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Jul 11, 2023

Intelligent Glass: Introducing Switchable Black

Date: 30 April 2018 Due to the nature of switchable technology, a true black-out solution is unfortunately not possible, leaving many customers disappointed and forced to alter their vision by opting

Date: 30 April 2018

Due to the nature of switchable technology, a true black-out solution is unfortunately not possible, leaving many customers disappointed and forced to alter their vision by opting for standard switchable glass, or worse, an inferior privacy solution.

Recent innovations in the Intelligent Glass R&D division has seen the introduction of the very best alternative to this impossible technology.

Operating in exactly the same way as standard switchable technology, Switchable Black offers a privacy solution much darker than previous generations of PDLC technology. Switchable glass, electric glass or smart glass are often used as umbrella terms for the range of PDLC technology currently available on the market.

PDLC technology can come in two main forms – switchable glass and switchable film. Whilst Switchable Film is a retrofit self-adhesive film, Switchable Glass offers a full privacy solution, manufactured in Intelligent Glass’s industry-leading production facilities. This allows us to integrate PDLC technology with specialist options such as fire-resistant glass, sound insulating glass, double glazed units and laminated safety glass, to name a few.

PDLC technology is best known for its privacy functionality. The surface of the switchable product changes state from frosted to clear at the press of a button, as electricity passes through the switchable layer causing the PDLC crystals to polarise and the glass to appear clear.

However, PDLC technology in its frosted state still allows some ambient light through – offering a huge benefit for many applications such as office or residential privacy. But there are instances where the impossible switchable black-out solution is specified with little room for compromise.

Many customers highly value the sleek and fuss-free make-up of switchable glass, especially when it comes to design considerations. As a result of this, it is difficult – if not impossible – to find an alternative solution that fulfils the same requirements that switchable glass can with as much style.

Switchable Black offers customers the perfect compromise between a darker glass and switchable functionality, comprising of our standard switchable technology with a twist, or precisely, a tint.

Switchable Black offers a much darker tint than previously offered from the standard switchable options; blocking more light than other products, yet still retaining that essential switchable functionality.

A great option for styling requirements as well as practical functionality, Switchable Black provides more options for interior designers / architects and how they can apply privacy technology. Indeed, a standard glass tint has long been seen as a premium style option on its own, offering both a degree of shade from natural light as well as styled glass.

Switchable Black not only offers this, but also its primary function of privacy, offering users and occupants a highly usable privacy tool that holds its own as a premium investment. Sure to look incredible in corporate offices, luxury retail, hospitality and many more applications, the true beauty of switchable glass is its versatility – that is, just how many applications it can be used for.