PRODUCTS

Home >> PRODUCTS >> Smart Glass and Smart film

EN
search
Laminated Glass

PNLC Reverse Smart Film

Reverse Smart Film (PNLC) — Switchable Privacy Film That Is Clear When Off, Frosted When OnMeta Description: City Star Reverse Smart Film (PNLC) works opposite to standard PDLC: clear when powered off, frosted when powered on. 90% light transmittance, 85% UV block. Self-adhesive and laminated optio

Product Details

Reverse Smart Film (PNLC) — Switchable Privacy Film That Is Clear When Off, Frosted When On

Meta Description: City Star Reverse Smart Film (PNLC) works opposite to standard PDLC: clear when powered off, frosted when powered on. 90% light transmittance, 85% UV block. Self-adhesive and laminated options available. Wholesale pricing.


What Is Reverse Smart Film?

Reverse Smart Film — also known as PNLC (Polymer Network Liquid Crystal) film or normally-clear smart film — works in the exact opposite way to standard PDLC switchable film.

Standard PDLC film:

  • Power ON → transparent

  • Power OFF → frosted/private

Reverse PNLC film:

  • Power ON → frosted/private

  • Power OFF → transparent/clear

This "normally clear" behavior makes Reverse Smart Film ideal for applications where the glass needs to stay transparent most of the time, and only switch to frosted privacy on demand — without relying on a power supply to maintain visibility.

In other words: if the power fails, the glass stays clear. No accidental privacy lockouts, no dark glass during outages, no risk of being trapped inside a frosted room.


How Does Reverse PNLC Film Work?

The technology is similar to standard PDLC — liquid crystal molecules dispersed in a polymer matrix. But the arrangement is reversed:

Power OFF (no voltage): The polymer network holds the liquid crystal molecules in a uniform, light-passing alignment. Light travels straight through, and the glass is crystal clear — with 90% light transmittance and only 7% haze.

Power ON (60V applied): The electric field forces the liquid crystal molecules into a random, scattered arrangement. Light diffuses across the surface, and the glass turns frosted and opaque — at 92% haze, providing complete visual privacy.

This inverted switching behavior is the defining characteristic of PNLC reverse film.


Two Product Formats

1. Adhesive Reverse PNLC Film

  • Total thickness: 0.37mm

  • Cut to sheet: Width 100-1400mm, Length 100-50000mm

  • Roll format: Width 1200mm / 1400mm, Length 30m or 50m per roll

  • Roll core: 6 inches

  • Best for: Retrofit applications, applying to existing glass, office partitions, residential windows

2. Laminated Reverse PNLC Film

  • Total thickness: 0.28mm (thinner, for factory lamination)

  • Cut to sheet: Width 100-1400mm, Length 100-50000mm

  • Roll format: Width 1200mm / 1400mm, Length 30m or 50m per roll

  • Roll core: 6 inches

  • Best for: Glass factories laminating the film between two glass plies during production


Technical Specifications

Optical Performance

表格

ParameterValue
Operating voltage60V DC (safe low-voltage)
Power consumptionAverage 4-6W/m²
Viewing angle≥160°
UV blocking rate≥85%
Infrared blocking rate≥60%
Response time (OFF→ON)≤200 milliseconds
Response time (ON→OFF)≤220 milliseconds
Operating temperature range-30°C to 50°C
Service lifeUp to 100,000 hours
Switching cycles≥2 million operations
Test standardGB/T 8910.5-2008

Optical Transparency & Haze

StateHazeFull Light Transmittanceb Value
OFF (clear)7%90.0%3.95 (adhesive) / 1.71 (laminated)
ON (frosted)92%88.0%4.42 (adhesive) / 1.84 (laminated)

Parallel Light Transmission

表格

State45° LightParallel Light
OFF (clear)80.0%85.0%
ON (frosted)19.0%—

Why Choose Reverse Smart Film Over Standard PDLC?

Safety-Critical Applications

In standard PDLC, a power outage turns the glass frosted — which could be dangerous in emergency exits, stairwells, hospital corridors, or any space where visibility must be maintained. Reverse PNLC guarantees that if the power fails, the glass stays clear. People can see their way out.

Energy Savings

Most glass partitions are transparent 90% of the time. With reverse film, you only consume power when you actively need privacy — not to maintain the clear state. Lower energy consumption over the long term.

Natural Default State

Offices, meeting rooms, and public spaces want to feel open and transparent by default. Reverse film delivers that open, connected feel without any power use — and only switches to frosted when someone presses a button for a private meeting.

No Privacy Lockout

With standard PDLC, if the control system malfunctions, you could be stuck in a permanently frosted room. Reverse film eliminates this risk — clear is the default, frosted is the temporary override.

Touch Screen & Projection

When powered on (frosted state), the film surface doubles as a rear projection screen. Project videos, images, or presentations onto the glass from behind — ideal for meeting rooms, showrooms, and digital signage.


Key Features

Dynamic Privacy

Switch instantly between clear (default) and frosted (on-demand privacy). One button, one remote, one app tap.

85% UV Protection

Blocks ≥85% of harmful UV radiation, protecting interior furnishings and occupants from sun damage.

Low Power Consumption

Average 4-6W/m² — extremely energy efficient. You only draw power when actively in frosted mode.

Anti-Noise

PDLC film dampens sound transmission, reducing external noise through glass partitions.

Heat-Resistant & Anti-Scratch

Engineered to withstand daily use, cleaning, and moderate temperature variations.

Multiple Control Methods

Remote control, wall switch, wired control, infrared sensor, voice control, smartphone app — all compatible with building automation systems.

Easy Installation

Self-adhesive backing on the adhesive version. Clean, peel, apply, smooth, trim — done.


Ideal Applications

Meeting Rooms

Conference rooms that are open and transparent most of the time — then switch to frosted privacy when a confidential meeting starts. No blinds, no curtains, no visual clutter.

Offices & Open-Plan Workspaces

Glass office partitions that maintain a bright, open, connected feel by default — then provide privacy on demand for one-on-one conversations, phone calls, or focused work sessions.

Hospital Corridors & Emergency Areas

Healthcare facilities where clear visibility is essential for safety and patient monitoring. Switch to frosted only during procedures or consultations.

Hotel Bathrooms

Bathroom glass that is clear by default (maximizing light and space), then switches to frosted when privacy is needed.

Retail Storefronts

Shop windows that are transparent and welcoming during business hours. Switch to frosted and project advertising after closing — or keep them clear and let the store speak for itself.

Schools & Training Rooms

Classroom glass partitions that stay transparent for maximum visibility between spaces — then provide privacy for exams or small-group activities when needed.

Home Interiors

Living room dividers, bedroom partitions, and bathroom glass that stays open and light-filled by default, then switches to private when required.


Reverse Film vs Standard PDLC — Side by Side

表格

FeatureStandard PDLC FilmReverse PNLC Film
Default state (power off)Frosted/privateClear/transparent
Active state (power on)Clear/transparentFrosted/private
Power needed for privacy?Yes — to stay clearNo — privacy only when powered
Power failure resultGlass goes frostedGlass stays clear
Best forSpaces that need privacy most of the timeSpaces that need openness most of the time
Light transmittance (active state)~80%+ (clear)~88% (frosted, still bright)
UV block≥99%≥85%

Choose standard PDLC if your glass needs to be private most of the time and clear only occasionally. Choose Reverse PNLC if your glass needs to be open and transparent most of the time and private only on demand.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between reverse film and normal smart film?A: Reverse film is clear when off and frosted when on. Normal smart film is the opposite — frosted when off, clear when on.

Q: Can I use reverse film for windows that face outside?A: Yes. It works on both interior and exterior-facing glass, as long as the surface is smooth and clean.

Q: What happens if the power goes out?A: The glass stays completely clear — 90% light transmittance, just like normal glass.

Q: How thick is the film?A: Adhesive version is 0.37mm total thickness. Laminated version is 0.28mm.

Q: Can I order custom sizes?A: Yes. Cut-to-sheet from 100mm to 1400mm wide, up to 50 meters long. Rolls available in 1200mm and 1400mm widths, 30m or 50m per roll.

Q: Does it block light when frosted?A: No — it blocks visibility (92% haze) but still transmits 88% of light. The space stays bright, just not see-through.


Why Buy from City Star Glass?

  • Factory-direct pricing: We supply PDLC and PNLC smart film directly from the manufacturer.

  • Both standard and reverse film available: Full range of smart film products in one supplier.

  • Wholesale & bulk: Rolls up to 50 meters, ideal for distributors and installation companies.

  • Global export: Shipping to 60+ countries from warehouses in Shahe, Qingdao, and Tianjin.

  • Free samples: Test pieces available before bulk orders.

  • Technical support: Installation guidance, wiring diagrams, and application engineering.

Whether you need standard PDLC film for privacy-first applications, or reverse PNLC film for safety-critical and default-open spaces, City Star Glass has the product range and expertise to support your project.


Order Reverse Smart Film Today

Contact our export team for wholesale pricing, sample requests, and technical consultation. We ship worldwide via sea freight, air freight, or express courier.

City Star Glass — The Smart Choice for Switchable Glass Technology.


#ReverseSmartFilm #PNLCfilm #PDLCfilm #SmartFilm #SwitchableFilm #PrivacyFilm #NormallyClearFilm #GlassPartition #OfficeDesign #MeetingRoom #SmartBuilding #BuildingMaterials #CityStarGlass #SelfAdhesiveFilm #WindowFilm #CommercialGlass #InteriorDesign #WholesaleFilm #GlassManufacturer #ChinaGlassSupplier






Hot Products

READ MORE +