Clear Glass that Turns Opaque? Understanding Clear to Opaque Window Glass

Clear Glass that Turns Opaque? Understanding Clear to Opaque Window Glass
August 17, 2020 admin

Clear Glass that Turns Opaque? Understanding Clear to Opaque Window Glass

If you have recently noticed clear glass that turns opaque, you’re probably wondering what it is, how it works, and whether it’s something you should install in your home or office. It’s hard not to be mesmerised by this incredible technology – window glass that turns opaque with just the flip of a switch. This clear to opaque glass is becoming more popular all the time on the Gold Coast and beyond as people discover its uses and advantages.

How does it work?

The idea behind switchable glass is simple: it transforms from transparent to opaque to give you control over your lighting experience. The technology that achieves this, though, is slightly more complex. Switchable glass is laminated, meaning that it contains laminated material with liquid crystal molecules that respond to electrical currents. With the power off, the glass is opaque. That’s because the liquid crystal molecules it houses are randomly oriented and able to scatter light. When you turn the power on and apply the electric current, it causes these liquid crystal molecules to line up neatly, letting light pass through and rendering the glass transparent. The response is instant; turn the power on, and the glass becomes clear instantly as the liquid crystals align.

Uses for clear glass that turns opaque

Switchable glass has a surprising number of uses in homes and businesses throughout Australia and anywhere else you might live or work. You can use this incredible window glass that turns opaque in your home or office, creating spaces that can be open or private
depending on your current needs. Home uses for switchable glass include:

  • Roof panels and skylights: Enjoy a beautiful view of the night sky with no privacy concerns
    Privacy partitions: Create separate spaces in the same room, such as adding a small home office in an existing living room or bedroom
  • Bathroom/Ensuite: Enjoy privacy at the flick of a switch, without compromising your ability to enjoy natural light in your bathroom
  • Windows: Enhance your home’s style with clear to opaque glass that gives you control over the amount of light and privacy in any room of your house

You can also use switchable glass in your office or retail space in many ways such as dressing rooms (clear glass signals that the room is available), dividers to separate dining areas from the bar or to designate VIP areas, to mark off meeting rooms, or even to use as a projector screen for videos or advertising materials.

The Polytron difference

At Polytron Glass Australia, we have built a reputation for delivering premium finished laminated edgework. As mentioned above, laminated glass is made of two pieces of glass that have been bound together with an interlayer, and these three layers are clearly visible when viewing the edge of the glass. We pride ourselves on producing edgework that looks and feels like one solid piece of glass, not laminate. This matters in specific semi-frameless applications such as glass awnings, handrail-free balustrades, pool windows, and more. The quality we achieve is rare in the industry as we take extra care with every project we complete. Contact Polytron Glass to learn more.