Privacy and security with Priva-Lite laminates

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Nov 5, 2008

Priva-Lite laminates from D R Services can be produced in any specification all the way from float glass to the highest security bullet proof glass

Glass that changes from transparent to translucent at the flick of a switch was once merely the futuristic fantasy of science fiction films, but thanks to revolutionary advances in manufacturing capabilities, D R Services has brought the concept to reality.

The product is Priva-Lite, a laminated glass panel comprising a compact and intelligent assembly of two layers of clear glass with an interlayer film of liquid crystal (LC film).

The polymer and liquid crystals are encapsulated into the glass, both faces of which are covered with an electrical conductive coating and connected to a power supply via a transformer.

When switched off, the liquid crystals are randomly dispersed, giving the glass a translucent, milky white appearance and preventing through vision.

When on, the liquid crystals re-orientate themselves in one direction and the glass becomes transparent.

This highly advanced technology allows the screen to switch from clear to opaque and vice versa up to 50 times a second and according to David Jarvis of D R Services, the potential of this concept in countless applications is virtually limitless.

"Priva-Lite laminates can be produced in any specification all the way from float glass to the highest security bullet proof glass," he explains.

"It can also accommodate curved, shaped, bent, screenprinted and sandblasted glass".

"This renders it ideal for locations where security is required, such as banks, building societies, shops, stations, and tickets offices".

"The value of the product is that it completely eliminates the need for blinds, screens or curtains - everything is done literally at the flick of a switch".

The benefits of the product have already been recognised, mainly on the continent where Priva-Lite is well known, with an example being the Belgian railway network, where some ticket offices have had the glass installed.

Domestically, it has been installed in a number of residential and retail premises, including a highly prestigious and upmarket watch retailer on the Brompton Road in London".

""The client wanted to display the product range to its best advantage," says David".

""The extensive use of glass in jewellers is a common feature in shopfitting but he also wanted to incorporate a strong safety feature for his top of the range pieces".

"We installed a Priva-Lite glass partition at the back of the shop where the most expensive watches are kept".

"When a customer expresses interest in this range, the retailer just flicks the switch, the glass wall instantly becomes opaque and the goods remain hidden from the rest of the customers in the shop".

There is also another huge potential of the Priva-Lite concept, and one that is attracting a great deal of interest.

It has the ability to be used for back projection, which opens up a whole new medium for advertising purposes.

When the glass is switched off and opaque, this creates a blank screen upon which anything can be projected".

""If we look at a banking hall, for instance," continues David, "during the day the screens can be clear and welcoming to customers, but after hours, it offers an amazing, on site canvas for personalised, very cost effective advertising messages".

"The same applies for any commercial venture, from cinemas to ticket offices".

Today's security conscious society is constantly making demands on both residential and commercial properties and as insurance requirements increase, so do costs.

The advantage of Priva-Lite is that it can be used together with the most robust glass available, from bullet proof to comply with stringent security demands, and even double glazed units, making it eminently suitable for exterior glazing.

It also meets acoustic requirements, offering 36dB soundproofing in standard composition, and excellent high light transmission in a transparent state.

Furthermore, it uses very low electrical consumption and is completely anti-vandal.