What is smart film and why is it needed?

The life of a modern person is full of smart technologies, thanks to which it becomes simpler, more convenient and comfortable. Every day new products and equipment appear that become indispensable in everyday life. One of these is smart film, which is widely used today in various fields of activity. You should be aware of this product and its properties.

First of all, you need to understand what is meant by smart technology. This is how they define the acquisition of special qualities by a product that were previously lacking. Smart film (or glass) refers to polymer materials. It is characterized by transparency, light transmission and heat absorption. It is thanks to these properties that the product is used in such fields of activity as advertising, architecture, and interior design.

The technology of its manufacture is rather complicated and requires certain knowledge, skills and equipment. It is made from smart polymers: chemical composites coated on a regular transparent film. At the heart of production is the process of placing liquid crystals (PDLC) between 2 layers of film that are conductive. And also in the process of making smart films, manufacturers use various polymers and chemicals.

The product, due to its unusual structure, is able to change the coefficient of transparency, opacity, light absorption under certain conditions. On the edges of some types of film, electrodes are placed, with the help of which the transparency of the product is adjusted. Smart film has the following specifications:

• low power consumption ratio;
• high blocking rate of sunlight and infrared rays - retains up to 87% of ultraviolet radiation;
• long service life;
• high coefficient of sound insulation.

Currently, smart film with variable and adjustable transparency is a very popular and demanded product. That is why there is a wide range of products from various manufacturers on the market. There are different types of film.

• Electrochromic. Its peculiarity is that it can change transparency depending on the voltage level. The lower the stress factor, the darker it is, and vice versa. SPD film production technology was developed and patented in the USA. And today only this country is engaged in the production of this type of "smart" film. The assortment of colors of electrochromic material is presented in 4 colors: white, bronze, gray, dark blue.

• Monochrome. This type of product is developed using PDLC technology. The product is manufactured by the Korean company DM DISPLAY. Monochrome film can be simple and adhesive. The glue-based product is used for tinting car windows. The transparency of the film depends on the level of voltage that is applied to it and affects the liquid crystal molecules.

• Photochromic. For the production of the product, a photochromic pigment is used. The film is characterized by waterproofness, adhesion resistance, and a unique coloring effect. Due to the fact that the product contains a photochromic pigment, the film changes the color intensity under the influence of light. This type of product is universal.It can be used for cladding walls, partitions, window and door openings, car windows. It is very high quality and reliable.

• Thermochromic. It is often used as thermal indicators. Color, opacity and transparency are dependent on the temperature of the liquid crystals. Liquid crystal, which is a constituent of a thermochromic device, can change the properties of light transmission under the influence of temperature.

Among all the above types of products, the most popular is the electrochromic film, which is considered the most versatile. It can be used in various fields. Of course, most often it is placed on window panes. It perfectly prevents sunlight from entering the room, protects against UV radiation. The work of electrochromic "smart" glass is impossible without the presence of:

• an inverter with an input voltage of 240 V and an output voltage of 110 V;
• control panel to control the operation of the product.

A smart product of absolutely any kind can be applied to the glass surface yourself. But experts still recommend that only a professional be engaged in this process. The thing is that you need to correctly connect the contacts, isolate them, apply the product at a certain angle and remove it, making sure that bubbles do not form. And also the product must be chosen correctly, taking into account:

• the size;
• scope of application;
• physical and technical properties and parameters;
• production technology;
• manufacturer and cost.

Since most types of products are manufactured abroad, when buying, you must make sure that these are original products. The company that sells the product must be an official distributor.

Due to its excellent physical and technical characteristics, smart film is widely used in various industries. Since the main task of the product is to control the transparency (opacity) of glass, it is used wherever privacy and confidentiality need to be ensured. It is used to equip and decorate various structures.

The film allows you to create unusual LED partitions in the interior. It is installed in a different frame base: aluminum and steel, frameless. Most often, smart films are installed on partitions:

• in an office space;
• in the conference room;
• in the office;
• in the bathroom.

The product is suitable for all doors: swing, swing, sliding or folding. Very often, a product is chosen matte or with a darkening effect. It all depends on where the doors are and what level of privacy they want to achieve. The product is used for security systems for arranging a control area, for example, a vestibule or an ATM area.

And also this product is an indispensable attribute in the process of displaying images. In this case, smart glass is a screen on which the projector displays both pictures and video clips. Notable examples of use are:

• outdoor outdoor screen;
• shop window;
• meeting room fencing;
• home theater;
• informational or interactive outdoor stand.

Car enthusiasts often use smart stretch film to tint the windows of their "iron horse". They especially like that they can do it with their own hands, although some of them still go to the salons to the masters.

The following video explains how to connect the smart film.