SSG^® VariShield

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Thermochromic Glass

Throughout the day, interior spaces will be exposed to the sun at different times and angles. SSG® VariShield is a smart glass that offers the solution of uneven exposure to the sun by intuitively tinting when heated by direct sunlight, hence eliminating the need for blinds, shades or curtains.

SSG^® VariShield, which allows approximately 50% transmission of visible light on cloudy days, at night or even early in the morning, will intuitively tint in full sunlight to achieve potentially 10% or less transmission into the interiors, depending on the sunlight angle and intensity. This reduced transmission also reduces the sun’s glare, heat and ultraviolet rays. It offers people a better environment to live, work & study throughout the day.

The laminated insulated construction provides additional heat insulation which is most effective for warm climates. As SSG^® VariShield automatically dims when there is direct sunlight, it is most suited for buildings with east and west facings as well as for skylights and canopies.

The Technology

SSG^® VariShield adopts a thermochromic approach. This means that the window uses heat (thermo) to cause a “change in tint” (chromic). When not receiving heat from direct sunlight, the window will be in its natural, lightly tinted state. When receiving heat from direct sunlight, the heat will cause the glass to darken.

The variable light transmission tinting requires only that the glass be heated by direct sunlight; there are no wires, electrodes, power supplies, or control apparatus required. SSG VariShield only needs heat to be activated, which also means you never have to worry about a technical glitch.

Performance Information

Performance comparison of SSG^® VariShield products

Product Make-up	Light Trans. (%)	SC	SHGC	U-Value (W/m²K)
Set A: SSG A59/28
13mm SSG VariShield Laminated + 12mm Airspace + 6mm SSG A59/28 Low E #05 Glass	56	0.40	0.35	1.51
13mm SSG VariShield Laminated + 12mm Airspace + 6mm SSG A59/28 Low E #05 Glass (Film temperature @ 25°C)	39	0.32	0.28	1.51
13mm SSG VariShield Laminated + 12mm Airspace + 6mm SSG A59/28 Low E #05 Glass (Film temperature @ 65°C)	7	0.15	0.13	1.51
Set B: SSG F69/39
13mm SSG VariShield Laminated + 12mm Airspace + 6mm SSG F69/39 Low E #05 Glass	65	0.44	0.38	1.53
13mm SSG VariShield Laminated + 12mm Airspace + 6mm SSG F69/39 Low E #05 Glass (Film temperature @ 25°C)	45	0.34	0.30	1.54
13mm SSG VariShield Laminated + 12mm Airspace + 6mm SSG F69/39 Low E #05 Glass (Film temperature @ 65°C)	8	0.17	0.15	1.54

*U-Value calculated in terms of summer values.

Acoustic Barrier
SSG^® VariShield laminated glass provides excellent acoustic performance. When used in an insulated glass configuration, it further enhances its sound insulation properties against external noise.

Design Versatility
SSG^® VariShield allows flexibility in design possibilities with its variation of different glass types to meet the individual performance requirements.

Energy Conservation
SSG^® VariShield provides natural daylighting and allows for decreased use of electrical lighting, thus electrical demand is lowered. As SSG VariShield is very energy efficient, it will be possible for buildings and homes to install smaller, less expensive cooling systems.

Glare Control
The warmer the glass surface gets, the darker SSG^® VariShield’s tint becomes. With this variable light transmission tinting, SSG^® VariShield intuitively eliminates glare into interior spaces.

Heat Insulation
By controlling solar heat gain, SSG^® VariShield lowers the amount of air conditioning loading, especially during mid-day when the heat from the sun is at its peak.

Safety and Security
SSG^® VariShield incorporates the same PVB (Polyvinyl Butyral) base material used in laminated safety glass. The PVB interlayer holds the glass in place when the glass breaks, providing enhanced safety and security for the end-user.

Ultraviolet Screening
SSG^® VariShield is able to block 99% of UV light and dramatically reduces the sunlight’s damaging effects on furnishings and fading of interior fabrics.

Daylight Saving
SSG^® VariShield is able to optimize light transmission, allowing sufficient light penetration into the building but still tints enough to reduce glare when there is direct sunlight. This will eliminate the use of blinds and artificial lightings.