12.01.17
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, opened a new production facility for liquid crystal window modules in Veldhoven, near Eindhoven, in the Netherlands. The investment of approximately €15 million is a step by Merck KGaA to expand in liquid crystals for displays by moving into other applications beyond televisions, laptops, smartphones, and tablet PCs. In 2016, an independent business field was set up for liquid crystal window technology in order to achieve faster market penetration.
“This new facility is a milestone in our strategy to capture new attractive and future-oriented application fields for liquid crystals beyond displays,” said Kai Beckmann, member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA and CEO Performance Materials. “We recently started taking orders from customers for modules that will be ready for delivery as of early 2018.”
Globally, the demand for smart glass is rising. In particular, the construction and automotive industries are looking for long-lived elements that can be integrated both aesthetically and functionally in many shapes and colors. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, does not see itself as a competitor to glass and window manufacturers, but rather will supply the modules enabling them to make these smart glass elements, windows and façades.
In smart glass, liquid crystals regulate light transmission. In sun protection applications, exterior blinds and their costly maintenance and repair are unnecessary. The light transmittance of the windows can be lowered down to 5% and set in a continuously variable manner. Energy savings of up to 40% are thus possible with building climate control systems. In both the dark and the bright state, the windows remain transparent and color-neutral and provide an unhindered view outside. The privacy variant also switches within seconds from transparent to opaque. It prevents outsiders from being able to look inside conference rooms, restricted production areas or residential buildings.
The liquid crystal materials, which are marketed under the licrivisionTM brand, are also to be used in vehicles in the future.
“This new facility is a milestone in our strategy to capture new attractive and future-oriented application fields for liquid crystals beyond displays,” said Kai Beckmann, member of the Executive Board of Merck KGaA and CEO Performance Materials. “We recently started taking orders from customers for modules that will be ready for delivery as of early 2018.”
Globally, the demand for smart glass is rising. In particular, the construction and automotive industries are looking for long-lived elements that can be integrated both aesthetically and functionally in many shapes and colors. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, does not see itself as a competitor to glass and window manufacturers, but rather will supply the modules enabling them to make these smart glass elements, windows and façades.
In smart glass, liquid crystals regulate light transmission. In sun protection applications, exterior blinds and their costly maintenance and repair are unnecessary. The light transmittance of the windows can be lowered down to 5% and set in a continuously variable manner. Energy savings of up to 40% are thus possible with building climate control systems. In both the dark and the bright state, the windows remain transparent and color-neutral and provide an unhindered view outside. The privacy variant also switches within seconds from transparent to opaque. It prevents outsiders from being able to look inside conference rooms, restricted production areas or residential buildings.
The liquid crystal materials, which are marketed under the licrivisionTM brand, are also to be used in vehicles in the future.
