Smart Glass — Switchable Privacy Glass Panels
What is smart glass?
Smart glass is laminated glass with a switchable privacy layer built in. We sandwich a PDLC (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) film between two sheets of glass during fabrication, then seal the assembly into a single panel. The result is a structural smart glass panel that switches from clear to frosted on demand — the same on/off privacy as smart film, but engineered into the glass itself rather than retrofitted.
We manufacture smart glass at our Canoga Park facility and ship nationwide. For larger commercial projects requiring insulating performance, smart glass is also available as an IGU (insulated glass unit) — two glass sheets with the smart-glass panel on one side, separated by a sealed spacer, providing the same switchable privacy plus thermal and acoustic insulation.
How smart glass works
Smart glass works through PDLC technology. Inside the panel, liquid crystal molecules sit suspended in a polymer matrix between two transparent conductive layers. Voltage controls how the molecules align:
- Powered on: the molecules align uniformly, allowing light to pass through. The panel becomes optically transparent.
- Powered off: the molecules randomize and scatter light. The panel turns to an opaque frosted state.
- The transition happens in under a second. Because the smart layer is sealed inside the glass during fabrication, there’s no surface-applied film that can lift, peel, or scratch — the smart layer is structurally protected by the glass on both sides.
Smart glass specifications
| Construction | Laminated glass with PDLC switchable layer sealed between two glass sheets |
| Switching time | Under one second |
| Color options | White Ultra Clear, Gray, or Black |
| Voltage | Low-voltage AC via dedicated transformer |
| Glass options | Tempered, laminated, or insulated (IGU) configurations |
| Control options | Wall switch, remote, smartphone app, smart-home integration (Alexa, Google Home), timers, building automation |
| Pricing | Starting at $100/sqft installed |
| Additional benefits | UV filtration, glare reduction, acoustic insulation (especially in IGU), impact resistance from laminated structure |
Double Glazed Smart Glass ( IGU )
The double glazed smart glass, also called insulating smart glass, is an innovative opto-electrical isolating glass that presents different visual state by controlling the voltage. When no voltage is applied, the glass is opaque and when voltage is applied, the glass turns transparent, allowing the dual function of either high transparency or privacy protection.
It consists of two pieces of glass, one of which was affixed with a smart film, being separated evenly by spacer and sealed around the surroundings. Among the two pieces of glass, a dry air space is formed, not only providing protection for the smart film but also enabling the glass to have good sound insulation and heat resistance features.
Where smart glass fits
Smart glass is the right fit for projects that need structural glass with built-in privacy, rather than a retrofit film:
- New construction — specify smart glass during design rather than retrofitting later
- Conference rooms and partitions — full-height switchable glass walls, integrated into the architectural design
- Hospital and clinical exam rooms — patient privacy with glass that meets safety codes
- Healthcare and dental offices — switchable partitions with acoustic insulation (IGU)
- Storefronts and showrooms — smart glass display windows with weather sealing (IGU)
- Architectural skylights and curtain walls — smart glass integrated into building envelopes
- Custom applications — projection screens (in frosted state), curved glass installations, branded smart glass with embedded logos
For installation in our LA-region service area, see our smart glass installation Los Angeles page. For the retrofit-film alternative, see smart film. For pricing breakdown, see smart glass cost.
Specifications of Smart Glass
Smart Glass Benefits
- Privacy On Demand Instantly switch between transparency and privacy with ease.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a comfortable indoor environment by regulating heat
- Instant Upgrade Transform your existing glass into high-tech smart glass without replacement.
- Optimize Space: Create multifunctional spaces with dynamic glass technology.
- UV & IR Rejection Block harmful UV rays and reduce infrared heat for better protection.
- Reduce Glare Minimize resplandor and glare for improved visibility and comfort.
- Soundproofing : Enhance acoustic insulation for quieter spaces.
- Energy Saving Lower energy costs by reducing the need for artificial lighting and temperature control.
Reach out to schedule a consultation or send us your inquiries via email.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is smart glass?
Smart glass is laminated glass with a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer sealed between two glass sheets. Voltage applied to the layer switches the panel between transparent and opaque in under a second.
What's the difference between smart glass and smart film?
Smart film is a retrofit — applied to existing glass. Smart glass is the structural product — film laminated inside the glass during fabrication. Smart film is faster and cheaper to install; smart glass is more durable and integrates cleanly into new construction.
Does smart glass come in IGU (insulated) format?
es. IGU smart glass is two glass panels separated by a sealed spacer, with the smart-glass layer on one side. The sealed air gap adds thermal and acoustic insulation — relevant for exterior walls, sun-facing windows, or noise-sensitive spaces.
Is smart glass safety-rated?
Yes. Because smart glass is laminated, it carries the same safety properties as standard laminated glass — if broken, the glass holds together rather than shattering. This meets common building-code requirements for safety glass in doors, partitions, and overhead applications.
What's the optical clarity in clear mode?
Smart glass with White Ultra Clear film delivers 92% light transmission in the clear state. Some haze is normal depending on the product type and lighting conditions, but the glass reads as clear glass to most viewers.
Can smart glass be used in skylights or curtain walls?
Yes. IGU smart glass is engineered for exterior applications, including skylights, curtain walls, and window assemblies. The IGU construction provides weather sealing alongside the switchable privacy layer.
What controls work with smart glass?
Wall switch, wireless remote, smartphone via smart relay, Alexa or Google Home, timers, and building automation systems. The glass responds to voltage on/off — any control system that can switch a low-voltage circuit can drive it.
Does smart glass provide acoustic insulation?
Standard laminated smart glass adds modest acoustic dampening compared to single-pane glass. IGU smart glass — with two glass sheets and a sealed air gap — adds substantial acoustic insulation, useful for conference rooms, exam rooms, and noise-sensitive spaces.
Does smart glass block UV?
Yes. Smart glass blocks a significant percentage of UV in either state, helping reduce fading on furniture, art, and interior fabrics.
Can smart glass be used as a projector screen?
Yes. In the frosted state, smart glass becomes a high-quality rear-projection or front-projection screen — useful for conference rooms, presentations, and digital signage.
Does smart glass need power to stay clear?
Yes. Power on = clear. Power off = frosted. If power is interrupted, the glass defaults to frosted (private) — a fail-safe, not a failure mode.
How is smart glass installed?
Smart glass replaces or supplements existing glass during construction or renovation. Each panel is fabricated to your project dimensions in our Canoga Park facility, shipped to site, and installed by a glazier (yours or ours). Installation is similar to standard laminated glass — same framing systems, same handling.
Talk to us
Want to scope a smart glass project for your property? Email or call us through our contact page with photos, dimensions, and what kind of switching control you want. Free estimates within 2 business days. For technical background on PDLC switchable smart glass, the Wikipedia overview is a solid primer.
