How it works
PDLC turns glass private. DLC shades it. This is what happens inside the film.
How PDLC works · privacy
Liquid crystals that line up when the power is on.
A thin layer of liquid crystal sits between two conductive films. With no power the crystals point every way and scatter light, so the glass is frosted. Apply a small voltage and they line up, and the glass goes clear in under 10 milliseconds.
Power off · privateNo voltage. Crystals in each droplet point every way and bounce light in all directions.
Power on · clearVoltage across the film lines the crystals up with the light, so it passes straight through.
- Glass or film
- Conductive coating
- Liquid-crystal droplet
- Cross-section, not to scale
How DLC works · shade
Dye in the crystal layer soaks up light instead of scattering it.
DLC (dye liquid crystal) film carries dark dye molecules that turn with the crystals. Turned one way they absorb light and the glass tints dark. Turned the other way they let light through and the glass is clear. You still see out through the tint, but sun and glare are cut, and the level can be dimmed in steps.
PDLC or DLC?
| Feature | Privacy · PDLC | Shade · DLC |
|---|---|---|
| What it does | Scatters light, glass goes frosted | Absorbs light, glass tints dark |
| Can people see through? | No, when private | Yes, through the tint |
| Sun and glare | Softens light, room stays bright | Cuts brightness and glare |
| Dimming | On or off, or dimmable with a dimming driver | In steps, from clear to dark |
| Best for | Meeting rooms, clinics, bathrooms, projection | Skylights, sunrooms, west-facing windows, facades |
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