Switch glass
Choose the world's best electrically switchable glass – cut and processed to your exact requirements
Strength:
four to five times stronger than annealed glass of the same thickness
Quality
only TG SWITCH includes a third-generation NPRLC film and a unique water-resistant interlayer.
Convenience
make it your own with dozens of cutting, printing and processing options – all handled in-house.
Peace of mind
work with us and you can expect the highest standards of quality, efficiency and professionalism.
See it switch
Drag the slider to switch TG SWITCH from clear to private. The real thing does it in 0.01 seconds.
What is it?
What is switch glass?
Switch glass is a form of laminated glass that switches from clear to opaque when an electric current is applied or withdrawn. It's a privacy screen that you can literally turn on or off with the flick of a switch.
Smart glass goes by many names. We call it switch glass, but you'll also hear it called smart glass, switchable glass, LCD glass and electric tinting glass, among other things. Whatever you call it, it does the same clever thing: clear when you want the view, opaque when you want privacy.
This makes smart glass ideal for situations where privacy is occasionally required. Think shower screens, office partitions and hospital rooms. It can also act as an impressive modern alternative to curtains or blinds – or can be used for security reasons in banks, prisons and luxury retail stores.
At ToughGlaze, we supply the most reliable and advanced switchable smart glass available anywhere. We call it TG SWITCH, and no other smart glass solutions come close. Our liquid crystal glass is the only product to feature a third-generation NPRLC film and unique water-resistant interlayer – along with a raft of clever features that make it ideal for smart homes and offices.
Specifications
Technical specifications
TG SWITCH is the most feature-rich switchable glazing system available today. Here's what you can expect.
Light transmission: >78%
Haze (blurriness): <5%
View angle: 150°
Acoustic properties: >38dB (subject to requirement)
Maximum size: 1840 x 4200 mm
Thickness range: 10 mm to 60 mm
Running voltage: 30 to 90 volts AC (adaptors made by ToughGlaze)
Power consumption: 5 watts/m²
Protection: current and voltage control system to guard against electrical fluctuations
Certification: BS EN 14449
How does TG SWITCH compare to electrochromic glass?
Electric auto-tinting glass technology has developed over the years. The first widely available technology was electrochromic glass. This was a less-than-perfect solution – the glass often had a yellow tint and suffered from slow response times. Large electrochromic windows could take as long as 30 minutes to go completely opaque.
This was followed more recently by PDLC glass, which significantly improved response times and clarity.
TG SWITCH represents the latest evolution of switchable privacy glass. It uses a third-generation NPRLC film and boasts the best clarity and fastest response time available on the UK market.
What we make
Types of switchable privacy glass
Make our smart glass your own. Thanks to our state-of-the-art glass processing facilities, we can cut your smart glass into any shape for framed and frameless applications, and combine it with many of our market-leading glass products.
Here are just a few of the options available. Got something else in mind? Get in touch.
Anti-reflective switch glass:
our LCD switchable glass boasts the highest transparency on the market. Choose our low-iron anti-reflective glass option to make the best look even better.
Fire-rated switch glass:
need to comply with fire regulations? Combine TG SWITCH with our E30-rated fire glass and enjoy cutting-edge smart glass features with no compromise on safety.
Switchable security glass:
when you need maximum security and privacy, we've got you covered. Our electrical glass can be manufactured to offer protection from manual attack, ballistic attack or explosive blasts.
Electric tinted glass:
turn TG SWITCH into a colourful decorative display. Select from a palette of more than 50 electronic glass tints, including a variety of colours and shades.
Smart glass double glazing:
our smart glazing can be produced as double- or triple-glazed units to allow for easy installation and to improve heat and solar protection levels. Expect a U-value as low as 0.2.
Where it is used
Where switchable glass works hardest
TG SWITCH is designed for a broad range of commercial, architectural and residential use cases. It makes for a space-saving alternative to blinds or curtains – or can be used to enhance security or privacy in
specialist situations.
Smart glass privacy screens: harness TG SWITCH as a fixed or portable privacy barrier. Ideal for hospitals, banks, prisons, airport screening areas and jewellery retailers.
Smart glass doors: TG SWITCH brings a new level of privacy to sliding doors and bi-fold doors. Great for homes, offices, restaurants and other commercial and residential spaces.
Smart glass bathroom fixtures: with its incredible clarity, instant operation and unique water-resistant interlayer, our smart switchable glass is tailor-made for shower doors, washroom screens and bathroom windows.
Smart glass walls and partitions: need to maximise space in a meeting room, public facility or residential property? Use TG SWITCH glass panels to construct sturdy electric dimming glass partitions.
Smart glass projection screens: when opaque, TG SWITCH works beautifully as a projection screen for meeting rooms and conference centres. It can also be combined with interactive touchscreen technology
Why ToughGlaze
Why choose TG SWITCH?
The best smart switch glass on the market, bar none.
Only TG SWITCH combines an advanced third-generation NPRLC film with a unique water-resistant interlayer – switching from clear to opaque in just 0.01 seconds, faster than the human eye can register.
trusted by hospitals, banks, airports, retailers, offices and homeowners across the UK and beyond.
remember: we're not just smart glass suppliers – we're one of the UK's most trusted names in commercial glass. When you buy from us, you get the peace of mind that comes with 30+ years of experience and expertise. At ToughGlaze, we aim to be the only glass supplier you ever need to work with.
- Trusted for glass processing since 1993
- Advanced third-generation NPRLC film
- Water-resistant interlayer for exterior and bathroom use
- Can be cut to any shape for framed and frameless applications
- Integrates with leading smart home systems
- Certified to BS EN 14449
- ISO 9001:2015 accredited for quality management
- Distribution throughout the UK mainland (depending on order)
How it is made
How switchable glass works
Our smart glass darkens electronically thanks to a special NPRLC interlayer. This layer is sandwiched between two panes of glass and contains many tiny liquid crystal molecules.
When an electric current is applied, the NPRLC layer is invisible. The liquid crystal molecules line up in neat rows, which allows light to pass through. When the current is withdrawn, the molecules disperse randomly and block the passage of light.
To the naked eye, this happens instantly. Those molecules move fast, so the NPRLC interlayer goes from clear to opaque in a split second. Every panel is laminated and processed in-house, under one roof, at our UK facility.
Smarter than the average switch glass
TG SWITCH is at the vanguard of smart glass technology. It's a next-generation product that's tailor-made for smart homes and responsive workplaces.
Our electric glass can be controlled with our easy-to-use smartphone app (Android/iOS) or with a compatible smart assistant like Amazon Alexa. Alternatively, you can control it from anywhere in the world through our secure web app.
And in the unlikely event of a fault, it will probably notice before you do. TG SWITCH can be fitted with a SIM card to allow for automatic error reporting.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What is smart glass?
Smart glass is a form of laminated glass that switches from clear to opaque when an electric current is applied or withdrawn. It's a privacy screen that you can literally turn on or off with the flick of a switch. This makes smart glass ideal for situations where privacy is occasionally required. Think shower screens, office partitions and hospital rooms. It can also act as an impressive modern alternative to curtains or blinds – or can be used for security reasons in banks, prisons and luxury retail stores. Smart glass is known by many names. We call it "switch glass", but you'll also hear it called "LCD glass" and "electric tinting glass", among other things.
How does smart glass work?
Our smart glass darkens electronically thanks to a special NPRLC interlayer. This layer is sandwiched between two panes of glass and contains many tiny liquid crystal molecules. When an electric current is applied, the NPRLC layer is invisible. This is because the liquid crystal molecules line up in neat rows, which allows light to pass through. However, when the current is withdrawn, the molecules disperse randomly and block the passage of light. To the naked eye, this happens instantly.
How does TG SWITCH glass compare to electrochromic glass?
The first widely available technology was called electrochromic glass. This was a less-than-perfect solution – the glass often had a yellow tint and suffered from slow response times. Large electrochromic windows could take as long as 30 minutes to go completely opaque. This was followed more recently by PDLC glass, which significantly improved response times and clarity. TG SWITCH represents the latest evolution of switchable privacy glass. It uses a third-generation NPRLC film and boasts the best clarity and fastest response time available on the UK market.
How much does switchable glass cost?
The price of switchable glass depends on the size, thickness, shape and options you choose – from anti-reflective and tinted finishes to fire-rated and security specifications. Because every TG SWITCH panel is made to measure, we price every project individually. Send us your sizes or drawings and we'll come back with a clear quote. No obligation, no hard sell.
Can switchable glass be used in bathrooms and showers?
Yes. TG SWITCH is the only liquid crystal glass to incorporate our unique water-resistant interlayer, making it ideal for shower doors, washroom screens and bathroom windows. Instant privacy at the flick of a switch, with no blinds or curtains to worry about.
Can I have switchable glass doors at home?
Absolutely. TG SWITCH brings a new level of privacy to sliding doors and bi-fold doors, and our smart glazing can be produced as double- or triple-glazed units for easy installation. It's a popular choice for homes as well as offices, restaurants and other commercial spaces.
Is smart glass clear or opaque when the power is off?
When the electric current is withdrawn, the liquid crystal molecules disperse randomly and block the passage of light – so the glass rests in its opaque, private state. Apply the current and it switches back to clear, faster than the eye can register.
Where can I buy smart glass?
Right here! ToughGlaze is a trusted smart glass manufacturer based in the UK. We've partnered with a leading LCD engineering laboratory to create one of the most advanced smart glass solutions available today. To get started, simply request a quote.
Certification and documentation
TG SWITCH is certified to BS EN 14449 for laminated glass, and ToughGlaze is ISO 9001:2015 accredited for quality management. Need the paperwork for your project file?
View and download our declarations of performance below.
Sales and support
Buy switchable glass from one of the UK's leading commercial glass suppliers. Trust ToughGlaze to deliver on spec and on time – every time.
Trusted for glass processing since 1993
Distribution throughout the UK mainland (depending on order)
ISO 9001:2015 accredited for quality management
