The ultimate guide to Polycarbonate

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

Polycarbonate is an extremely versatile type of plastic that can be used in a wide variety of applications. More specifically, in terms of composition, polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polymers that contain carbonate groups within their chemical structures. Polycarbonate is a strong material, yet because it's comparatively lightweight, it's straightforward to transport and install. Naturally transparent, polycarbonate is also available in a range of colours. It is easily worked, moulded, and thermoformed.

The history of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonates were first discovered in by Alfred Einhom, a German scientist working at the University of Munich, however after 30 years' laboratory research, this class of materials was abandoned without commercialization. Researched resumed in , when Hermann Schnell at Bayer in Germany patented the first linear polycarbonate and subsequently the brand name "Makrolon" was registered later in . Up until Polycarbonate was produced with a brownish tint, however after significant improvements in the manufacturing process it became possible to produce glass-clear polycarbonate which led to far greater commercial demand for the material. 

The properties of Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate's many positive properties are the reason why it's so often chosen over other forms of plastic sheeting. First and foremost, polycarbonate is tough and highly resistant to impact. Polycarbonate is up to 200 times stronger than glass, and is considered to be almost unbreakable, which makes it a much safer and more secure option for high-traffic areas. It is also particularly suitable in both commercial and residential glazing applications. In addition, polycarbonate&#;s durability translates into excellent longevity, which in turn makes it a great long-term investment.

Lightweight and malleable

Despite its strength, polycarbonate is lightweight, so it's cost-effective to ship, easy to handle, and needs less support than heavier alternatives to hold it in place. These properties illustrate why polycarbonate is an excellent option for greenhouses, secondary glazing and a variety of other glazing applications.

Another big positive of polycarbonate is that it's one of the easiest types of plastic sheet to process &#; unlike many other plastics, polycarbonate can be easily cut, drilled, and formed without cracking or breaking. It can be shaped or bent at room temperature, however typically in a commercial environment it would be cold formed/bent and then heated to ensure that the material doesn't spring back to its original form. These properties make Polycarbonate suitable for a wide variety of fabrication processes and applications.

Clarity and insulation

Polycarbonate offers superb long-lasting clarity and excellent light transmission that's comparable to traditional glass. However, while it lets the light through, it keeps the elements out. That's because polycarbonate is an effective thermal insulator. It retains more heat than both traditional glass and its acrylic counterpart &#; a quality that makes it particularly suited for use within secondary glazing, home extensions and conservatories.

Polycarbonate's K- and U-values are a useful indication of its insulation properties. A material's U-value measures heat loss through a given thickness of a building, roof, wall or floor. In general terms, the lower the U-value, the better the material in question is as a heat insulator. A material's K-value refers to its ability to conduct heat. A low K-value is advantageous for insulating materials, as this means heat energy cannot easily pass through. As the table below illustrates, polycarbonate out-performs glass in both regards. Traditional single pane glass has an average K value of 0.96 whereas our Polycarbonate sheets have a K value of 0.21 which demonstrates why Polycarbonate provides superior insulation to traditional glass, in addition to being cheaper and easier to install and maintain.

UV and fire resistance

Yet another advantageous property of polycarbonate is its UV-resistance. In addition to withstanding all sorts of harsh weather &#; even snow and heavy rain &#; polycarbonate filters out a large proportion of harmful UV rays that glass allows through. This is good news for greenhouses, as it prevents plants from UV damage. Like most UV polycarbonate material, our Palsun Solid Polycarbonate Sheets are UV-protected on one side, which significantly improves long-term weatherability. A comparison of the UV protection offered by PALSUN and that offered by sunscreen cream 15 is depicted in the graph below.

100% recyclable

In contrast to single-use plastics which contribute significantly to plastic waste, our Palsun Polycarbonate portfolio is 100% recyclable, to help create a more sustainable environment. Furthermore, each sheet contains up to 30% recycled content.

What can polycarbonate be used for?

The multipurpose properties of polycarbonate mean it is a highly versatile material that can be used in many different ways. It's most commonly used for roofing and glazing (both primary and secondary), and especially for greenhouses, conservatories and orangeries. More recently, during the COVID epidemic, polycarbonate was also used for sneeze screens and safety guards. Other typical applications include:

• Sky lights
• Construction
• Automotive and aircraft components
• Security components
• Signage
• Vending machines
• Street furniture
• Machine guards
• Lighting 
• Roof domes
• Bicycle racks

The different types of polycarbonate

We offer four main types of polycarbonate &#; solid sheet, prismatic, multi-wall/twin-wall and Georgian wire.

As its name suggests, solid clear polycarbonate sheet looks just like glass but, is stronger and lighter. It offers 89% light transmission and is available in a range of thicknesses, from 1mm to 12mm. We also stock Opal Polycarbonate which is available in 2mm, 3mm and 5mm gauges.  The maximum sheet size available is mm x mm.

Prismatic polycarbonate sheet incorporates a textured pattern on one side, which is optimised for both light transmission and diffusion, making it a popular choice for lighting applications. Its aesthetic appeal also works well within interior and exterior decoration, and exhibition displays. The maximum sheet size is mm x mm and it is available in a 3mm thickness.

Multi-wall polycarbonate sheet features multiple layers which form a honeycomb-like structure. It offers superb thermal insulation (and relatively good sound insulation), making it a popular choice for conservatories, greenhouses, carports, and lean-to extensions. Twin-wall polycarbonate is similar to multi-wall, except it has just two layers instead of several. It is a popular choice for smaller projects such as cold frames and cloches. Both products are available in clear, opal and bronze.

Frequently asked Questions

- What is the lifespan of Polycarbonate?
With proper care, polycarbonate should last at least a decade. The polycarbonate we supply is guaranteed against discolouration for 10 years.

- Which is better: polycarbonate or acrylic?
It depends on the intended usage. These materials share many similar properties. Polycarbonate is much stronger and more flexible than acrylic &#; but it's usually more expensive. In terms of appearance, acrylic is glossier and marginally more transparent. Polycarbonate also scratches easier than acrylic.

- What is the best thickness for polycarbonate?
Again, it all depends on the intended application. For example, thicker sheets (25mm, 32mm and 35mm) of twin/multi wall are the best option for external roofing applications. For greenhouses, cold frames and secondary glazing thicknesses of 3mm, 4mm and 5mm are the most popular choices.

- Does polycarbonate discolour?
Because they are resistant to temperature extremes and UV light, polycarbonate panels should not fade or discolour for many years. Cheaper versions may yellow over time.

For more information, please visit Songmei.

- How do you clean polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate should be cleaned gently, with warm water, a few drops of liquid detergent, and a microfibre cloth.

- What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?
There really aren&#;t many! It can scratch if it isn&#;t handled carefully, and it can&#;t be laser cut.

Why choose us for your polycarbonate needs?

As one of the largest polycarbonate suppliers in the country and over 30 years' experience working in the plastics industry &#; we have the material options and the know-how to fulfil your requirements. We have a proven ability to offer a wide range of competitive solutions for both businesses and individuals. Contact us here for more information and expert advice.

Plastic sheets are now used to replace glass in both residential and commercial projects. Lexan and acrylic are the most common plastic sheets on the market today. But why are Lexan sheets so popular? Here are answers to seven frequently asked questions about Lexan sheets.

1. What Are Lexan Sheets?

Lexan is a trademarked name for polycarbonate sheeting manufactured by General Electric. Lexan can be anything from 0.75 mm (0.03 inch) to 12 mm (0.47 inch) thick. General Electric introduced Lexan in , but the material is now manufactured by SABIC in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

When it comes to polycarbonate sheeting, Lexan is among the most well-known names in the industry. It is six times lighter than glass and has a high impact resistance. Not only is it low in flammability and thermoformable, it is also flame retardant.

2. Is Lexan and Polycarbonate the Same Thing?

Lexan and acrylic are also brand names for polycarbonate. Lucite is another name for acrylic.

But are Lexan and acrylic the same? No, they are not. People, especially DIYers mix up the two plastic sheets since they have similar properties.

Similarities

Both acrylic and polycarbonate are significantly more impact-resistant than glass, yet they are much stronger and weigh less. In addition, they are both easy to clean and have similar flexural strengths.

Acrylic and polycarbonate are both shatterproof, meaning that they break into a few bigger chunks unlike glass that is brittle and has no elasticity and can easily shatter into pieces. It is safe to say that both materials are much safer than glass.

Differences

While the two materials have some characteristics, there are also important distinctions. Their strengths and weaknesses also make them useful for different applications.

• Impact resistance: Acrylic is ten times more resistant to impact than glass is. However, the impact resistance of polycarbonate is 250 times that of glass. In other words, polycarbonate is stronger, which is why it is often used as a weatherproof glazing material and bulletproof glass.
• Cost: In comparison to acrylic, polycarbonate is more expensive. Acrylics, in contrast to polycarbonate, keep their high-quality appearance even after being heated and molded.
• Durability: Given its superior durability to acrylic, polycarbonate is the best material for bulletproof windows and other highly demanding usage. While its gloss surface and increased transparency make acrylic the superior material for display cases, its susceptibility to cracking makes it less desirable than polycarbonate because polycarbonate is more prone to scratch than crack.

3. Is Lexan Sheet Hard to Cut?

Lexan is quite simple to cut. It can be cut with either a circular saw or a jigsaw. When cutting longer polycarbonate lengths, a circular saw is recommended.

Note: If using a jigsaw, hold the sheets firmly in place while sawing to ensure a clean cut. Placing glue clamps on the sheet can help keep it from sliding up and down while sawing.

Even a newbie DIYer can easily cut a Lexan sheet by following these simple steps:

• Install a 1/16-inch laminate blade on a table saw. Raise the saw blade 1/2 inch above it
• Measure and tape the sawblade&#;s path across the Lexan. This ensures the saw blade cuts the tape lengthwise.
• Set the fence. The blade should cut down the tape line&#;s center. Tape prevents Lexan chips. If there are no tapes available, wearing safety goggle is recommended to prevent chips from entering the eyes.
• Start the saw. Hold the sides of the Lexan and slide it slowly into the blade.
• Push Lexan past the blade. If the Lexan starts to smoke, reduce the speed until it stops, and then continue to press until the Lexan clears the blade on the other side and take t ape.

4. How Do You Get Scratches Out of a Lexan Sheet?

When scratches are noticed on Lexan sheets, heat guns can be used to get rid of them. To remove scratches from a Lexan sheet, follow these instructions.

• Clean the Lexan surface.
• Apply heat to the scratched area using the heat gun at the recommended heat setting.
• To ensure consistent heat, move the heat gun up and down the scratched area at a constant rate. Repeated action can cause melting, so make sure it isn&#;t done for too long and that the gun isn&#;t too hot.
• Leave to cool and smoothen the uneven parts with sandpaper, then clean again.

5. Can You Bend the Lexan Sheet?

Polycarbonate is a strong plastic sheet that bends easily without breaking. It is much easier to bend than acrylic. Due to its elasticity, it may be bent hot or cold, though, cold bending is more common because it is way easier, especially for DIYers.

6. What Are the Benefits of Lexan Polycarbonate Sheets?

Lexan polycarbonate sheets have many benefits, from high impact resistance to resistance to cracks. The following are the advantages of using Lexan sheets for projects.

• Impact resistance that is 250 times higher than that of glass
• Resistant to cracks
• Highly resistant to diluted acids, gasoline, aliphatic hydrocarbons, and alcohols
• Can be cold-formed or bent
• Can be cut easily with a saw
• Provide 100% protection from harmful UV rays
• More flexible than acrylic and is available in different grades
• Highly transparent

7. What Are the Common Uses for Lexan Sheets?

Lexan is widely used in the following applications:

• Window covers
• Transparent visors for hockey and football helmets
• Bullet resistant glass
• LED light pipes and diffusers
• Reusable drinking bottles
• Phones and computers cases
• Machine guarding glass
• Greenhouses

Lexan Polycarbonate Sheet Suppliers in Toronto

Wondering where to get Lexan sheets? Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the biggest Lexan sheet suppliers in Toronto. We have years of experience in providing different grades of Lexan sheets and other plastics at affordable prices. Contact us today or request a quote for Lexan sheets for roofing and other applications.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Polycarbonate Solid Sheet Suppliers.