The rapid development of modern automotive technology has led to the fact that people simply no longer have time to keep track of all the emerging news. Therefore, many motorists have not yet heard of the emergence of such a service as electronic glass tinting. After reading this article, you will learn about the main features of this relatively new technology.
What is electronic tinting?
This technology is based on the application on the glass surface of a universal film consisting of liquid crystals, which, under the influence of current, are able to change their original structure. In other words, under the influence of current, the film instantly becomes dark or dull.
The use of this technology allows you to easily adjust the amount of light entering the interior. Indeed, too dark or, conversely, too light tinting creates a certain discomfort not only for the driver himself, but also for its passengers.
Operating principle
It should be noted right away that the electronic tinting of the car differs significantly from the films and curtains that are familiar to us. This is a special glass inside which contains a special mixture that regulates the level of transparency. The smallest particles that make up this liquid can make the glass perfectly transparent and well transmittance of light inside the car, but can, on the contrary, prevent sunlight from entering the interior. Setting the desired mode is done using a special remote control. So, in the absence of voltage, the glass becomes completely opaque, and when a current is applied, the maximum amount of light can penetrate through it.
The main advantages and disadvantages of using such a technology
Correctly applied electronic tinting of the front windows can retain up to 85% of sunlight. The use of this technology does not require large power consumption and is easy to control. The degree of transparency of the glasses is easily adjustable using the remote control. Such glasses can be washed with any detergents. In addition, electronic tinting helps to hold the glass in the event of a small accident, preventing it from flying into many small fragments.
Despite all the above advantages, this technology has several disadvantages. One of the most important disadvantages of electronic tinting can be considered high cost, making it inaccessible to most average motorists. Another significant drawback is that tinted glass allows a minimum of light to pass through, which adversely affects the overall visibility of the car.
The main types of electronic tinting
Today, there are only two varieties. Both of them have their advantages and disadvantages. In the first case, the inner side of the glass is covered with several layers of liquid crystals, which will subsequently be supplied with current. When signals arrive, the crystals begin to actively interact with each other, brightening the glass. When the voltage is cut off, it again becomes dark. Such glass is called “smart,” or “smart.”
In the second case, the surface of ordinary glass is covered with a special film, the principle of which is similar to the operation of mirrors with the auto-dimming option. When voltage is applied, the electrochemical layer connected to the on-board electrical network begins to change transparency.
More technological is the use of “smart glass”, the installation of which should be trusted by qualified craftsmen. Whereas a budget electrochemical film can be purchased at a specialized store. This electronic tinting is easy to install, so you can install it yourself.
Features of SPD tinting
Using this technology allows the driver to adjust not only the transparency of the glass, but also its light transmission. Setting these parameters is directly related to the amount of electricity supplied. In other words, when the voltage level changes, the transparency of the glass will also change. To date, electronic tinting SPD is considered the most functional.
How to care for such glasses?
Electronic tinting is quite expensive, so after installing it, you need to properly care for the glass. It is recommended to wash it using a special sponge and ordinary detergents. After that, wipe the glass surface dry with a cotton cloth. In the process of cleaning, it is necessary to make sure that the connected contacts do not drop out of the door firmware.
DIY electronic tinting
It should be understood that for the proper application of conventional tinting, you must have certain skills and basic knowledge in this area. Those who do not have any practical skills, it is better to abandon the independent performance of work. Otherwise, you risk wasting time and money.
Of course, at first glance it might seem that there is nothing complicated in such works. However, in reality everything is somewhat different. To apply electronic tinting, you need to stock up in advance:
- a standard set of tools for a car;
- film for tinting, which is sold in specialized stores;
- stationery (knife and ruler).
Among other things, we need sponges and napkins. At the initial stage, it is necessary to make accurate measurements of automobile glass. After this, it is necessary to unwind the pre-stored film and make a pattern from it, the dimensions of which should be a couple of centimeters larger than the size of the window itself.
At the second stage, you can release the cut film from the protective layer. After that, you need to gently attach it to the car glass (from the passenger compartment). It is advisable to do this very carefully. After all, in a hurry, you can spoil the film, and then you have to start all over again. After gluing, the film must be smoothed out well, moving from the center vertically and horizontally. These simple steps will allow you to get a perfectly smooth glass surface, removing excess wrinkles and irregularities from it. Excess material that appears around the edges must be carefully trimmed with ordinary sharp scissors. After that, you can begin to connect the film with the inverter and controller. At the final stage, it is necessary to carefully insulate all the contacts and carefully hide them behind the door hem. The essence of the above conventional electronic tinting is the same color change of the car windows.