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 states.
S-LEC™ Opt Light provides UV protection with our S-LEC™ Film UA01, which blocks up to 99.9% of UV-A rays, effectively protecting switchable films from degradation and contributing to consistent optical performance over time.
Additionally, we offer combinations of UV and colour to enhance aesthetic appeal of switchable technologies while maintaining high quality UV protection.
Switchable technology enables instinct privacy when required and is increasingly used in the automotive market, but it requires a thinner film as well as 0.76mm. SEKISUI S-LEC can provide a thinner PVB film of 0.38mm for numerous efficient developments with switchable glass.
Typically, Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) is whitish in appearance and can be combined with grey for any Tvis preference. SEKISUI S-LEC has lineups of bronze films to cancel the blue tint to combat the vivid blue appearance of Electrochromic (EC) and Suspended Particle Device (SPD). These combinations make the appearance of a glass more neutral and natural.
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.
Within the S-LEC™ Opt Light platform, we offer low temperatures and pressure PVB solutions to contribute to the performance of these technology types.
DesignS-LEC™ films are currently available in a wide range of standard colours and custom colour options with multiple Tvis (Visible Light Transmittance) to optimize various glass combinations according to a vehicle’s concept.
In addition, our line-up also consists of wide gradient colour that transitions from 2% to >70% Tvis(Visible Light Transmittance). Adapting to a windshield or rear window creates a feeling of openness and beauty through smooth gradation, providing an advanced design for automotive glass.
UV BlockingUV-A can penetrate deep into the skin even when you are indoors, causing adverse health effects and damage to objects. Laminated glass made using S-LEC™ Premium UV Blocking Film UA01 blocks over 99.9% of UV rays in the UV-A range.
Solar ControlLaminated glass with S-LEC™ Solar Control Film blocks infrared and UV (ultraviolet) rays but allows visible light rays for optical clarity without blocking the electromagnetic transmissions necessary for mobile phone and sensor communication. Solar absorbing glass realized by S-LEC™ Solar Control Film protects people because the cabin or space stays cooler and your skin does not burn.
Experience a comfortable, efficient, connected, and safe environment.
Sound AcousticS-LEC™ Sound Acoustic Film can block outside noise from the outside world, such as traffic, wind, and other disturbing sounds, to tune out distractions for people to create a peaceful, quiet experience.
You can combine acoustic quality with other functions or designs, such as solar protection or privacy colours, by incorporating soundproof film and other technologies into laminated glass.
We offer you our flexible services in customization. Include our consultancy team in the design phase of your project. This way, we can offer you our assistance in developing a tailor-made solution that suits your aesthetic, insulation, and automotive requirements.
With our global operation, there is always an opportunity to collaborate with you. Also, we like to invest in product innovation. We invite you to contact us if you have specific needs for your automotive project. Let us know how we can meet the demands of future vehicles.
If you would like to know more about any of the S-LEC™ PVB interlayer films for laminated glass, please download our extensive Automotive brochures or feel free to contact us.
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