PDLC Smart Film

PDLC Smart Film — Instant Privacy, Daylight Preserved

Switchable PDLC film for retrofit and new-build glass. 20-60 ms switching, 100k+ hour lifespan, 3.7 W/m² ON-state power. Five model tiers from EL-L2 to EL-X2-PRO.

Switch speed (PRO)

≤ 20 ms

Rated lifespan

> 100k hrs

ON-state power

3.7 W/m²

UV rejection (OFF)

≥ 95% UV

PDLC smart film switching between opaque and transparent states
Comparison of blinds, frosted glass, and PDLC smart film

Why Standard Privacy Solutions Fall Short

Conventional privacy solutions trade one problem for another. Blinds collect dust, block daylight, and require manual operation. Frosted glass gives no clear mode — the space permanently loses its view. Curtains add clutter and wear out through mechanical cycling.

The underlying mechanism is mechanical: every moving privacy surface introduces friction, dust accumulation, and a fixed trade-off between daylight and privacy. PDLC film breaks this trade-off by switching the glass itself. No moving parts means no dust path and no mechanical wear. Daylight is preserved in the transparent state; privacy arrives in the opaque state; the transition completes in 20-60 milliseconds.

PDLC smart film layered cross-section

How PDLC Smart Film Works

PDLC (Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal) film is built from a polymer matrix in which microscopic liquid crystal droplets are dispersed, sandwiched between two transparent ITO conductive layers and bonded to a self-adhesive backing. The transition between opaque and transparent is driven entirely by an electric field — no moving parts.

Five Models, One Shared Envelope

All ElevatoX PDLC models share lifespan, voltage, temperature, cycles, and power. They differ in switch speed, optical clarity, viewing angle, and max width — pick the tier that matches your application priority.

EL-L2

Standard
Switch speed
≈ 30 ms
IR rejection (OFF)
77%
UV rejection (OFF)
95.5%
Viewing angle
145°
Max width
1820 mm grey

EL-L2-PRO

Premium
Switch speed
≈ 30 ms
IR rejection (OFF)
68%
UV rejection (OFF)
93.8%
Viewing angle
165°
Max width
1820 mm grey

EL-X1

Standard
Switch speed
≈ 25-30 ms
IR rejection (OFF)
77%
UV rejection (OFF)
95.4%
Viewing angle
150°
Max width
1520 mm

EL-X2-A

Standard
Switch speed
≈ 20-25 ms
IR rejection (OFF)
73%
UV rejection (OFF)
96%
Viewing angle
150°
Max width
1520 mm

EL-X2-PRO

Premium
Switch speed
≈ 20-25 ms
IR rejection (OFF)
65%
UV rejection (OFF)
95.9%
Viewing angle
165°
Max width
1820 mm grey

Shared Envelope

  • Lifespan — > 100,000 hrs
  • Voltage — 48 / 60V AC
  • Temperature — -20 °C to 70 °C
  • Cycles — > 200 million
  • ON-state power — 3.7 W/m²

IR / UV values are OFF-state, model-dependent. Sourced from ElevatoX product technical documentation.

Bound to PDLC film — every batch is production-tested

ElevatoX PDLC smart film switches between opaque and transparent states in 20-60 ms depending on model tier. Standard models (EL-L2, EL-X1) switch in around 25-30 ms; PRO models (EL-X2-A, EL-X2-PRO) switch in 20-25 ms. The transition is electro-optical with no moving parts, so the cycle can repeat more than 200 million times without mechanical wear. Tested to GB18910.5-2008 standard with >100,000 hours continuous lifespan.

All ElevatoX PDLC models share lifespan, voltage (48/60V AC), temperature (-20C to 70C), cycles (>200M), and ON-state power (3.7 W/m2). They differ in switch speed, optical clarity, viewing angle, and max width — pick the tier that matches your application priority.

SPD is included for context in the comparison matrix above. SPD is now a sellable ElevatoX product line with confirmed specs (90V AC, 3 W/m2 ON / 0 W OFF, -20C to 90C, CE/UL/DO-160 certifications). Electrochromic shows publicly known general characteristics only.

Application Selection Matrix

Match your application scenario to the right PDLC film model, glass size, and control method.

ApplicationTypical Glass SizeSwitch FrequencyControl MethodRecommended Model
Meeting Room1.0–1.8 × 2.4–3.0 m10–30×/dayPanel + Wi-FiEL-L2 / EL-X1
Bathroom0.6–1.2 × 1.0–2.0 m5–15×/daySensor / RemoteEL-L2-PRO
Clinic0.8–1.5 × 2.0–2.5 m20–50×/dayPanel + SensorEL-X1 / EL-X2-A
Retail StorefrontUp to 1.82 × 3.0 m2×/day (scheduled)Scheduled Wi-FiEL-X2-PRO
Hotel Suite1.2–1.8 × 2.0–3.0 m5–20×/daySmart-home bridgeEL-L2-PRO / EL-X2-PRO
Facade / SkylightProject-specific1–5×/dayBMS / ScheduledSPD — contact us

PDLC vs SPD vs Electrochromic

All PDLC and SPD values are from ElevatoX product technical documentation. Electrochromic shows publicly known general characteristics only — no brand-specific data.

AttributePDLC (ElevatoX)SPDElectrochromic
Switching speed20-60 ms (model tier)Off→On ≤1 s / On→Off ≤9 sSeconds to minutes
TransmittanceOn: 83-92% / Off: opaqueOn ≥60% / Off ≤2% (deep blue)Varies continuously with tint state
Dimming rangeBinary opaque / transparent30:1 continuous dimmingContinuous tint range
Steady-state power3.7 W/m² (ON state)3 W/m² (ON) / 0 W (OFF)Very low at steady state
Lifespan> 100,000 hrs> 100,000 hrsPublicly known general characteristics
Operating voltage48 / 60V AC90V AC (70-110V adjustable)Publicly known general characteristics
IR rejection (OFF)65-77%On 14% / Off 60%Publicly known general characteristics
UV rejection (OFF)93.8-96%On 82% / Off 96% (adhesive: 99%)Publicly known general characteristics
Operating temp-20 °C to 70 °C-20 °C to 90 °CPublicly known general characteristics
Cycles> 200 million> 200 millionPublicly known general characteristics
CertificationsCE, CQC, ISO 9001CE, UL, GB/T, DO-160, AEC-Q100Varies by manufacturer
InstallationSelf-adhesive dry installLaminated (autoclave) or adhesive (dry)Lamination, complex

All PDLC and SPD values are sourced from ElevatoX product technical documentation. Electrochromic characteristics are publicly known general behavior only.

Application Scenarios

Each scenario lists the parameters that drive model selection and installation planning. Swipe through to find your use case.

Meeting Room Partitions

Meeting Room Partitions

Office conference rooms need privacy on demand without blocking daylight or the open-plan feel. PDLC partitions switch opaque in under 60 ms for confidential discussions and clear again instantly. Typical glass: 1.0 × 2.4 m doors to 1.8 × 3.0 m full-height walls.

  • Glass 1.0-1.8 m wide
  • Switch panel + Wi-Fi
  • EL-L2 / EL-X1
Bathroom & Bedroom Privacy

Bathroom & Bedroom Privacy

Residential bathrooms and bedrooms need humidity-tolerant privacy that still admits daylight. Self-adhesive film applies directly to existing glass, sized 2-3 mm shorter than the visible pane. Non-solvent neutral silicone protects the edge against condensation.

  • Glass 0.6-1.5 m wide
  • Sensor or remote
  • EL-L2 / EL-L2-PRO
Retail Storefronts

Retail Storefronts

Storefronts use PDLC film for after-hours privacy and as a projection-ready display surface. Switching to opaque blocks visibility while still allowing projected campaigns. Scheduled Wi-Fi control automates the daily open / closed cycle.

  • Glass up to 1.82 m wide
  • Scheduled Wi-Fi
  • EL-X2-PRO
Hospitality Suites

Hospitality Suites

Hotel suites and front-of-house partitions need instant privacy that feels premium. PDLC film switches in 20-60 ms and integrates with smart-home bridges for guest-controlled ambiance. UV rejection 93.8-96% protects interior finishes and artwork.

  • Glass 1.2-1.8 m wide
  • Smart-home bridge
  • EL-L2-PRO / EL-X2-PRO
ElevatoX factory floor with automated winding lines

Certification & Factory Capability

Bound to PDLC film — every batch is tested before release, and the factory that winds the matching transformers is the same one that certifies the film.

GB18910.5-2008

Lifespan test standard applied to all PDLC models, confirming the > 100,000 hour rating.

Independent cycle test

Switching-cycle workflow validates the > 200M cycle rating before batch release.

Optical instrumentation

Haze meter, colorimeter, and LC parameter tools verify ON/OFF haze, VLT, IR, UV per model.

20 automated winding lines

Daily output ≥ 5,000 transformers. ISO 9001, CE, and CQC certified.

Procurement Guide

Five primary factors drive the unit cost of an ElevatoX PDLC film project. Reviewing these before requesting a quote shortens the proposal cycle and produces a more accurate landed cost.

  1. 01

    Film type and model tier

    EL-L2 is cost-effective for offices and retail; EL-X1 raises on-state clarity; EL-X2-PRO is the premium tier for facades and hospitality. Optical class drives cost.

  2. 02

    Format — sheet vs roll

    Self-adhesive sheet arrives ready to install. Roll film is a semi-finished product requiring buyer-side cutting and electrode processing, lowering unit cost but adding in-house processing.

  3. 03

    Width and customization

    Grey film up to 1820 mm and color film up to 1520 mm are standard. Wider grey film (> 1500 mm) and any color film carry a capacity surcharge.

  4. 04

    Control method add-ons

    Wall switch is baseline. Remote, Wi-Fi panel, smart-home bridge, sensor, and rotary dimmer each add to the bill of materials.

  5. 05

    Volume and shipping terms

    FOB and EXW both supported. Volume tiering reduces unit cost significantly above pilot batch; air vs sea freight drives landed-cost variation.

Lead time Depends on volume, model tier, and custom BOM. Spare parts Replacement transformers, controllers, and neutral-cure silicone sealant (Tosseal 381, GE 83, DOWSIL 895 / 795). OEM / ODM Covers custom branding, packaging, and control firmware on bulk orders.

Procurement components — smart film roll, transformer, controller, sealant
Wiring simulator dashboard with transformer channels

Plan Your Wiring Before You Order

The wiring simulator helps you decide how many transformer channels your project needs and which control topology is most cost-effective — before final engineering review.

See It In Action

PDLC Smart Film Switch Demo

View post on Instagram
 

Watch the full demo on Instagram. PDLC smart film switching from frosted (OFF) to clear (ON) in real time.

PDLC Film FAQ

These questions are bound to this product page. The aggregate FAQ at /faq links back here for cross-product navigation.

ElevatoX PDLC film switches in approximately 20-60 milliseconds depending on the model tier. Standard models like EL-L2 and EL-X1 switch in around 25-30 ms, while PRO models like EL-X2-A and EL-X2-PRO switch in approximately 20-25 ms. In practical use this is near-instant — the transition completes faster than the human eye perceives as a flicker, which matters in meeting rooms and clinics where frequent switching happens throughout the day.

Yes. ElevatoX self-adhesive PDLC film uses a dry-install adhesive backing applied directly to existing glass after surface cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth. The finished film is sized 2-3 mm shorter than the visible glass edge to avoid edge stress and peeling. The busbar must sit on the top edge and must not touch any metal trim. No water is used during installation — moisture causes adhesion failure and bubbles.

ElevatoX PDLC film operates on 48 / 60V AC, not DC, and must be driven through a dedicated transformer — never wired directly to mains. ON-state power consumption is 3.7 W/m², lower than a typical desk lamp, which keeps running cost predictable even for large facade installations. The alternating current prevents polarization of the liquid crystal molecules and preserves film performance over time.

All ElevatoX PDLC models are rated for > 100,000 hours of continuous use and > 200 million switching cycles. The lifespan is tested to the GB18910.5-2008 standard. At 24/7 operation, 100,000 hours equals more than 11 years of continuous use, and 200 million cycles comfortably cover decades of typical daily switching in offices, clinics, and hospitality environments.

ElevatoX PDLC film operates reliably from -20 °C to 70 °C (-4 °F to 158 °F). This covers most indoor applications and protected exterior installations such as covered vestibules. For unprotected outdoor use or automotive applications, specs remain quote-eligible and on request, because those deployments require project-specific certification and material evaluation. Note: ElevatoX SPD film extends the upper limit to 90 °C — see the SPD product page for details.

Maximum width is 1820 mm for grey film (sheet and roll) and 1520 mm for color film. Sheet widths of 1000, 1200, 1500, and 1800 mm are standard, with custom lengths supported. Roll film is supplied as a semi-finished product — buyers must perform their own cutting and electrode processing on roll orders. For widths beyond these limits, request a project-specific quote.

The film edge is sealed with a neutral-cure, non-solvent, zero-shrink silicone sealant such as Tosseal 381, GE 83, DOWSIL 895, or DOWSIL 795. Typical application quantity is around 75 ml/m². Solvent-based sealants degrade the PDLC layer and cause delamination; shrink-type sealants create edge stress that leads to peeling. Proper sealing protects against humidity ingress — critical in bathroom, clinic, and hospitality installations.

Yes. ElevatoX controllers support wall switches, remote controls, Wi-Fi panels, door-magnetic sensors, motion sensors, rotary dimmers, and smart-home bridges including HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa. The 48 / 60V AC driver pairs with these controllers without additional relays in most cases. For multi-channel installations, the wiring simulator helps plan transformer sizing and channel routing before final engineering review.

EL-L2 is the standard tier with 30 ms switch speed and 77% IR rejection — a cost-effective balance for offices and retail. EL-X1 raises on-state clarity (88.2% VLT) at the same switch speed, suited to high-traffic partitions. EL-X2-PRO is the premium tier with 20-25 ms switch speed, 92.2% on-state VLT, and 165° viewing angle, ideal for facade glazing and hospitality where optical clarity is the priority. All models share > 100,000 hour lifespan and 3.7 W/m² power.

Start with the glass dimensions, application scenario, preferred control method, and target volume. We map these inputs to the right model tier, transformer sizing, edge-sealing plan, and lead time, then return a project-specific quote covering film, accessories, and OEM / ODM options. Use the quote form, WhatsApp, email, or phone — all four channels are listed on this page.

References & Data Sources

  • ElevatoX PDLC Smart Film product technical documentation — model spec tables for EL-L2, EL-L2-PRO, EL-X1, EL-X2-A, EL-X2-PRO (ElevatoX internal product data).
  • GB18910.5-2008 — liquid crystal device lifespan test standard.
  • ElevatoX installation guide — self-adhesive dry install, 2-3 mm edge clearance, busbar isolation, neutral-cure silicone edge sealing.
  • Public manufacturer technical bulletins for compatible neutral-cure silicone sealants: Tosseal 381, GE 83, DOWSIL 895, DOWSIL 795.

SPD values in the comparison matrix above are sourced from ElevatoX SPD product technical documentation. Electrochromic characteristics are publicly known general behavior only.

Modern residential interior with smart film glass walls at dusk

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