Switchable glass is a type of glass that changes from transparent to opaque or translucent through electricity or other means of light control. There are various types of switchable glass technologies, including electrical and liquid crystal. PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal), SPD (Suspended Particle Device) and EC (electrochromic) switchable types are currently most known and can be adopted according to the application and vehicle concept. Additionally, PNLC (Polymer Network Liquid Crystal) and GHLC (Guest Host Liquid Crystal) switchable types are under development as new technologies.
Switchable glass can switch between transparent and opaque at any time, freely controlling the sunlight entering the vehicle and providing passengers with comfort and a driving experience. In recent years, switchable glass has spread rapidly.
Switchable glazing is becoming a more popular option not only for premium but also for mid-segment vehicles. Consumers have started to set requirements for what kind of switchable appearance the roof and rear side door glass of their car should have.
Each type of switchable glazing technology presents unique visual and technical challenges for automotive adoption.
S-LEC™ Opt Light addresses these challenges across all types, enhancing performance, clarity and reliability of switchable glazing. Our solutions empower OEMs to integrate advanced switchable glass solutions into vehicles of today and for the future.
Switchable films are typically highly sensitive to UV exposure. Prolonged UV exposure can cause dye migration within the film, leading to uneven coloration when the glass transitions between sates.
S-LEC™ Opt Light UV (S-LEC™ Film UA01) blocks up to 99.9% of UV-A rays, effectively protecting switchable films from degradation and contributing to consistent optical performance over time.
Additionally, S-LEC™ Opt Light UV can be combined with colour options to enhance aesthetic appeal of switchable technologies while maintaining high quality UV protection.
S-LEC™ Opt Light Multi Tone for switchable glass offer 30-plus colour variations in both the 0.76mm thickness commonly used for automotive glass and the 0.38mm thickness required in switchable glass optimization for the superior design for automotive glass.
In addition, S-LEC™ Opt Light Multi Tone is developed to have low haze, which minimizes the hazy appearance that can occur when layering several films in one stack. Our experts can advise you on the best colour and thickness to achieve optimal performance in line with your requirements.
We can offer bolder colours as a part of our customized colour program to meet individual customer’s demands or for vehicle concepts. Download our brochure for more information about our colour line-up, applications and technical data, such as Tvis and L*a*b* values.
Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) is a material in which liquid crystal molecules are dispersed within a polymer matrix. The liquid crystal molecules are encapsulated within the switchable film, and the film becomes transparent from its hazy appearance when voltage is applied.
PDLC film is generally whitish and must be laminated with grey PVB interlayers to get the preferred switchable glass. S-LEC™ Opt Light Multi Tone is available in 30 plus colour grades, consisting of three grey colours and numerous types of Tvis (visible light transmittance). You can create your preferred switchable glass by selecting the required colour grade according to the car’s concept and the glass’s required characteristics.
In addition, S-LEC™ Opt Light Multi Tone has low haze performance, creating an open space with excellent design characteristics on the switchable glass.
SPD (Suspended Particle Device) is a switchable device that disperses microscopic light-absorbing particles in droplets within a film, and EC (Electrochromic) type uses electrochromic material that switches colour electrically. Both types can switch between transparent and low transmittance.
Typically, both SPD and EC types have a blue-tinted. When laminated with S-LEC™ Bronze Colour with SPD or EC types, the glass cancels blue-tinted, creating a more natural colour to the overall glass. The original interior design can be remained by bringing more neutral sunlight into the vehicle.
SEKISUI S-LEC offers a wide range of privacy colour variations. Please look at our colour designs that expand the possibilities and options for designers and engineers.
See S-LEC™ Dark Colour through our Colour Glass Collection, and consider incorporating S-LEC™ film into your dimmable roof glass.
SPD (Suspended Particle Device) is vulnerable to high temperatures and may lose its durability and functionality at temperatures typically encountered during conventional glass lamination. GHLC is sensitive to pressure, and when pressure is applied during conventional glass lamination, colour unevenness may occur.
S-LEC™ Opt Light Eco Flex enables lamination at low temperatures and low pressures.
It contributes to solving problems caused by high temperature and high pressure when laminating SPD and GHLC.
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