Which polycarbonate sheet is best?
- Take a clean piece of polycarbonate, and lightly apply the methyl methacrylate to the area you’d like to join.
- Let the methyl methacrylate soak for a minute. ...
- Attach the polycarbonate to another piece of polycarbonate, and hold them tightly until they can support their own weight. ...
How to cut thick polycarbonate?
Using a laser to cut polycarbonate
- Mark the polycarbonate to indicate how you want it cut
- Place the polycarbonate on a surface you don’t mind cutting or clamp it suspended to avoid cutting through surfaces.
- Direct the laser beam through the polycarbonate following the marked parts that you want to cut.
How thick should polycarbonate be for a greenhouse?
The best types of plastic for a greenhouse
- Polyethylene The industry standard when it comes to greenhouse plastic, polyethylene is cheap, accessible, and easy to repair. There are several different grades and copolymers of polyethylene. ...
- Polycarbonate Polycarbonate is a much more rigid, and also slightly more expensive, alternative to polyethylene. ...
- Polyvinyl carbonate
Where to buy polycarbonate sheets?
ePlastics® carries clear and virtually unbreakable Lexan®, Makrolon®, Palsun® and Monogal® polycarbonate sheets and panels (click on any brand name to view their data sheet).* We can cut your polycarbonate sheets to the exact sizes you need or ship in whole and in bulk. We stock most polycarbonate material in standard sheet sizes 48" X 96", 60" X 96", 72" X 96", 48" X 120", roll stock and more. * Lexan® 9034 is equivalent to Makrolon® GP * Lexan® 112 is equivalent to Makrolon® GP ...
What is the width of polycarbonate sheet?
Polycarbonate sheets : 4mm, 6mm, 10mm, 16mm, 25mm & 35mm polycarbonate sheets.
What is the biggest size of polycarbonate sheet?
Large, oversized polycarbonate sheets are available in 6050mm x 2050mm and 4050mm x 2050mm sizes, depending on thicknesses selected. Oversized polycarbonate sheets are UV resistant and therefore suitable for external use.
How wide is polycarbonate roofing?
Suntuf Range SpecificationsCorrugatedGrecaSheet Width860 mm810 mmSheet Coverage760 mm760 mmMaximum End Spans800 mm900 mmMaximum Mid Spans1000 mm1200 mm7 more rows
What thickness polycarbonate should I use?
If you're using polycarbonate, we recommend a minimum thickness of 3mm for applications such as replacing shed windows to provide adequate security. If you're replacing or installing greenhouse panes, you may want to opt for 4mm instead.
How strong is 2mm polycarbonate?
300 hundred times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than our Perspex® acrylic sheets, our clear polycarbonate sheets are shatter resistant, as well as long-lasting making them ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor projects.
Can you cut polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate sheets can be cut with either a circular saw or a jigsaw. A circular saw is the best tool for cutting larger polycarbonate lengths. Thanks to the properties of this material, polycarbonate won't crack or splinter around the cut.
What is the price of polycarbonate?
The wide price range represents the fact that these general purpose grades of polycarbonate are used across a number of different industry sectors. Small buyers or consumers buying specialty or colored grades are now paying prices in the $2.50 – $3.50 per pound range.
How do you cut polycarbonate sheets?
Use a circular saw or a jigsaw for the best cut. Polycarbonate sheets can be cut with either a circular saw or a jigsaw. A circular saw is the best tool for cutting larger polycarbonate lengths. Thanks to the properties of this material, polycarbonate won't crack or splinter around the cut.
Is it hot under a polycarbonate roof?
Polycarbonate is also very lightweight and capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, either hot or cold. Due to these qualities it makes for an effective roofing material for many applications.
How strong is 6mm polycarbonate?
300 hundred times stronger than glass and 30 times stronger than our Perspex® acrylic sheets, our clear polycarbonate sheets are shatter resistant, as well as long-lasting making them ideal for use in both indoor and outdoor projects.
How strong is 8mm polycarbonate?
8 mm twin wall polycarbonate panel maintains its high clarity and retains its mechanical properties. Polycarbonate sheets are 10 times stronger than acrylic and 200 times stronger than glass.
Are thicker polycarbonate sheets better?
The thicker polycarbonate sheets 25mm, 32mm and 35mm tend to be used externally for roofing applications, the thicker the sheet the better the heat and sound insulation. 16mm polycarbonate is light enough to be used for small jobs but also is also useful for certain roofing jobs.
Are Polycarbonate Sheets Flexible?
Polycarbonate sheets are inherently flexible and available in a variety of grades based on application. Most polycarbonate sheets are pliable and c...
Does Polycarbonate Shatter?
While polycarbonate can be dented, it is extremely shatter resistant. In fact, polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass and can undergo signi...
Why Are Polycarbonate Sheets So Strong?
The polymers in polycarbonate have an exceptionally strong bond to the carbonate groups in polycarbonate's chemical chain. This forms a "crosslink"...
How Long Will Polycarbonate Last?
Polycarbonate sheets and panels will slowly change color and start to yellow if it is directly exposed to UV rays for a very long time. To prevent...
What is the Best Way to Clean Polycarbonate Sheets?
For the most thorough cleaning, use Novus #1 cleaner and a soft, microfiber cloth. For a simple, routine cleaning, polycarbonate panels should be c...
Does Polycarbonate Scratch Easily?
A standard polycarbonate sheet is susceptible to scratching. However, manufacturers have resolved this concern by creating special coatings that pr...
Is Polycarbonate Hygroscopic?
Polycarbonate is a hygroscopic engineering polymer, so it can attract and absorb moisture from its surrounding environment at room temperature. How...
What Is the Difference Between Polypropylene and Polycarbonate?
The primary difference between polypropylene and polycarbonate is their strength. Polycarbonate has exceptional tensile and flexural strength, whil...
What are some uses for polycarbonate sheets?
Greenhouse panels and nurseries, barriers and fences, sunlight protection, impact and bullet resistant windows and panels, safety shields, protecti...
What are some features and benefits of polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate has a long list of benefits, making it ideal for a variety of purposes. Here are just a few of polycarbonate's amazing features like...
What Types of Polycarbonate Sheets Do We Offer?
Our team of in-house professionals custom cut clear polycarbonate sheets based on the exact specifications of your material needs. Choose from a wide range of polycarbonate options, including:
What is the Best Way to Cut Polycarbonate Sheets?
When cutting polycarbonate sheets the most effective type of blade to use in all cases is a fine-tooth blade. There are multiple ways to cut polycarbonate sheets using a fine-tooth blade including a circular saw, saber saw, or table saw. When using a circular saw or saber saw, clamp a straight-edge to the polycarbonate sheet to guide the saw and make sure you are steadily cutting the plastic. When using a table saw to cut polycarbonate move the sheets through the saw as you would a piece of plywood paneling. Alternatively, you can have our knowledgeable team conveniently cut your polycarbonate sheets to size to save time, wasted material, and reduce shipping costs.
What Kind of Saw Blade is Needed to Cut Polycarbonate Plastic?
It can be cut with a variety of common handheld, and table-mounted saw equipment. Fine tooth hollow ground blades and triple chip carbide blades are the best choices for cutting polycarbonate and producing a high-quality finish.
Does Polycarbonate Absorb Heat?
Certain color polycarbonate sheets and panels with heat-blocking additives can absorb heat. This is done by filtering near-infrared rays, which reduce heat buildup from sun light. However, these heat blocking additives will not block visible light that can be perceived by the human eye. For reference, sunlight emits three main types of rays: Ultraviolet rays, visible light, and infrared rays that generate heat.
Does Polycarbonate Discolor?
Polycarbonate will slowly change color and start to yellow if it is directly exposed to UV rays for a very long time. To prevent this, some polycarbonate sheets use a special coating that inhibits the transmission of UV light, providing additional protection to the polycarbonate sheet.
What is Polycarbonate Roofing Material?
Polycarbonate is a strong, impact-resistant and lightweight thermoplastic that can withstand extreme temperatures. Polycarbonate sheets come in a wide range of colors and options, allowing builders to control the amount of light transmission as well as provide UV protection. These properties make polycarbonate a great choice for roofing applications such as patios, awnings, and decks.
Is Polycarbonate Plastic Bulletproof?
Although polycarbonate has excellent impact resistance, standard polycarbonate is not bullet resistant. However, specialized multi-layered polycarbonate sheets can provide bullet resistance, which can protect users from forced entry and a limited amount of gunfire.
How long does polycarbonate last?
It is a bit tougher and more tolerable of extreme conditions. Can last up to 10 years before degrading/yellowing, sometimes even as long as 15 years.
How to clean polycarbonate?
You can clean polycarbonate with warm water, a few drops of detergent, and a microfiber wipe of some sort . Do not use a dry cloth because this can result in scratching the material. Do not use household cleaning agents such as Lysol or Windex, for they can damage the material. It is best to avoid strong chemically based cleaners.
What is the most popular polycarbonate?
The most popular brand of Polycarbonate is Lexan but other brand names include Palsun and Makrolon.
What is polycarbonate used for?
Polycarbonate is a highly versatile material that is used in a variety of situations, most commonly in see-through applications. Polycarbonate comes in a variety of textures and surface patterns for applications requiring a range of purposes such as light diffusion, object privacy, and custom fabrication.
Which is better, acrylic or polycarbonate?
They both offer a lot of the same qualities but polycarbonate is more durable and acrylic has better optical clarity. Acrylic is not as flexible as polycarbonate but is able to be polished and laser routed without issue. Acrylic also has better scratch resistance, while Polycarbonate can be drilled and cut easier.
What is PC in plastic?
Polycarbonate (PC) is a tough, impact-resistant, virtually unbreakable material that can be used in many applications. People often use Lexan and Polycarbonate interchangeably. There is absolutely no difference between both of them. The most popular brand of Polycarbonate is Lexan™, but at ShapesPlastics, we sell a variety of polycarbonate sheets from well-known brand names. We sell many different material types of Polycarbonate sheets like Clear General Purpose, Abrasion Resistant, UV-Resistant, Twinwall, and solid sheet colors such as Bronze or Gray.
What is the best tool to cut polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate can be cut/fabricated using a router, circular saw (recommended tool), or a table saw. A fine-toothed blade will yield the best results. In regards to drilling into polycarbonate, you can use a standard drill bit that has to be sharp, this is crucial. You can use a standard handheld drill but a drill press will be easier to use on this material. Polycarbonate cannot be polished but can have the edges and corners rounded without issue. For thicker thicknesses, it is recommended to preheat the plate.
How to clean polycarbonate sheets?
In terms of cleaning polycarbonate, rinse with warm water using a soft cloth or sponge to wash away any surface materials, grit, and grime. You can also use a soft microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge to wash with a mild diluted soap or detergent gently. To prevent water spots, you thoroughly dry the glazing with a chamois or moist sponge. Try to avoid abrasive cleaners and cleaning in direct sunlight to prevent streaking.
What is the most common form of plastic?
One of the most common forms of plastic is a group of thermoplastic polymers known as polycarbonates (PC). This synthetic resin is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic that can be used to produce a variety of precision machined parts and products, but it’s also frequently used as a replacement for acrylic, glass, and polyethylene. Polycarbonate sheets offer a wide variety of characteristics and features that are well-suited to numerous applications and industries, including agricultural, automotive, construction, electrical, medical, and security, to name a few.
Does polycarbonate shrink with age?
Although polycarbonate sheeting may expand and contract with temperature alterations, it does not shrink with age. Polycarbonate plastic’s thermal expansion coefficient is over 100 times smaller than polyethylene, making it well-suited to applications where temperature changes are a concern. Another pleasing characteristic of this thermoplastic is that it is very pliable. Polycarbonate’s ductile properties allow it to be cut or cold-formed on site and at room temperature without cracking or breaking, allowing you to make small angle bends in prototyping applications where aluminum sheet metal lacks viability. This ductility allows thermoplastic sheeting to be formed into curves that would otherwise be impossible to construct with laminated glass or acrylic materials.
Is polycarbonate stronger than glass?
In terms of impact strength, you can’t go wrong with choosing a polycarbonate sheet. This general-pur pose thermoplastic is approximately 200 times stronger than glass and polyethylene. Plus, polycarbonate sheets have a higher relative impact strength than acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), acrylic, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyamides (nylons). You can rely on this rugged plastic to defend against burglaries or vandalism and reduce the risk of injury related to broken glass.
What are polycarbonate sheets used for?
Polycarbonate sheets offer a wide variety of characteristics and features that are well-suited to numerous applications and industries, including agricultural, automotive, construction, electrical, medical, and security, to name a few.
How to clean polycarbonate sheets?
In terms of cleaning polycarbonate, rinse with warm water using a soft cloth or sponge to wash away any surface materials, grit, and grime.
What is UV2 plastic?
With UV Protection On Both Sides#N#UV2 comes with a 10-year limited guarantee for light transmission and stability of mechanical properties.#N#Plastic is an incredibly versatile material that can be used in countless applications and projects. One of the most common forms of plastic is a group of thermoplastic polymers known as polycarbonates (PC). This synthetic resin is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic that can be used to produce a variety of precision machined parts and products, but it’s also frequently used as a replacement for acrylic, glass, and polyethylene. Polycarbonate sheets offer a wide variety of characteristics and features that are well-suited to numerous applications and industries, including agricultural, automotive, construction, electrical, medical, and security, to name a few.#N#At TAP Plastics, we proudly offer cut-to-size polycarbonate panels in a wide range of colors, grades, and sizes to choose from. The polycarbonate sheets we supply are made by Makrolon®, a renowned leader in polycarbonate plastic and PC-based polyblends. Makrolon’s Monogal polycarbonate extruded sheet is designed to meet the stringent demands of many commercial and industrial applications, such as fabrication, furniture making, curtain-wall framing, lighting, noise reduction, signage, thermoforming, and more. Our customers use polycarbonate in a variety of commercial and residential building projects.#N#Features and Benefits:
What is synthetic resin?
This synthetic resin is a naturally transparent amorphous thermoplastic that can be used to produce a variety of precision machined parts and products, but it’s also frequently used as a replacement for acrylic, glass, and polyethylene.
What is cut to size?
Cut to size orders are cut with table and CNC panel saws and have a cut tolerance of +/- .060”. Plastic sheets have a thickness tolerance of +/- 10% and can have thickness variations throughout the sheet. Cut to size items cannot be returned for a refund or exchange.
Is polycarbonate plastic a good thermoplastic?
Polycarbonate plastic’s thermal expansion coefficient is over 100 times smaller than polyethylene, making it well-suited to applications where temperature changes are a concern. Another pleasing characteristic of this thermoplastic is that it is very pliable.
Is polycarbonate stronger than glass?
In terms of impact strength, you can’t go wrong with choosing a polycarbonate sheet. This general-purpose thermoplastic is approximately 200 times stronger than glass and polyethylene. Plus, polycarbonate sheets have a higher relative impact strength than acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), ...
Clear and Colored Polycarbonate
About Polycarbonate, Also Known as Lexan
Features and Benefits of Polycarbonate (Lexan) Sheets
Impact-Resistant Plastic
Applications and Projects
Polycarbonate Sheets Available Online Or Pick-Up at A Store Near You
- Our current polycarbonate collection allows you to choose between clear, transparent gray, and sign white. You can also specify the width, length, and quantity of polycarbonate sheeting you require to make covered walkways, POP displays, machine guards, skylights, storefronts, and so much more. Cut-to-size requests may take one to two business days...
Additional Polycarbonate Resources & Information