Categories

Learn More about Privacy Glass

Privacy glass is a modern window covering option that provides you with the privacy you need while allowing natural light to flow into your space. It works by using a special film that can be applied to existing windows, so there’s no need for construction or remodeling. The tint of the film is designed to block visibility from the outside and look opaque when viewed looking inward; however, it will still allow natural light to filter through and illuminate your room.

Here are all the details you need to know about privacy glass, including its types, applications, benefits, and drawbacks.

Types of Privacy Glass:

There are four main types of privacy glass, each with its unique features and advantages:

Electrochromic Glass:

As the name suggests, it uses electric current to change its tint from opaque to clear and vice versa, so you can adjust the level of privacy in your space at any time. This type of privacy glass can be used to control the amount of light that comes through. So, they are commonly used in windows, skylights, and partitions.

Thermochromic Glass:

This type is designed to change its tint in response to temperature changes. The level of privacy will increase as the temperature rises and decrease as the temperature cools. It’s a great option for people who want adjustable privacy without electricity. You can use this glass in car windows, greenhouses, and residential windows.

Suspended Particle Device (SPD) Glass:

SPD uses a film containing suspended particles that can be aligned or dispersed using an electric current. When the particles are aligned, the surface becomes opaque, providing privacy. When the particles are

dispersed, the surface becomes clear, allowing light to pass through. SPD glass is commonly used in skylights, windows, and doors.

Liquid Crystal Glass:

This type of surface uses a liquid crystal film to change the tint of the glass. The liquid crystals align when there is an electric current which makes the surface opaque. When the current is turned off, the liquid crystals return to their random state, making it clear. It is ideal to use in conference rooms, offices, and partitions.

Applications of Privacy Glass:

It has many applications across various industries. Some of the most common applications include:

Commercial Buildings:

They are often used in commercial buildings to provide privacy in conference rooms, offices, and other areas where privacy is essential. Residential Buildings:

They are increasingly being used in residential buildings to provide privacy in bathrooms, bedrooms, and other areas of the house.

Healthcare:

One can use them in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and clinics, to provide privacy in patient rooms, exam rooms, and other areas.

Automotive:

They can be used in cars and other vehicles to provide privacy for passengers.

Benefits of Privacy Glass:

Privacy glass has many benefits, including:

Privacy:

They provide a high level of privacy, making them an excellent choice for areas where privacy is essential.

Energy Efficiency:

They can help reduce energy costs by blocking out sunlight and heat, reducing the need for air conditioning.

Safety and Security:

They can enhance safety and security by providing a barrier against intruders and preventing broken glass from spreading.

Aesthetic Appeal:

They can enhance the aesthetic appeal of a building or vehicle, making it an attractive option for architects and designers.

Drawbacks of Privacy Glass:

Privacy glass also has some drawbacks, including:

Cost:

They are more expensive than traditional glass, making them a less affordable option.

Maintenance:

Some of its types require more maintenance than traditional ones, such as electrochromic types, which require regular cleaning to maintain their effectiveness.

Limited Transparency:

They are often not fully transparent, which can reduce natural light and views.

Reliance on Technology:

They rely on technology to change their tint, which can malfunction or fail if there is a power outage or technical issues.

Limited Availability:

They may not be available in all sizes, shapes, or colors, limiting design options.

Installation:

Some types require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost.

Summary:

Overall, privacy glass has many benefits and applications, but it is vital to consider the potential drawbacks before deciding to use it. If privacy, energy efficiency, safety, and aesthetic appeal are important considerations, they may be a great option. However, if cost, maintenance, limited transparency, reliance on technology, limited availability, installation, and health concerns are major concerns, it may be better to consider alternative options.

Categories

4 Myths of Privacy Glass

“Privacy – like eating and breathing – is one of life’s basic requirements.”

The drawing of curtains, shutting of doors, and closing of windows are some common acts we perform to protect our privacy. But what if there was a better solution for it?

After all, privacy is everyone’s natural right.

Why Choose Glass For Privacy Matters?

Although an unapparent choice, glass is the perfect element to address your privacy concerns with. As a flexible architectural element, it has been vastly used by interior designers and architects alike for various internal and external applications.

Thanks to advanced glass technologies, glass can now be used to provide high-quality privacy, security, and aesthetic solutions.

And based on the level of privacy needed, different types of privacy glass solutions are available in the market such as tinted, frosted, and smart glass solutions.

Here is a list of four myths about privacy glass that you shouldn’t believe in.

Privacy Glass does not Block Heat

Not only does it offer protection against solar glare, but it also absorbs the harmful UV rays of the sun.  Contrary to the myth, privacy glass can absorb solar radiation and prevent solar glare.

This ability assists privacy glass to lower the amount of heat ingress. For instance – AIS Tint Float Glass can absorb around 30-40 % of the solar heat incident on its surface, helping you save on energy costs.

As a result, the indoors remain pleasant and comfortable. In summers, it keeps the heat out and in winters, it traps the heat inside for a cosier ambience. It is useful for both residential and commercial applications.

Best of all, it can decrease your energy consumption as reliance on cooling/heating appliances is reduced as well. You can enjoy ample natural light without worrying about the interiors heating up.

Privacy Glass Offers No Flexibility of Design

Nowadays, in glass manufacturing, form and function are given equal importance. And the same goes for privacy glass solutions. In truth, they’re flexible in design, style, and built as well.

If you search the market, you’ll find diverse shades and styles of privacy glass solutions. They’re available in different tints and thicknesses as well. For instance, tinted glass comes in a variety of colours that can be incorporated in various windows’ and doors’ designs.

There’s frosted glass that finds numerous interior design applications in false ceiling, doors, partitions, screens, shower screens, designer panels, etc. And to achieve a glossy and sleek finish, no other solution can beat smart glass. 

Privacy glass obscures vision while allowing natural light to flood in – a perfect privacy and aesthetic solution for modern homes and offices.

Privacy Glass only Offers Visual Privacy

In talks of privacy, precedence is given to visual privacy over audio privacy. However, having quality acoustics is necessary for achieving 100% privacy, especially in the commercial spaces.

Nowadays, privacy glass solutions are manufactured using premium techniques to make them soundproof as well. They can reduce the noise to promote a quieter ambience, providing a complete visual and audio privacy solution.

Privacy Glass isn’t Transparent

For premium privacy solutions and aesthetics, privacy glass comes in transparent, translucent, and opaque variants. While tinted and frosted glasses are translucent, smart glass can switch from being transparent to being opaque, and even translucent with a simple switch.

In smart glass, opacity levels can be adjusted using the same switch to get the desired privacy level. It offers varying levels of visual privacy to its users. Yet, at the same time, it allows light infiltration and blocks excessive heat.

Presently, glazed units with in-built blinds such as AIS Integrated Blinds are also available in the market. One can draw the blinds installed in the unit, whenever a privacy need arises.

The Bottom Line

Recently, cases of privacy violation have increased at an alarming rate. And as you know, privacy and security are two sides of the same coin. Therefore, as a precaution against peeping toms, nosy strangers, and burglars, optimising privacy solutions in residential and commercial spaces has become necessary.

For an effective privacy solution, incorporating privacy glass elements in internal and external applications is recommended. Besides, you get advantages like ample natural light, low maintenance, better acoustics, and efficient heat control.

AIS Glass to the Rescue!

If you’re looking for premium-quality privacy glass solutions, then look no further than AIS Glass!

AIS Glass – India’s leading integrated glass manufacturing company – offers end-to-end, 360-degree solutions across the automotive and architectural glass value chains. We provide high-end services right from the manufacturing of glass, processing, selection to fabrication, installation and post-installation.

Choose from a wide range of best-in-class products suited to your architectural needs – AIS Swytchglas is a smart glass that can be operated with the touch of a button; while AIS Krystal is India’s only branded frosted glass that is ideal for privacy.

For further information, get in touch with us today!

Categories

Privacy Glass Solutions: Myths & Facts

We all safeguard our privacy with the utmost care. Needless to say, the times we’re living in, demand additional efforts to preserve our private spaces. Think – peeping toms and prying spectators – trying to invade your personal space when they shouldn’t, and you’re left with a sense of terror.

Why Privacy Matters?

In contemporary times, privacy violations are becoming rampant. If you’re constantly on the edge while inside your homes, offices, or cars, something is not right and must be changed. For many, it seems as if the benefits of enhanced transparency and openness come at the cost of neglected privacy. Moreover, if you constantly feel like you’re under surveillance, your mind is also impacted negatively.

This is why privacy matters are significant today. You can start by re-designing your residential and commercial spaces to accommodate these privacy concerns. You must also preserve your personal space in a way that does not compromise on transparency and openness. And surprisingly, Glass is the element with which you can achieve this.

What is Privacy Glass?

Glass technology has seen several advancements in recent years that have vastly enhanced both its form and functionality. This is one of the reasons why Glass has become such a popular element in structural designs. Glass is no longer fragile but has been made smarter. And it is on this front that smart Glass is emerging as an exciting option.

Also known as switchable Glass, smart Glass is a type of Glass whose opacity levels can be adjusted on the application of voltage, heat, or light.  With the click of a switch, this alternation or “switch” happens as light-transmitting properties of the Glass are changed.

The technology used behind smart Glass is known as Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystals (PDLC). When smart Glass is connected to a power outlet, the running current aligns the liquid crystals together, and it becomes opaque. Still, when the current is turned off, the crystals scatter away, rendering the Glass translucent or opaque.  

Smart Glass: Myths vs. Facts

Here are some common myths surrounding smart Glass.

Smart Glass does not Provide Solar Control

Wrong! Smart Glass does have solar glare reduction abilities. At the click of a button, smart Glass changes its light transmission properties and filters out harmful sun rays. Especially during the summer months, it can block harmful UV rays and excessive solar glare while maintaining a moderate indoor temperature. Conversely, during winter months, smart Glass helps to preserve heat indoors. But more importantly, smart Glass performs these functions without compromising on the lighting conditions.

Smart Glass isn’t Sound-Proof

It is obvious that smart Glass offers excellent privacy solutions but does it block out sound too? Why, yes! One of the most common myths with regards to smart Glass is that it doesn’t impair sound but only visibility. In reality, with smart Glass, you can block out sound with ease to get audible privacy as well. It can insulate the space against external noise to provide you with excellent acoustics. For commercial spaces that are always buzzing with employees, smart Glass is a suitable solution to get visible and audible privacy.

 Smart Glass Is Difficult to Maintain

Nothing could be further from the truth! In reality, smart Glass requires really low maintenance. Unlike the traditional privacy options like curtains and blinds, smart Glass doesn’t become a breeding ground for germs. It is also resistant to mould, dust, and corrosion. And even if smart Glass gets stained, it can be wiped off with ease. With smart Glass, you get to enjoy optimum privacy without worrying about the maintenance cost.

Privacy Glass doesn’t Look Appealing

If you have laid your eyes on smart Glass installed in commercial and residential spaces, you know how striking they look but if not, you’re missing out! Smart Glass is available in a variety of shades and tints, making it a highly versatile option for numerous design styles. Under bright lights, smart glass solutions glimmer and shine while giving your space a polished look. You can instantly enhance your décor with privacy glass solutions such as smart Glass.

In Summation

One of the easiest ways to optimise your living space is through the use of smart glass technology, and privacy glass solutions are no exception. With a remote control device, you can instantly change smart Glass from a state of transparency to a state of translucency and monitor your privacy needs. The revolutionary technology of smart Glass can assist you in transforming your residential and commercial space into a highly efficient, smart, and modern one.

Looking for premium-quality smart Glass? Come to AIS Glass! As a leading company in integrated glass solutions that has been in the market for over 30 years, we offer high-end quality products and services that can be customised to suit all your architectural needs. Our AIS Swytchglas is made using extra clear Glass and activates in less than 10 microseconds. It works well in temperatures between 0° to 55° C and blocks up to 50% of light in its ‘Off’ mode. Moreover, our smart Glass is available in a wide variety of tints!

Go smart with AIS Swytchglas! Get in touch today.

Categories

Privacy Smart Glass is a Smart Choice for Office Space

Architecture is no longer limited to brick and mortar walls, steel fences, and wooden doors. In the past decades, architects and interior designers have started experimenting with innovative materials to enliven a building – one of them being glass.

Glass’ natural brilliance and property of letting light pass unobstructed make it a preferred choice for commercial buildings. It gives a modern touch to your office and facilitates maximum interaction between employees. However, one significant problem with regular glass is its inability to provide even an iota of privacy without bulky curtains or blinds. To solve this issue, glassmakers have developed a special type of privacy glass called smart glass.

What is Smart Glass?

Smart glass is an electrically enhanced version of regular glass that can change its opacity by adjusting the position of specific ions within itself. At the click of a button, this type of glass can become completely opaque or completely transparent, even translucent.

How does Smart Glass Work?

In the smart glass, a unique polymerized film is sandwiched between two layers of glass. This film contains randomly located liquid crystals that align themselves in a straight line as the voltage is applied to the film. As the crystals align, they allow light to pass through. As the voltage is withdrawn, the crystals return to their random positions and start obstructing light.

Due to this adjustable opacity of smart glass, it is perfect for all kinds of offices. Read on to find out where you can use this privacy glass in your office to add oomph to your space.

Uses of Smart Glass in Commercial Spaces

Here are some interesting ways you can use smart glass in your office space for enhanced aesthetics and maximum functionality.

Meeting Rooms

Conference or meeting rooms are office spaces where some of the most significant discussions are held. The decisions taken in meeting rooms impact your business profoundly. However, not all of these discussions are public to all your employees. Some information might be for a select few, and if your meeting rooms have regular glass windows and doors, maintaining privacy during meetings can be challenging. With smart privacy glass windows, you don’t have to choose between an open and aesthetically-pleasing meeting room and a private one. At the click of a button, you can get both.

Staircases

Glass staircases are one of the most innovative décor choices for commercial buildings. They add instant charm and sleekness to your office without appearing over-the-top. However, privacy can be a considerable problem with glass staircases. If any female members of your office wear skirts or dresses to work, they might have trouble walking up and down the stairs without feeling uncomfortable. Smart privacy glass staircases are not only more durable but can also be adjusted for opacity to allow employees to walk around the office comfortably.

Partition Walls

Most offices have either cubicles or separate rooms for each employee. While an open environment facilitates maximum conversation and honesty, too much noise and lack of privacy can disrupt productivity. Choosing privacy glass such as smart glass for wall partitions or cubicle walls can be a wise choice if you want to strike the perfect balance between an open working environment and maximum employee privacy.

Façades

Building facades look exceptionally sleek, attractive, and inviting. This is why an increasing number of commercial buildings now incorporate glass façades instead of solid brick walls. Despite their attractiveness, however, glass façade walls are almost always expensive, and not just in their purchase or installation. Since regular glass allows the unobstructed flow of light and heat, it makes a building and its occupants highly vulnerable to the eyes of the outside world. With smart privacy glass facades, all of these problems are eliminated. Since the opacity of smart glass façades can be adjusted, you can control the amount of light entering your office, and therefore not only maintain privacy but also allow ample natural light and reduce energy bills. Privacy glass facades ensure aesthetic brilliance and practicality together.

You shouldn’t compromise with the quality of your smart glass either. Choosing the right company for installing privacy glass in your office is crucial if you want assurance of quality and efficiency.

AIS Glass is India’s leading integrated glass solutions provider. We customise glass windows, doors, partitions, and facades for our clients and offer a wide range of insulating, acoustic, and privacy solutions. Our smart glass, called AIS Swytchglas, utilises cutting-edge technology and activates in 10 microseconds to provide you absolute privacy or a transparent interior. AIS Swytchglas works using a remote-controlled device and blocks up to 50% light in its opaque or “off” mode. It also blocks out the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Our technicians ensure seamless customisation, delivery, and installation of your chosen smart privacy glass. Contact us today to revamp or design your office with smart glass fixtures!