In this study, the fast transient evolution of the electric field assisted thickness Z-direction orientation and assembly of clay particles is studied using a instrumented real time system that simultaneously measures in-plane and out of plane birefringence. The optical anisotropy master curves are developed, connecting the exposure time and electric field strength with orientation, using a superposition principle. Z-oriented nanocomposite films manufactured through the R2R process show enhancement through thickness ionic conductivity, useful for membranes of batteries and fuel cells.