Frequently Asked Questions
What products does SmartGlass International Manufacture and Sell?
We sell electronically switchable architectural glass using LC SmartGlass™ and SPD SmartGlass™ technologies. Please check back regularly as we continuously innovate and introduce new products to our range.
What awards have LC & SPD SmartGlass™ won?
- 2007 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Excellence in Technology (SPD).
- 2006 Product of the show award at 100% Detail.
- 2005 Innovative Product of the show award at Plan Expo.
What geographical region does SmartGlass International serve?
SmartGlass International can supply our products worldwide.
What is the lead time for despatch of my order?
Generally 4-6 weeks ex works. Please contact us for more urgent requirements.
Where can I see a sample?
Please contact us to arrange for a visit at a place and time of your convenience.
Can I purchase a sample?
Yes, we can supply a small A4 sized sample with controller made to the configuration of your choice. Please contact us to discuss further.
Can SmartGlass International help with design?
Yes, our engineering design team can review your requirements to ensure that you are supplied with the most suitable product in terms of functionality, safety and aesthetics. Project designs will be issued to the client in CAD (or other) format for approval. We can also help with framing designs, integrated logo design, patterned glasses and special requests.
Does SmartGlass International provide a warranty with its products?
In the unlikely event of a problem, SmartGlass International will provide a 5 year warranty against electrical failure and/or de-lamination in material and workmanship of the Smartglass panel. An optional extended warranty is available at an extra charge to a maximum of 10 years (+25%). We may select either to replace the panels at its cost or to credit refund to the customer. SmartGlass International is not responsible for the cost of removing the defective panels and installing the new panels.
Are SmartGlass International products suited for use in roof lights and conservatories?
Yes. All of our SmartGlass products can be supplied with tempered laminated glass providing shatterproof safety.
What is SPD SmartGlass™?
Electronically Switchable (tint adjustable) glass incorporating suspended particle technology mainly used for solar control.
What is LC SmartGlass™?
Switchable glass incorporating liquid crystal technology mainly used for privacy on demand.
What are the main differences between SPD SmartGlass™ and LC SmartGlass™?
SPD SmartGlass™ has wide-ranging commercial applications and is mostly suited to light control in exterior windows. While LC SmartGlass™ is more suited to internal use (privacy screens) it can also be used in external windows in order to provide privacy or to be used as a striking projection screen. SPD SmartGlass™ is the World's best light control technology allowing the end user to darken windows at will. LC SmartGlass™ will not act as a light control device as it transmits approximately 77% of light in both the on and off states.
What are SmartGlass International's LC SmartGlass™ products?
SmartGlass International LC SmartGlass™ products integrate solid-state LC SmartGlass™ technology in architectural applications. With power consumption less than 5 Watt/M², LC SmartGlass™ is very cost effective to operate. Offering immediate privacy at the flick of a switch, when turned to the off state the product turns from transparent to translucent / obscure giving a frosted glass effect. In the off state LC SmartGlass™ provides a striking and effective projection screen which opens up myriad of possibilities in advertising. The "Wow Factor" is immediate and if you would like to enhance your corporate image this product will certainly help. LC SmartGlass™ can be supplied in shaped or curved units.
The uses and benefits are wide ranging, please consult the related web page for more detail.
What are SmartGlass International's SPD SmartGlass™ products?
SPD SmartGlass™ integrates proprietary suspended particle technology. This technology allows users to darken glass controlling light transmission by either flicking a switch or having the device adjust itself by means of a photocell or other common sensing or control device (e.g. a rheostat). In an SPD SmartGlass™ products, microscopic particles within the glass align when a small electrical current is applied lightening the window tint. When no electrical current is applied, the particles reverse and light is blocked and reflected by the glass. SPD SmartGlass™ technology is a revolutionary technology that offers many important benefits.
For example SPD SmartGlass™:
- Operates off a minute AC voltage or battery power.
- Dark when no power is applied.
- Superb optical clarity.
- Low Haze.
- Operates over a very wide temperature range.
- Is highly durable.
- Can be bent or shaped.
What types of products can be made from LC & SPD SmartGlass™?
A growing number of product applications can benefit from LC & SPD SmartGlass™ technologies. These include:
- Architectural windows, interior partitions, skylights and projection screens.
- Automotive windows, mirrors, sunroofs and sun visors.
- Point-of-purchase and advertising displays, billboards and road signs.
What are some of the benefits of SPD SmartGlass™ products to end-users?
Products using SPD SmartGlass™ technology provide significant benefits to end-users. These benefits include:
- Immediate Control of light.
- Improvement in users' comfort, health and privacy.
- Greater security.
- Energy savings through reduced cooling and lighting costs.
- Cost-effectiveness relative to either blinds or other smart window technologies.
- Durability - solid-state technology with no moving parts.
- Protection of people and interior furniture and other valuable items from UV damage.
- Exceptional optical qualities.
- Elimination of the need for expensive window dressings like mechanical louvers, blinds and shades that are used in architectural applications.
How does a user control the tint of a SPD SmartGlass™ product?
The level of light transmission in SPD SmartGlass™ products can be controlled manually with a switch or automatically using a remote control, a photocell, or any other sensing or common control device. In addition, simple control switches can be used to simultaneously regulate light transmission in a group of SPD SmartGlass™ panels such as a bank of architectural windows.
Is the light transmission of SPD SmartGlass™ products continuously changeable?
YES. SPD SmartGlass™ technology does allow the user to "tune" or adjust light transmission instantly to meet a user's specific preferences. The window operates at a clear or dark setting or anywhere between.
What is the largest possible size of a product using LC & SPD SmartGlass™ technology?
The largest single unit size is currently 1,000 mm * 2,800 mm. For larger sizes please contact us to discuss options.
What is the amount of time needed for LC & SPD SmartGlass™ product to change opacity/tint?
Fractions of a second.
What is the expected lifetime of LC & SPD SmartGlass™?
Based on independent testing LC & SPD SmartGlass™ perform even after years of continuous on and off cycling (100,000+ cycles).
What are the properties of LC & SPD SmartGlass™ in terms of the risk of toxicity, fire or explosion?
The product inputs used to produce LC & SPD SmartGlass™ are not hazardous nor are they flammable. In fact, SmartGlass™ film has passed stringent FAA flammability tests for use in aircraft.
Can you tell me more about the wiring of SmartGlass™ windows?
The power supply for SmartGlass™ architectural windows is very simple. The only item that is needed is a control switch (e.g. a rheostat) with some basic circuitry to reduce the amperage coming from a household's voltage line.
What are the voltage requirements of LC & SPD SmartGlass™?
Approximately 110V AC 60Hz.
How much do LC & SPD SmartGlass™ weigh?
Both glass types in 11 mm format weight 27.5 kg/m2.
How does SPD SmartGlass™ affect the transmission of infrared (IR) light?
SPD SmartGlass™ allows users to control the amount of visible light passing through the glass window reducing solar build-up as well as reducing the need for artificial indoor/interior lighting, thereby reducing energy consumption, and for many, increasing the level of comfort and sense of well-being. In an effort to reduce glare, for example, the windows of many commercial buildings are permanently tinted, which then requires more lighting inside the building than that which is optimally needed. Natural day lighting, which can be regulated using SPD SmartGlass™ windows, has been shown to improve health and well being, and thus its regulation is considered by many to have a strong influence on one's attitude and productivity.
How does SPD SmartGlass™ affect the transmission of visible light?
SPD SmartGlass™ windows, skylights and sunshades allow users to control the amount of visible light passing through the glass in these products up to 99% light blockage. These smart products reduce solar build-up and glare as well as reducing the need for artificial indoor/interior lighting, thereby reducing energy consumption, and for many, increasing the level of comfort and sense of well-being. In an effort to reduce glare, for example, the windows of many commercial buildings are permanently tinted, which then requires more lighting inside the building than that which is optimally needed. Natural day lighting, which can be regulated using SPD SmartGlass™ products, has been shown to improve health and well being, and thus its regulation is considered by many to have a strong influence on one's attitude and productivity.
How does SPD SmartGlass™ affect the transmission of ultra-violet (UV) light?
SPD SmartGlass™ windows, skylights and sunshades significantly block harmful UV light up to 99.5%.
In so doing, SPD SmartGlass™ products:
- Protect skin from damaging UV rays.
- Reduce the fading of carpets, furniture, and automotive interiors.
- Protect valuable artwork.
In addition to glass products, can SmartGlass International products be applied to plastic products as well?
Yes. This is another of the major advantages of SmartGlass International technology, particularly when one desires to use it for weight-sensitive applications (e.g. commercial buildings and aircraft) or applications where using plastic instead of glass for strength, flexibility and durability is important. SmartGlass International can supply varying grades of scratch resistant polycarbonate.
Do I need to replace my existing window to use your products?
No but we generally advise that we replace existing units where they are ageing or damaged. In addition to the market for new "smart" products (e.g. windows, skylights) there's a substantial market for products that convert or retrofit existing products into SmartGlass products. The use of retrofit products that fit over existing windows will prevent the need to replace them. Contact us for further details.