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Smart Glass Lamination

Smart glass, also called switchable glass, changes from frosted to transparent at the push of a button. The technology behind it is a functional film, usually PDLC, laminated onto or between glass. As a leading builder of industrial laminating machines, Crest brings more than four decades of lamination engineering to manufacturers working on smart glass.

What is PDLC smart glass?

PDLC stands for Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal. Without power the film scatters light and the glass looks frosted. With power applied, the liquid crystals align and the glass becomes transparent. It is used for instant privacy in buildings and vehicles.

Smart Glass

What the lamination process has to get right

Smart glass only works if the film is laminated perfectly.

  • Clarity: every bubble, dust particle or crease stays visible in the finished panel.
  • Durability: the bond has to last, especially in exterior applications exposed to weather.
  • Repeatability: the process has to deliver the same result panel after panel, so growing volume does not mean growing scrap.
Crest Smart Glass

Where Crest comes in

Laminating films onto glass is not new to us: our Glass Panel Laminator and Glass Protection Laminator already laminate films onto glass panels. Smart glass brings its own films, panel sizes and requirements, so we start from your process and work out with you what the machine needs to do. Engineering, production and service are in-house in Raalte, the Netherlands.

Working on a smart glass project? Tell us about your film, your glass and your volumes. We are happy to think along at an early stage.

Smart Glass

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is PDLC film?

PDLC stands for Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal. The film is frosted without power and turns transparent when an electrical current is applied. Laminated onto or between glass, it makes the glass switchable.

Why is lamination so critical for smart glass?

Because every defect stays visible. Bubbles, dust and creases cannot be repaired after lamination, and a weak bond shortens the life of the panel.

Can Crest build a laminating machine for smart glass?

Crest designs and builds custom laminating machines around a specific process. For smart glass we start with your film, glass format and volume, and assess together what the machine has to do. Contact us to discuss your project.