Product Description

~~PolyvisionTM Privacy Glass *-Q&A*-

Q: What is PolyvisionTM privacy glass and how does it work?
A: Polyvision™ is a revolutionary breakthrough in display technology which is produced by laminating polymer-dispersed liquid crystal film with architectural grade PVB between two layers of customer-specified glass. The glass can transform from a cloudy-white, translucent barrier to an optically clear state with the flick of a switch.

Q: Is the glass transparent with the power ON or OFF? Can it be reversed?
A: The glass is transparent when the power is ON. No, the mechanism cannot be reversed. 

Q: Can the PolyvisionTM privacy film be ordered separately without the glass?
A: Yes, with limited warranty.

Q: What is laminated glass?
A: Laminated glass consists of two panes of glass adhered together with by an interlayer, typically PVB, and is considered safety glass. The interlayer holds the entire piece together if the glass ever gets broken so there will be no holes, large or sharp shards.

Q: What are the various glass types?
A: Annealed, tempered, heat- and chemical-strengthened.

Q: What is the difference between laminated and toughened glass and which should I use?
A: Polyvision™ glass is considered a laminated glass or safety glass, which means that the risk of injury is minimal because it breaks into small, dull shards. Toughened glass that is not laminated has a higher risk of injury because it has the potential to break into large, sharp shards. What type of glass one would use depends on the application.

Q: What is the maximum glass size?
A: It can be up to as large as *2 x **0 (***8 mm x ***8 mm)

Q: What is the basis for choosing the glass thickness?
A: Standard glass thicknesses are 5/*6, 7/*6, and 9/*6. Typical glass thickness is 7/*6", however, for a large piece, we recommend 9/*6". The cost is the same. It is also based on the frame and sound-proofing. Non-standard thicknesses are not recommended due to lack of availability and increased cost.

Q: What is the standard configuration for a Polyvision™ Insulated Glass Unit (IGU)?
A: Standard IGU consists of: tempered glass on the exterior + air gap + laminated annealed Polyvision™ glass

Q: How is Polyvision™ priced and what is the cost?
A: It is priced in either square-footage (sq. ft.) or square-meter (sq. m.). Cost varies depending on the design and the glass type.

Q: What is the operational voltage?
A: *5 VAC, provided with our step-down, UL-listed transformer.

Q: What are the available glass colors?
A: Clear, bronze, gray, green tint.

Q: Is it energy efficient?
A: Yes, the electric consumption is less than 0.5 Watt/sq. ft.

Q: Can multiple glass panels be connected together?
A: Yes, glass panels need to be connected in parallel.

Q: Does it come in any other shapes?
A: Custom shapes and sizing are available at no additional cost.

Q: What is the percent transmission (%VLT) of the glass?
A: The transmission in the clear state is approximately *5% when viewed straight on.

Q: Are there any requirements regarding the framing (aluminum or non-aluminum) if the glass does not comply with the FGMA standard?
A: No, any frame would be suitable.
 
Q: What is in a typical order package?
A: The PolyvisionTM privacy glass, *5 VAC transformer, timer, and additional wires, if needed.
 
Q: What is the normal lead time?
A: Upon receipt of the completed purchase order and full payment, 6 weeks for the annealed glass, 8 weeks for tempered glass, and 2 weeks for film.
 
Q: What types of professionals are required for the electrical and glass installations?
A: Certified electricians and glaziers are required.

Q: Are there any prerequisites or restrictions before implementing the use of the PolyvisionTM privacy glass?
A: Yes, Polyvision™ glass must be in the private mode (OFF state) for a minimum of 4 hours per *4 hour period. The time in the OFF state does not need to be consecutive. Frequent switching is encouraged. Timers must be used in order for the warranty to be valid.
 
Q: Is the PolyvisionTM privacy glass installation complicated and time-consuming?
A: No, it is similar to a normal glass installation.
 
Q: How much shipping time should be allocated domestically and internationally?
A: Usually within 1 week domestically. Shipping times tend to vary more internationally.

Q: Where are the busbar and wires used to power the film located?
A: Busbars are located at the long or short edges of the film. Please contact us for configuration options.

Q:  Can Polyvision™ glass panels be butt-joint?
A: Yes, but ONLY with other Polyvision™ panels.

Q: Can Polyvision™ panels be glazed next to regular glass?
A: No, we do not recommend that Polyvision™ be glazed near regular glass because of clarity differences.

Q: Why is Polyvision™ not as clear as regular glass?
A: It contains liquid crystal materials that optically manipulate light; therefore, it will naturally have some level of haziness to it. This haziness effect is magnified at larger viewing angles and with certain high-intensity lighting conditions.

Q:  What type of silicone to be used?
A: Neutral cure silicone ONLY.

Q: Does the PolyvisionTM privacy glass have a remote control?
A: No, but a remote control can be used.
 

Q: What is the lifetime of the PolyvisionTM privacy glass?
A: Indoor use lasts *0 years or more.   

Q: What is the warranty?
A: Glass carries a 3 years limited warranty from electrical failure and/or delamination in workmanship. Film carries a *-day warranty upon receipt from courier.

Q: Can logos or patterns be etched into the PolyvisionTM privacy glass?
A: Yes.
 
Q: What are some applications of the PolyvisionTM privacy glass?
A: Automotive sun/moon roofs, skylight controls, privacy windows for conference rooms, executive offices, tradeshow exhibits and command centers, bullet-proof security glass, hospital privacy/restriction of view, bank teller window and automated teller security windows, special effects for the entertainment industry, ultra-modern residential and commercial blind applications, outdoor advertising.

Q: What are some of the unique features of the PolyvisionTM privacy glass?
A: Glass sizes can be made quite large and it can be of various shapes, thus meeting the requirements of even the most extreme projects. In addition, it can serve as a contemporary substitute for blinds, giving any room a modern look and appeal. It is energy efficient (*0 years). It is inexpensive and can be used in combination with Polytronixs other unique glass types (POLYMAGIC™ LED, Polyholo, Polyflush).

Q: How much would the glass weigh?
A: A typical 7/*6 thick piece of glass weighs about 7 lbs per square-foot.

Q: Can the wires attached to the glass support the weight of the glass?
A: The wires are for powering the glass and cannot handle the stress, which means you cannot pull on the wires to move it or use it to hang the glass. For mounting purposes, you will need to utilize a frame or allow us to drill holes into the glass.

Q: Can the wire attached to glass be longer?
A: Yes. Our standard wire length is 3 feet. Maximum length is *0 feet due to weight and size. However, one can always extend it once the installation is done. 

Q: Can the busbar be 1/8 instead of 1/4?
A: No.

Q: Can the wire leads be connected to only one point of the glass?
A: No. Typically wire leads are connected at 2 corners of the glass.

Q: What is the viewing angle?
A: Approximately **0o. Which means the transmission will be reduced to less than half when viewed at a *0 degree angle.

Q: What is the operating temperature range?
A: *0oC to *0oC (*4oF to **8oF).