frequently asked questions
Switchable Glass (SWG)
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- Is it "smart glass" ? Smart glass, privacy glass, electric glass are all referring to switchable glass.
- How does SWG work? It diffuses the light by the PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) molecules, which is laminated in a thin film, in normal stage when there is no electrical voltage applied. That makes the glass opaque. When the voltage applies, the molecules turn to the position that light passes through, which make the glass clear.
- How long for switching ? About 0.2 to 0.5 second.
- How is the SWG made? It is laminated by 2 glass panels with the PDLC film in between. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or PVB (polyvinyl butyral) is used as the adhesive layer in the lamination which is common in the glass industry. If stronger strength of lamination is required, SGP (SentryGuard Plus) Interlayer is used.
- What is the thickness of SWG? The thickness depends on the strength requirement and dimension of the glass. For example, normally a 14mm thick SWG will be used for interior partition, in general. This means 2 pieces of 6mm thick glass panels and an interlayer about 2mm thick. Any standard thickness of glass in the industry can be used for SWG, such as 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm and 19mm.
- Is SWG safety glass? Yes, it is "double safety" glass because it is tempered and followed by lamination. Tempered glass has a higher impact strength than annealed glass because it is strengthened by a stressed outer skin of the glass panel, after the tempering process. Therefore, if tempered glass is broken into small pieces of fragment. Laminated glass is safe because if it is broken, the fragment is held by the interlayer. We put both temper and lamination together into SWG to make it double safety.
- Is SWG sound-proof? Yes, it can be made into double glazed or IGU (insulated glazing unit) to achieve sound-proof requirement. For example, we have SWG IGU certified to sound-proof STC 46 (sound transmission class rating).
- Is SWG waterproof? Yes and No. Water insoluble interlayer is used for the glass lamination. Therefore, the PDLC film is sealed by the interlayer to prevent from moisture. Normal shower water is possible but immerse in water is strongly not recommended.
- How long is the life of SWG? Normally, it can be operated over 10 years under the normal operation condition. It is strongly to recommend the SWG to be power off say 4 hours per every 24 hours, instead of long time power on. As an electrical appliance, it is more healthy to take a break after long time running. By simply connecting a timer to the power supply unit, the SWG can be automatically switched off, say in the mid-night and resume back to operating in day time.
- What is the applications of SWG? Office: partition in conference rooms, swing doors, sliding doors, and etc. Hotel: partition between bath room and bed room. Hospital: privacy partition for hygiene purpose in ward, ICU, operation room, and etc. Projection screen: image can be projected on the SWG by a projector from rear projection.
- Any maintenance of the SWG? The cleaning is same as regular glass, by normal detergent for glass.
- How do I specify the SWG? We have a specification data sheet and a full architectural specification. Please contact us if needed.
- Should I use special sealant when install the SWG? No, using neutral curing silicon based sealant is good enough for SWG. DO NOT use acetic silicon sealant.
- Can I use remote control? Yes, the control of SWG is basically on and off by simply say a switch. Remote control, intelligent phone (by apps), sensor, timer are all available additional to the basic.
- What is the price of SWG? It depends on the dimension, quantity, specification of SWG. Please contact us for quotation.
- Do you supply PDLC film? We don't supply the film to customer because we think the end-product SWG is more durable than the film. We use the film as a semi-component for lamination of the SWG in the factory only.
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