dust, dirt and any type of fingerprints.
• Ensure that the film has an electrical supply.
• To prevent the film you have to make sure that the fill will be kept dry.

How does the PDLC Smart glass Film work with dynamic design?

The transition from transparent to translucent of these sections can be controlled by setting a predefined or random sequence when all sections are on the glass can show completely transparent while all sections are off, the glass can show completely translucent. The graphic element the sections we want to make dynamic is engraved with lines almost invisible to the human eye directly on the smart film.

How does the Switchable Film work with dynamic design?

As we all know that smart glass is made up of liquid crystals. This dynamic quality makes it a versatile and adaptable solution for modern architecture where glass is often used to balance natural light and energy efficiency with privacy Glass. 

When an electrical current is applied the liquid crystals align allowing light to pass through and making the glass clear. When power is off the liquid crystals scatter light and make the glass opaque.

Conclusion

After analyzing the Transitional Smart Film and Switchable Smart Films my point of view is that Transitional Smart Film is more advanced and intelligent than Switchable Smart Film because PDLC can automatically adjust the amount of light which comes from the sun’s rays. PDLC can block out over 80% of infrared heat gain and 90% of UV rays whereas Switchable Smart Glass can block 20% of noise than normal glass. In some cases smart glass is more efficient because 

It can be easy to clean and maintain and it can be more expensive than transitional smart film. And if it comes to sun control capabilities like blocking the solar heat gain and damaging UV rays, transitional smart film is a better option.