Smart Glass vs. Regular Glass: What’s the Difference?

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Glass is everywhere – from windows to bottles. But did you know that not all glass is the same? In fact, there’s a new type of glass that’s changing the game: smart glass. It offers more than just being clear. Let’s take a look at what makes smart glass different from the regular glass we’re used to.




What Is Regular Glass?

Regular glass, also called standard glass, is made from silica, soda, and lime. It’s the kind of glass most people are familiar with, and it’s used for things like windows, screens, and bottles. Here’s why regular glass is so popular:

  1. Clear and See-Through: It lets light through, which is great for windows.
  2. Tough and Durable: It doesn’t scratch easily and lasts a long time.
  3. Affordable: It’s inexpensive to make and buy.

While regular glass works fine for most things, it has its limits. It doesn’t offer much privacy, and it’s not great for saving energy, especially when it comes to blocking sunlight or heat.

What Is Smart Glass?

Smart glass, on the other hand, is much more advanced. It can change its properties based on things like electricity, temperature, or light. This means it can go from clear to cloudy, giving you more control over how much privacy or sunlight you get. Here’s why smart glass is special:

  1. Privacy on Demand: You can make it clear when you want to see outside, and opaque when you want privacy.
  2. Saves Energy: It helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter by blocking or letting in the right amount of sunlight.
  3. Protects from UV Rays: Smart glass also blocks harmful UV rays, which means your furniture and floors won’t fade from the sun.
  4. Increases Security: Some smart glass can turn opaque when triggered, adding extra protection in case of a security threat.

How Does PDLC Privacy Glass Work?

One type of smart glass is called PDLC (Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal) glass. This glass has tiny liquid crystals inside it. When you apply electricity, the crystals line up, making the glass clear. Without electricity, the crystals scatter, and the glass becomes opaque, giving you privacy when you need it.

Can Regular Glass Be Turned Into Smart Glass?

Yes! If you already have regular glass but want the benefits of smart glass, there’s an easy solution: smart film. Smart film is a special film that you can stick onto your current windows or doors. It works just like smart glass, giving you privacy and energy savings without having to replace your glass.

Where Can Smart Glass Be Used?

Smart glass is popping up in many places because it’s so useful. Here are some common places where it’s being used:

  • Buildings: Smart glass is used in windows and skylights to help with energy savings and privacy.
  • Hospitals: In patient rooms, smart glass can give patients privacy when they need it, just by switching the glass to opaque.
  • Retail Stores: In fitting rooms or display windows, smart glass helps protect privacy and merchandise.

Cars: Some cars use smart glass to block out the sun and reduce glare, making driving more comfortable.

Why Smart Glass is Great for the Environment

Smart glass is also great for the environment. It helps keep buildings cool in the summer and warm in the winter by controlling how much heat or sunlight comes through the glass. This means less need for air conditioning or heating, which saves energy and reduces your carbon footprint. It’s a win for both your wallet and the planet.

Is Smart Glass Better Than Regular Glass?

While regular glass is still a great choice for many things, smart glass offers a lot more benefits. It gives you control over privacy, saves energy, and even helps protect your home. If you don’t want to replace all your windows, you can easily upgrade to smart glass film, which can be applied to your existing glass, giving you all the advantages of smart glass without the need for expensive replacements. Smart glass is definitely the future, and with the ease of smart glass film, it might just become the standard choice for homes and buildings everywhere.

Our US-based company, located in Virginia, specializes in the installation of smart film and smart blinds. We were founded in 2022.

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