What is Smart Film®?
PDLC smart film switches any glass from milky white opaque to crystal clear in 50 milliseconds — at the click of a button, app or automation.
The Science of PDLC Glass
PDLC stands for Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal. Inside every panel of Smart Film® is a thin layer of microscopic liquid-crystal droplets — each only a few microns in diameter — randomly suspended in a solid polymer matrix sandwiched between two ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) conductive layers.
When no voltage is applied, the liquid-crystal droplets are randomly oriented. Light strikes the crystals at many different angles and scatters — producing a milky, opaque appearance that blocks all visual privacy. The glass is off by default.
When low-voltage AC electricity (48–65 V) is applied, an electric field is generated across the film. The liquid crystals instantly align parallel to the field lines. In this aligned state, light passes straight through without scattering — making the glass appear completely transparent. The full transition takes approximately 50 milliseconds.
Shop Smart Film
Two States — One Glass
Smart Film® operates in two distinct modes controlled by a simple switch, app or automation system.
OFF State — Opaque (Private)
No electricity flowing. Liquid crystals are randomly oriented and scatter light — glass appears milky white. Complete visual privacy. Zero power consumption in this state. UV rays still blocked. This is the default "fail-safe private" state.
ON State — Clear (Transparent)
Low-voltage AC applied (48–65 V). Liquid crystals align with the electric field. Light passes through unimpeded — up to 75% visible light transmission. Glass looks and behaves exactly like a normal window. 3–5 W/m² consumed.
Smart Film® Specifications
Genuine Smart Film® is ETL Certified and UL Compliant for the USA and Canada.
| Technology | Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) |
|---|---|
| Switch Speed | ~50 milliseconds |
| Operating Voltage | 48–65 V AC |
| Power Consumption | 3–5 W/m² (on state only) |
| Film Thickness | 0.4 mm (standard) |
| UV Blocking | ≥ 99% |
| Visible Light Trans. | ~75% (on) / < 5% (off) |
| Haze (off state) | ≥ 95% |
| Operating Temp. | -20°C to +70°C |
| Switch Cycles | 100,000+ |
| Adhesive Type | Smart Cling® self-adhesive / Laminated |
| Custom Sizes | Yes — cut to any dimension |
| Certification | ETL Certified · UL Compliant (USA & Canada) |
PDLC vs. Electrochromic Glass
Many buyers confuse PDLC with electrochromic (EC) glass. They are fundamentally different technologies. Here is how they compare:
| Characteristic | PDLC Smart Film® | Electrochromic Glass | SPD / LCD Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switch Mode | Binary (clear / opaque) | Gradual tint | Variable tint |
| Full Opacity | Yes — complete white opacity | No — never fully opaque | No — never fully opaque |
| Switch Speed | 50 milliseconds | 1–5 minutes | ~100 ms (tint) |
| Power (clear state) | 3–5 W/m² | < 1 W/m² | 5–10 W/m² |
| Privacy (off state) | Complete visual privacy | Partial tint only | Partial tint only |
| Retrofit / Self-Adhesive | Yes — Smart Cling® peel & stick | No — integrated only | No — integrated only |
| Projection Screen Use | Excellent rear-projection screen | No | No |
| Relative Cost | Competitive | High | Very High |
Retrofit Any Glass with Smart Cling®
Smart Cling® is Smart Tint®'s proprietary self-adhesive backing — a peel-and-stick technology that lets you apply Smart Film® directly to any existing glass surface without a wet installation.
Unlike competing films that require water or adhesive sprays, Smart Cling® is a dry install only. The film out-gasses small installation-related air bubbles on its own over time. It is the only switchable film in the industry that will not cause solar fracturing.
Smart Film® with Smart Cling® ships custom-manufactured to your exact size, pre-wired and ready to install.
- Peel-and-stick — no wet install needed
- Out-gases air bubbles automatically
- Will not cause solar fracturing
- Ships pre-wired, cut to your exact dimensions
- ETL Certified & UL Compliant
Where Smart Film® Is Used
From Fortune 500 boardrooms to hospital ICUs to luxury residences — Smart Film® delivers privacy on demand wherever there is glass.
Offices & Conference Rooms
Glass conference rooms, executive offices and open-plan dividers.
Healthcare & Medical
Patient rooms, ICU suites, imaging labs and psychiatric wards.
Hotels & Hospitality
Hotel suites, spas and bathroom partitions with instant privacy.
Residential Homes
Bathroom glass, skylights, bedroom partitions and living spaces.
Retail & Storefronts
Fitting rooms, storefronts and display windows.
Transportation
Automotive, marine and aviation privacy glass applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smart Film® safe to use on windows?
Can I install Smart Film® myself?
How long does Smart Film® last?
What voltage does Smart Film® need?
Can the film be used as a projection screen?
Is Smart Film® available in custom sizes?
Ready to Specify Smart Film®?
Our PDLC specialists will help you select the right film configuration, provide full technical specs, and quote your project within one business day.