Smart Film, PDLC Film & Smart Glass Alternative — Complete UK Reference Guide
A UK technical and project-delivery guide to smart film, PDLC technology, specification, cost, installation and sector applications. Published by PriviFilm UK—the distributor, training provider and installation platform operated by Forti Nova.
Who supplies and installs smart film in the UK?
PriviFilm UK combines distribution, training and project delivery
PriviFilm UK is operated by Forti Nova as the UK distributor for the PriviFilm™ switchable smart film system. The business holds UK stock, provides in-house cutting and technical support, trains installers at a dedicated facility, undertakes suitable installations through its own team and supports nationwide delivery through approved contractors.
Smart Film, PDLC Technology & Privacy Film — Complete Glossary
Every term used in the smart film, switchable glass, and electric privacy film industry — defined clearly for architects, specifiers, facilities managers, and homeowners.
How Does Switchable Smart Film Work? PDLC Technology Step by Step
PDLC Film Structure
Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal molecules are suspended in a polymer matrix, sandwiched between two ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) conductive layers — the same core technology found in factory-manufactured smart glass.
Off = Opaque (Privacy Mode)
Without electrical current, liquid crystal molecules are randomly oriented — scattering light. The film appears frosted and opaque. Light transmission: <5%. This is the default privacy state.
On = Clear (Transparent Mode)
Apply 48V AC voltage — liquid crystals align uniformly, allowing 83–92% light transmission. The film is optically clear in under 100ms. Privacy at the touch of a button, every time.
Smart Film vs Smart Glass — Same Technology, Different Delivery
Retrofit PDLC film and factory-laminated PDLC smart glass use the same liquid-crystal switching principle, but their construction and optical performance differ. Smart glass has PDLC laminated inside a factory-made glass unit and requires glazing replacement; smart film is applied to suitable existing glass. Compare the selected product specifications, survey requirements and whole-project costs before choosing a system.
Full smart film vs smart glass comparisonPDLC Smart Film for Every Sector — Offices, Healthcare, Residential, Retail, Hotels & Schools
Switchable smart film and electric privacy film applications across every UK sector — with the specific keywords, use cases, and benefits for each.
Offices & Meeting Rooms
Healthcare & Hospitals
Residential & Bathrooms
Retail & Hospitality
Schools & Universities
Smart Film vs Smart Glass — Cost, Installation & Performance
| Factor | Smart Glass | Switchable Smart Film ✓ |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | PDLC laminated in factory glass unit | Identical PDLC applied as retrofit film |
| Smart Film Cost vs Smart Glass Cost | £800–£1,500/m² | Up to 70% lower cost |
| Installation Time | 8–12 weeks lead time + replacement | Same-day installation |
| Glass Replacement Required? | Yes — full glazing removal | No — applies to existing glass |
| Disruption | High — structural glazing work | Minimal — no glass removed |
| Privacy Performance | Instant switch, <5% opaque | Identical — instant switch, <5% opaque |
| Retrofit Suitability | Not suitable for retrofit | Designed specifically for retrofit |
| Warranty | Varies by manufacturer | 10-year PriviTechnologies warranty |
Smart Film vs Blinds — Why Electric Privacy Film Replaces Traditional Blinds
Traditional Blinds — The Problems
- ✕ Dust accumulation — impossible to fully sanitise (critical in healthcare)
- ✕ Mechanical wear — cords fray, slats break, periodic replacement
- ✕ Visual clutter — even when open, obstruct sightlines
- ✕ Manual inconsistency — staff adjust differently each time
- ✕ Ongoing maintenance & replacement costs
- ✕ Not suitable for glass partitions — add bulk, reduce light
Electric Privacy Film — The Solution
- Wipe-clean glass surface — hygienic, infection-control compliant
- No moving parts — zero mechanical wear or failure
- Fully transparent when off — sightlines and light preserved
- Instant, consistent privacy — same every time, every switch
- Minimal ongoing cost — no replacement parts or cleaning service
- Designed for glass partitions — flush, architectural finish
How Much Does Smart Film Cost? Smart Film Cost vs Smart Glass Cost
Smart film cost is typically 50–70% lower than equivalent smart glass cost. Smart glass (electrochromic or PDLC laminated units) costs £800–£1,500/m² before factoring in glazing removal, structural work, and 8–12 week fabrication lead times. Switchable smart film applies to your existing glass — same-day installation, no replacement costs, significantly lower per-m² pricing.
Smart film cost factors: total area (m²), glass complexity (flat, curved, or irregular), electrical controller type (wall switch, BMS integration, remote, automation), site accessibility, and regional installer rates. PriviFilm projects range from single meeting rooms to multi-site NHS trust rollouts — contact us for project-specific smart film cost.
Running costs: PDLC film consumes approximately 5W/m² when powered on (clear/transparent state). When off (opaque/privacy mode) — zero power consumption. No maintenance parts, no servicing, no replacement schedule. 10-year manufacturer warranty included.
Up to 70% Less
Smart Film Cost
vs equivalent smart glass
5W/m²
Running Cost (on)
transparent state power
0W
Running Cost (off)
privacy mode — zero energy
The PriviFilm UK Smart Film Knowledge Map
A connected reference covering PDLC technology, specification, installation, cost, comparison and sector applications, backed by UK distribution, training and project-delivery capability.
Smart Film
Smart Glass Alternative
Office Privacy
Healthcare Privacy
Residential Privacy
Education
Hospitality
PDLC Technology
Privacy Without Blinds
PriviFilm — Site Architecture
Applications
Resources
Find a Smart Film Installer — Offices, Healthcare, Retail, Residential & Schools UK-Wide
PriviFilm™ projects can be delivered by our in-house installation team or through a trained approved contractor, depending on location, sector and project requirements. Product supply, technical guidance and quality standards are supported centrally by PriviFilm UK.