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Most automotive window tinting consists of a thin film applied over standard glass. While this film is inexpensive, over time it can become scratch, fade, and start to change color.
Another disadvantage is that once applied, the film blocks a specific percentage of light from passing through the glass. This may be acceptable in most situations, but for vehicles with extreme tinting, such as limousines, night time visibility can be greatly reduced.
Cromalite has introduced SPD-Smart light-control windows for automotive applications. This amazing technology actually allows drivers and passengers to ‘dial in’ exactly the amount of sunlight they wish to pass through their window.
Once the selection is made, the glass automatically tints to the appropriate level. The windows can also be set in an ‘automatic’ mode which uses a photocell to detect the incoming amount of sunlight.
In addition to controlling brightness and glare, SPD-Smart light-control windows are excellent at regulating the internal temperatures of a vehicle by controlling heat and ultraviolet radiation penetration.
Imagine glass that, with the push of a button, allows you to turn the windows of your parked car completely opaque in the summer to keep out the sun, and then completely transparent in the winter to warm things up! Not to mention the benefits of being able to dial down the heat coming in from one side of the car as the sun sets while you sit in traffic.
How does it all work? SPD stands for Suspended Particle Device. Microscopic particles are embedded in the glass that absorb light. This prevents the light from passing through the particle film.
When an electrical current is introduced to the glass panel, the particles align and allow light to penetrate. Voltage regulation can be used to fine tune the amount of light that is allowed to enter.