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What is a Busbar?

Smart film, that incredible technology that lets you switch glass from clear to frosted at the flick of a switch, relies on some pretty neat components working behind the scenes. While the liquid crystals inside the film get most of the attention, there’s a crucial electrical part that makes the magic happen: the busbar. 

Powering Privacy: The Essential Role of the Busbar in Smart Film

So, what exactly is a busbar in this context? Broadly speaking, a busbar is an electrically conductive rod, bar, or strip. In the world of smart film (also known as switchable privacy glass or PDLC film), it’s a vital electrical component that acts as a conductor . Its main job is providing power to the film so it can switch between its clear and frosted states . 

Think of the busbar as the interface connecting your smart film to its power source . It’s typically a metal strip, often 6 mm wide, that runs along the edge of the film . In relation to switchable privacy glass, it’s specifically two conductive copper strips, with a conductive adhesive, applied to one or two edges of the PDLC Film sheet, on opposing layers of the exterior conductive PET film, before it’s laminated between glass panels . 

Here’s how it functions: When electrical current is applied to the busbar, this current travels through the smart film. This electrical flow causes the liquid crystal molecules within the film to realign. This realignment is what changes the film’s optical properties, allowing it to switch from frosted to clear. The two copper strips act as the conduit for a stepped-down (65V AC) electrical current that activates these liquid crystals. The current is then spread across the film via a conductive Indium Tin Oxide coating on the surface of the enclosing PET film. 

Busbars are positioned on one or two sides of the smart film panel, depending on the film’s size and shape . The placement can be customized based on specific installation requirements, but there will always be two busbars. They can be applied to either the long or short edges, depending on your needs. Some panels, particularly depending on their proportions, may require two full busbars along two separate edges of the film to ensure full and even distribution of the electrical current .

It’s important to note that the busbar area is a delicate part of the smart film . Any damage to this area can unfortunately affect the film’s ability to switch properly . 

Wiring the busbar involves twin (or dual) wires. Wires are soldered onto either end of each busbar. These wires typically come in 2 separate colors, a black and a white . The reason behind this “double-up” with twin wires is important, is that it helps to compensate in case one wire becomes detached or dislodged during the panel’s installation process. To connect them to your power source, the two black ends are twisted together, and the white ends are twisted together. Interestingly, neither the black nor the white wires are polarity conscious, meaning either color wire from each busbar can be joined to either of the two black wires coming from the transformer. 

In essence, the busbars are an absolutely vital component in the smart film system. It enables the film to switch between its different optical states, allowing it to perform its intended function of providing switchable privacy or dynamic control over light. Without this small but mighty conductor, the magic of smart film simply wouldn’t be possible. 

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Smart film changes from clear to frosted with electricity—and this transformation relies on a key component: the busbar. A busbar is a thin, conductive copper strip (usually 6mm wide) applied to one or two edges of the film. It connects the film to a power source and delivers a low-voltage AC current that triggers the realignment of liquid crystal molecules, changing the film’s transparency.

Each smart film panel has two busbars, positioned based on size and installation needs. They are connected via dual wires (black and white), which are not polarity-sensitive and help ensure reliable power delivery even if one connection is compromised. The busbar is essential to the film’s functionality, and any damage to it can impair performance.

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Polyvision® Business PolyBlind

The Future of Smart Glass

Exploring Polytronix, Inc.’s Vision

The realm of smart glass technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, ushering in an era where transparency meets innovation. As we delve into the future of smart glass, Polytronix, Inc. emerges as a trailblazer, setting new standards through its visionary approach and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. 

Smart glass, once a novelty, has swiftly become an integral part of architectural design, promising a dynamic interplay between transparency and privacy. Polytronix, Inc., a U.S.-based company nestled in Richardson, Texas, has been at the forefront of these advancements, harnessing over 35 years of expertise in liquid crystal displays to redefine switchable privacy glass technology. 

The driving force behind Polytronix, Inc.’s success lies in its commitment to not just meet but exceed customer expectations. The company’s ethos revolves around a strong dedication to delivering top-notch products that not only embrace technological advancements but also prioritize quality and reliability. 

Polytronix, Inc.’s U.S.-based manufacturing facility stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and skilled technical expertise at their disposal, the company ensures that every product adheres to the highest standards of precision and performance. 

The future envisioned by Polytronix, Inc. transcends conventional boundaries. As smart glass technology evolves, the company remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously pushing the envelope to introduce groundbreaking solutions. Integration with cutting-edge smart home systems, advancements in film technology, and a relentless pursuit of optimizing user experiences are central to their vision. 

Why Architects and Designers Trust Polytronix Smart Glass Solutions

The company’s dedication to research and development ensures that their smart glass solutions not only meet current demands but also anticipate and adapt to future needs. Their focus on energy efficiency, seamless user interface, and aesthetic appeal underscores their commitment to enhancing the way we interact with and perceive glass in architectural spaces. 

In a world where technological advancements unfold rapidly, Polytronix, Inc. stands as a beacon of innovation, guiding the evolution of smart glass technology. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with a customer-centric approach, solidifies their position as a leader in the smart glass industry. 

35+ Years of Innovation

As Polytronix, Inc. paves the way for the future of smart glass, their unwavering commitment to exceeding expectations and their pioneering spirit set the stage for a world where transparency, innovation, and quality converge to redefine the possibilities of smart glass technology. 

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Business

Polytronix, Inc.: A 35-Year Odyssey of Liquid Crystal Display Innovation 

For over three decades, Polytronix, Inc. has stood as a vanguard in the transformation of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), etching an indelible legacy across the panorama of modern technology. This celebration of a 35-year journey serves as a testament to our enduring commitment to innovation, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of pushing the boundaries of what’s achievable in the expansive realm of display technology. 

Pioneering the Future of Displays 

From our inception, Polytronix, Inc. embarked on a visionary journey, pioneering the design, manufacturing, and marketing of liquid crystal displays. What started as a dream to create cutting-edge visual solutions has blossomed into a legacy defined by innovation and technological prowess. 

Evolution in Design and Manufacturing 

The trajectory of Polytronix, Inc. in the LCD domain has been one of perpetual evolution. Throughout the years, we’ve meticulously refined our design processes, perfected manufacturing techniques, and embraced the forefront of display technology advancements to craft displays that not only meet but exceed industry standards. 

Groundbreaking Technological Contributions 

Polytronix, Inc.’s imprint on the LCD industry is monumental. Our displays have not only established benchmarks in terms of clarity, resolution, and visual appeal but have also found applications spanning diverse sectors. From consumer electronics and automotive displays to medical equipment and industrial interfaces, our technological contributions resonate across various industries. 

A Commitment to Innovation and Quality 

At the nucleus of Polytronix, Inc.’s triumph is an unswerving dedication to innovation and quality. Our commitment to Research and Development (R&D) has yielded breakthroughs that have redefined the possibilities of LCD technology, consistently meeting and surpassing the dynamic needs of the market. 

Shaping the Future of Display Technology 

Looking forward, Polytronix, Inc. stands resolute in leading the charge to shape the future of display technology. Our focus on staying ahead of industry trends, adapting to evolving market demands, and an unyielding pursuit of innovation ensures we remain at the forefront of transforming how society perceives and interacts with visual information. 

Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation 

Polytronix, Inc.’s 35-year odyssey in innovating liquid crystal displays is not merely a milestone; it is a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence. Our legacy as pioneers in the field serves as a testament to our vision, perseverance, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s conceivable in display technology. 

As Polytronix, Inc. propels forward, paving the way for the future of displays, our journey stands as a beacon of inspiration for the industry. We are a reminder that innovation knows no bounds. Here’s to 35 years of groundbreaking achievements and a legacy that continues to shape the future of visual experiences. 

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Business

Why Strong Demand and Tight Supply has caused Price to Soar

COVID-19 hit the global glass manufacturing sector hard, not only did Polytronix, Inc. Film & Glass Division have to temporarily halt our production floor operations to comply with government mandated lockdowns, so did our raw material manufactures and glass vendors. The industry saw some recovery in the second half of 2020, due to glass activities being deemed an essential service. The building market has been seeing longer lead times due to supply shortages and how prices have increases drastically for building materials.

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Business

Why Quality is Important?

Polytronix, Inc.® believes in providing the highest quality smart glass products in the industry and on the market.

Polytronix, Inc.® Film & Glass Division
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Polyvision® Business

Smart Glass Overview

Smart Glass varies its light transmission properties under light, thermal, and electrical influences. Smart Glass has two broad categories: passive and active. The passive subcategory, includes thermochromic and photochromic. The active subcategory, includes electrochromic (EC), suspended particle devices (SPD), and polymer dispersed liquid crystal(PDLC).

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