DSS-A.04.01 — Black Spots / Voids in Active Layer (PDLC / EC; switchable glazing)

Discrete dark “black” spots, pin-voids, or small opaque islands occurring within the active switchable layer (e.g., PDLC or electrochromic stack) of a smart-glazing lite. Because the cue resides within the laminate or device stack (not on an exposed worked face), it is not addressable in place; classification is governed by location/condition under VIS rules. Use VIS surface numbering and parallax to confirm non-face location before assigning CAT.

• Small, sharply defined dark points or voids that remain visible in both “on” and “off” states (contrast may vary with state).
• Often static in position; may be isolated or occur in small clusters; sometimes biased near busbars/lead areas or printed electrode edges.
• No change after Non-Invasive Reveal of exposed faces; no worked transition edge on the face when viewed under VIS inspection geometry.

Location / access (primary)

• Confirm the cue sits within the device/laminate and is not on a worked face. Demonstrate fixed parallax (feature remains fixed relative to its reflection as the observer moves). If between panes or internal to the laminate/device, classify CAT-5 by location. Record surface numbering on forms (#1-#4; tag laminate-internal when applicable).

Surface-catch class (MSRT)

• On exposed face(s), record SC-0 (none). The Manual Surface-Relief Test is a single, non-marring pass used only to support classification-not acceptance; it cannot “probe” an internal cue. Prefer a polymer stylus on suspected coated faces, or rely on visual/location cues.

Inspection environment / reveal controls

• Perform Non-Invasive Reveal (clean & dry) before evaluation; persistence confirms non-face location. Avoid blades/abrasives/chemicals prior to classification.

Viewing / lighting

• Apply VIS geometry: 12 / 36 / 72 in; view at normal incidence and through an oblique sweep (~60°-120°) with raking light. Use back-lit frames when safe to emphasize internal contrast.

• CAT-5 - Out of in-place scope when the condition is laminate/device-internal (not on an exposed worked surface). Document and refer per project protocol (fabricator/manufacturer/warranty).
• If any additional face-side damage exists (e.g., scratches, coating rub/patchiness), classify that separately under the appropriate family (M/Co/Ch) and assign CAT per VIS; do not let an internal cue drive face-side acceptance.

• Not applicable on the exposed face(s): SC-0 is expected. Numeric μm ranges in VIS apply to face-side defects only; internal device/laminate anomalies have no measurable face-relief for MSRT.

• vs. Coating anomalies on the worked surface (Co-family): Coating rub/sheens occur on the exposed face and are disallowed at acceptance on coated surfaces (VIS §6.2.e). Internal active-layer voids show fixed parallax and remain unaffected by reveal.
• vs. Between-pane particulate (A.01.03): Cavity fines present on #2/#3 faces and may look speckled; verify location with parallax and surface numbering; both are CAT-5 by location, but family assignment differs.
• vs. Face-side residues/films (R-family): Residues change with reveal and can show face-side MSRT cues; internal active-layer voids do not.

• Photo set (VIS): 12 / 36 / 72 in; normal + oblique; include raking frames and a short sequence (or paired frames) demonstrating fixed parallax. Note lighting/time and reveal status.
• Forms: Pane ID; product family (smart glazing-PDLC/EC); surface numbering (#1-#4; laminate-internal if applicable); “worked surface Y/N”; functional coating present on worked surface? (Y/N/Unknown); environment checks (dry; no condensation).
• Acceptance split: Internal device/laminate conditions are not subject to in-place acceptance under VIS; document and refer. Do not conflate factory/system issues with VIS acceptance for restored faces.

A.04.01 Black Spots/Voids in Active Layer (PDLC/EC) - Discrete internal dark points verified by fixed parallax; no change after Non-Invasive Reveal of #1/#4; MSRT records SC-0 on exposed face(s). Logged as CAT-5 (out of in-place scope by location). Documented per VIS (photos at 12/36/72 in; normal + oblique + raking; surface numbering recorded) and referred to manufacturer/warranty per project protocol.