The polycarbonate sheets are currently being used instead of other materials such as polyethylene membrane, toughened glass and glass. This has been due to the desirable features they possess such as lightweight, high impact strength, UV protection and better aesthetic value. Furthermore, frosted and embossed polycarbonate sheets are mainly used for decoration purposes. There are quite a number of polycarbonate sheet applications where both hollow and solid sheets are used.

Normally, the main difference between these two types of carbonate sheets depend on the level of light transmission and the impact strength. For instance, in polycarbonate sheet applications where strength is of a priority, using a solid sheet becomes the best alternative. On the other hand, for thermal insulation applications; the hollow polycarbonates are superior.

Polycarbonates are used to make the following key items:

Electrical and electronics; this material is used to make quite a number of electrical and electronics equipment. Some of the most common parts include the switching relays, sensor parts, LCD sections, connectors, cell phones and computers just to mention a few. This is due to its light weight and high impact strength. The fact that hollow polycarbonates are perfect thermal insulators makes them to be a perfect choice in most electrical and electronic industry. Closely related to this is the optical industry, where they are used to make optical discs which are some of the most common storage medium. These include the CD, CD-ROM, DVD etc.

Automotive industry; polycarbonates are used to make various parts in the automotive industry. This is also due to their light weight and high-performance properties. This allows for the manufacture of eye-catching components which are designed to improve the aesthetic look of the automobiles and their efficiency. Their light weight allows for better aerodynamics which is an important aspect of the automobile industry. They are used to make transparent sections of the car, headlight bezels, door handles, radiator grills and inner lenses. Their extensive use in this industry is due to their rigidity, dimensional stability, good heat resistance and low moisture absorption.

Agriculture ; polycarbonate sheets are also used to make greenhouses. The UV treated polycarbonate sheets are commonly used to make high-quality greenhouse covering materials. They exist in very many forms which include the single-walled which provides no light diffusion and lacks the heat retention capability; the twin-walled which provide an additional strength, better insulating values and diffused light; the triple walled which is known to provide better heat retention capabilities and superior strength than the other two. The triple walled polycarbonate sheets are mainly used in cold climates.

These are not the only polycarbonate sheet applications; this material is versatile and flexible material which can be used for nearly all applications. They are used to make eyeglasses, bulletproof windows and a wide range of items in both domestic and industrial applications. It can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications as long as the temperature range remains within the recommended value. They are very effective and ecofriendly since most products can be recycled.

The polycarbonate sheets have gained popularity in a number of applications such as greenhouse glazing due to the wide range of advantages as they are associated with. Its weight, UV resistance properties, flexibility and high impact strength are some of the outstanding properties of the materials.

How to distinguish polycarbonate sheet’s quality has been one of the most challenging processes. In any application, the polycarbonate sheet’s quality can be determined based on R value, shading coefficient, solar reflection, U value, light transmission and solar heat gain coefficient. Of course, this may be very technical for an ordinary shopper- a reason why you should acquire these items from a reputable dealer whose products come with a warranty.

Below are simple procedures which can help you to distinguish polycarbonate sheet’s quality:

1. The quality of any polycarbonate sheet will be determined by the type of material which has been used in the manufacturing process. Normally, manufacturers produce polycarbonate sheets using two main types of materials; new raw materials and recycled materials. A polycarbonate sheet which has been manufactured from recycled material will have a yellow surface when viewed under sunshine. Those that have been manufactured from new raw materials will be clear and bright. This is the first test you should conduct when you are planning to buy polycarbonate materials.
2. Bending test; you can conduct a bending test on the polycarbonate materials. You can cut a small piece of the sheet and bend it more than 10 times. Normally, the low quality materials can only bend about 2 to 3 times after which they will break. However, high quality polycarbonate sheets can bend more than 15 times.
3. Examining the cross section of the sheet and the weight. You should ensure that the sheet stub is vertical and the thickness is uniform. Similarly, it should not have a lumping weight.
4. Light transmission; a quality polycarbonate sheet should transmit about 75% of light with the same and thickness. Those that transmit light below 75% are considered to of poor quality.

These are some of the most basic tests which can be conducted to distinguish polycarbonate sheet’s quality. There are quite a number of tests which can be conducted which may require specialized technology. An example of such a test is the use of ZEISS microscope, which is used by most polycarbonate sheet manufacturers to determine the UV thickness. Remember, UV coating is an essential part of these materials since they resist strong sunlight thereby, preventing the yellowing of the sheet. The burn test can also be used to determine the quality of the carbonate sheet. When you burn polycarbonates and extinguish them; they should produce a faint, sweet aromatic ester. Moreover, the color of the flame should be orange.

In most cases, the advanced test to determine polycarbonates sheet’s quality is conducted during the manufacturing process in industries. This is because the test procedures are both time consuming and expensive. It is important that you go for those products which have been certified by the regulatory authorities. You should deal with only those companies have been ISO certified.

To ensure that a polycarbonate sheet remains in good condition for a long period of time, you must use the recommended cleaners and procedures. In fact, a regular cleaning procedure will enhance all their desired functional properties.

Ideally, there are a number of factors which determine the frequency of the cleaning process and these may include: the geographical location; the surrounding environment such as industrial, marine or alkaline environment; prevailing winds; possibility of airborne debris and the prevailing atmospheric pollution.

How should you clean polycarbonate sheets?

Cleaning a polycarbonate sheet is such a simple process which involves the following simple steps:

Choosing the types of cleaners; you must use only the recommended cleaners. All cleaning agents are tested in laboratories to ensure that they actually compatible with carbonate sheets. Some products which are incompatible with sheets under laboratory conditions include: Lysol, pinesol, butyl cellosolve, isopropanol and formula 409. They should not be used during the cleaning process. On the other hand, there are those cleaning agents such as Freon T.F., joy, Palmolive liquid, top job, VM & P grade naptha, windex with ammonia and brillianize which have been tested and proved to be compatible with polycarbonate materials. Thus, they can be used as cleaning agents.

You must not use either your hand or a dry cloth to clean polycarbonate sheets. This is for the reason that; the two will only rub the dirt off the surface of the polycarbonate material as much as it will be rubbing it off. Thus, it will only be a waste of time and energy.

You must blow the dirt off using water and a soft cloth. For larger areas, you can blow off the dirt using a high-pressure water cleaner of about 100bar. As a rule, before you begin cleaning the entire surface, start by cleaning a smaller section of the polycarbonate material.  You can use a lukewarm water alongside the recommended cleaning agents since it helps to take off stubborn stains without damaging the material.

If there are stains which require scrubbing; you must use a soft cloth to rub the surface. There quite a number of automobile polish which are used to minimize the chances of scratching the surface of the sheets. Finally, you must rinse the polycarbonate material with clean water to remove all residue of the cleaning agents. Furthermore, it is advisable to dry its surface by using a soft cloth since this will prevent water spotting.

To clean polycarbonate sheets efficaciously, you need to pay attention to the following key factors:

1. You must not use any abrasive material since this will only leave the surface of the material with a lot of scratches. This is for the reason that; despite the fact that these materials are known for their high impact-resistance, they are not scratch resistant.
2. Avoid the use of “harsh” solvents such as hydrochloric acids since they will degrade the surface of the material.
3. When you are cleaning polycarbonate sheets; you should not clean them at high temperatures or in direct sunlight. This is can lead to discoloration.

As you plan to clean polycarbonate sheets, you should consider all these factors since they form an integral part of any care and maintenance program of polycarbonate materials.

Polycarbonate solid sheet is a type of building material that contains Bisphenol A to offer a lustrous outlook. In an addition to glossy look, BPA also enhances durability and strength of these sheets.  Mostly, people prefer these sheets to glass because they are highly resistant to breakage and highly flexible.

These sheets come in different thickness to meet the requirement of different applications. People use it as an alternative to glass material for doors, windows and other home décor such as pool enclosure, shower, greenhouse, balconies and more. Solid polycarbonate sheets are also used to manufacture eyeglass lenses and compact discs. You can also find these sheets in sports stadium where they are used to protect the spectators from flying balls.

Major Benefits & Features

• These sheets are available in a large variety, which gives multiple options to homeowners or builders to choose. Interior decorators also find it effective to add more beauty and charm to the interior décor. You can easily fix them with screws and support poles.  Polycarbonate sheets are very light in weight, so you would not find any problem in installation.
• People prefer these sheets as they are resistant to damage, and never shatter as glass panel. Therefore, they are capable for providing extra safety and last longer than any other building material.
• You will find them highly flexible and very easy to transform into different shapes. As the material never shatters, you can modify the shape and size without any fear of damage.
• Apart from holding attractive look, Polycarbonate solid sheet are a perfect sound barrier as well. You can install these sheets on your doors and windows, and make your conference room or any other area sound proof.
• Ultraviolet rays of sun cause discoloration and infiltration. These sheets help in controlling adverse effects of sunlight.
• The sheets are highly weather, and flame resistant, and therefore advisable to use in offices and residences. That’s why they are often used to construct bullet proof windows for cars and offices. You can also use them on terrace and patios to safeguard property against sunlight and rain as well.

However, solid polycarbonate sheets can be damaged if exposed to extremely high temperature. Sometimes, they develop scratches in case used for very long time. Plus, as they contain BPA, they  are not appropriate for storing food items.

Most of roofing experts say that UV-coated polycarbonate panels are perfect for the roof because these panels retain heat. These panels diffuse sunlight and reduce the risk of scorching plants, plus available in various thickness to prevent the heat loss during night. Installing such polycarbonate panels can benefit you in multiple ways and able to give you absolute return on the investment.

These panels are sturdy and durable, therefore, people prefer them over glass panels. Glass panels are not vulnerable, but also pose serious threat to safety. In an addition, these polycarbonate panels are cost-effective than glass panels. Following are some benefits of installing UV stabilized polycarbonate panels over your greenhouse:

Proper Insulation

Polycarbonate is indeed the most advanced and preferred insulating material with an ability to sustain heat and maintain temperature. Most of the commercial polycarbonate comes with a UV protective coating to avoid panel breakdown and create proper insulation. It is an evident fact that harsh sun light causes serious damage to the surface of roof, and reduces its life.

You will find a variety of such panels, but mainly people prefer twin wall polycarbonate panels. It is because they incorporates thick layers and offer remarkable insulation. If you want more thickness, you can go for triple wall panels, but it is worth mentioning here that thicker panels usually lack the ability to transfer the greatest amount of light. Therefore, it is highly advisable to choose panel based on your actual requirement.

 Why UV-coated polycarbonate panels are superior Than Glass?

Apart from durability, these panels consist of amazing impact strength, which makes them 200 times stronger than glass, and will not breakdown in any condition. So, one biggest advantage with these panels is that they are unbreakable and offer effective insulation without creating any hot spots. Plus, as they have UV coating, there will be no discoloration.

Next comes to the weight. Polycarbonate sheets are lighter than glass panels. While building a greenhouse with glass panels, you have to be extra careful as they are breakable and very heavy whereas polycarbonate sheet weighs only one-quarter of the weight of the glass panel. So, you can easily install them without any feature of breakage. While choosing any polycarbonate panel, make it sure that it is UV stabilized polycarbonate, and able to create desirable insulation.

R- Value: R-value for multiple wall sheets are higher than any other polycarbonate sheet. The R-value represents resistance of insulation to heat flow. As these sheets come with higher R-value , they offer higher insulation.

U-Value: U-value is reciprocal to R-value, and stands as a measure of heat loss rate through any material. If you want your greenhouse to retain heat, buy multiwall polycarbonate panels with lowest U-value, because the lower the U-value, the lesser the heat loss.

Weight: These polycarbonate sheets are generally measures in pounds per square foot. You must not be concern about the weight as they are relatively very light weight, and very easy to install.

Transmission of light: it basically refer to the maximum transmission of light in the visible light region. Many people thought that it is good to have 100% light transmission, which is untrue. A single glass has approximately 90% light transmission whereas a twin wall polycarbonate sheet has 80% transmission. Apparently, multi wall sheet has comparatively less light transmission percentage.

Shading coefficient: Shading coefficient is the total amount of heat that passes through the polycarbonate sheet compared with the heat passes through a single clear glass. Generally, multiwall polycarbonate sheet has a lower shading coefficient.

 Solar Heat Retention: The effectiveness of polycarbonate sheet is measured through solar heat coefficient, which measures how well the material blocks the heat from sunlight. The coefficient is rated between 0 to 1. The multiwall sheets or panels used to have high solar heat retention as compare to single or double panels.

Solar Reflection: Solar reflection is the amount of sunlight that reflects off the sheets. The higher the reflection the cooler the structure will be. The multi wall panels used to have less solar reflection as compared to other sheets.

 The bottom line

Multiwall polycarbonate panels uphold excellent properties to safeguard your property from harsh weathers. The sheets retain heat, and offers terrific insulation to avoid the adverse effects of the extremely cold climate.

Are you looking for professional polycarbonate sheets suppliers for polycarbonate sheet installation? Here, are some helpful information to educate your about these sheets and installation and help you hire the right service provider.

Polycarbonate sheets can be installed on walls and roofs both. You will find these sheets in a variety of colors, sizes and designs to compliment the appearance of your residence. Prices and guarantee vary from sheet to sheet based on their profile and quality, however, corrugate plastic roofing sheet is the most preferred polycarbonate sheet. You can get guarantee of a few months to lifetime, which entirely depends on the quality of the sheet.

Most of the polycarbonate sheet manufactures suggests having a roof pitch fall of 10 degree to handle harsh weather condition successfully. If you install a sheet with less roof pitch, then you would need to install extra shield to safeguard the roof from unfavorable weather. Once you decide the roof pitch, it is the time for cutting.

Mostly, these sheets cut down using a fine tooth saw or garden scissors. Always buy high quality sheet because it is easy to cut high quality polycarbonate sheets as compared to substandard one. If you just want to cut one sheet, you can do it using a sick grinder. The only problem here is that if you want to cut down more than on sheet, you need to make fusion and welding of sheets.

Drilling & Fixing of Polycarbonate Sheets

 Once you decide the roof pitch fall and cut the sheets, you need to move onto next step-fixing the sheets. In order to fix these sheets, drill the holes of adequate size i.e. -10mm. Make sure that the hole must be a little larger that the screw’s shaft, at least 2 mm larger in order to provide sufficient space to the screw to expand and contract. If face problem, refer the user guide that comes along with the roofing sheets.

Polycarbonate sheets suppliers can provide you with appropriate screws for polycarbonate roofing panels. Screws with hexagonal heads are highly preferred for fixing. Generally, these sheets are fixed at every fourth corrugation. There are many other accessories that you could use with polycarbonate sheets such as foam eave fillers or ridge/ apron flashing to give it a finished look.

Excelite U-lock sheet is an advanced construction system, its design has been proved it combined good lighting, heat insulation and high impact resistance features. I t provides a light, non heat expansion and no leakage design, can bear a very high weight loads.

It makes it a good choice for long-time use. Innovative side of the U-lock design, making installation easier and faster, combined with stronger, easier to maintain. 50μm high concentration of UV co-extruded layer to ensure that product more than 10 years of continuous use. Standard panels have UV protection on one side.

Feature

• Simply processed and installed
• 100% leaking-proof
• Good weather resistance and UV protection
• High heat insulation
• Excellent load capacity
• Free expansion

Applications:

• Roofing light sheet and sunshade for office building,Roofing for department store, hotel, stadium, school, amusement center, hospital, etc.
• Skylight, lighting for corridors, balcony, passages and subway entries, walkways.
• Conservatories, agricultural greenhouses, zoos, botanical gardens.
• Industrial Roofing and Glazing
• Natatorium Swimming Pools roofing/cover/sheet

Standard specification

*Other dimension and color are available with a special order, subject to a minimum order

* Standard color: Clear,Blue,Green,Brown,Opal white,Red,Yellow,Silver, Grey,Silver-Blue or customized

Overview: 

Excelite Plastic has set up thermo forming work shop in 2005. We have introduced 4 bending machines. Thermo forming is also known as thermoplastic forming. The theory is the use of vacuum pump suck the heated soft plastic sheets of PVC, PET, PETG, APTT, PP, PE, PC, PS, PMMA, etc; or paste these plastic sheets adhered to the surface of the products of various shape. Thermo forming is one part of our vertical integration strategy; strongly support our core plastic business including polycarbonate products and acrylic products.

Feature:

• High precision thermo forming
• Large working dimension thermo forming
• Suit for polycarbonate sheet, acrylic sheet, PVC, PET, PETG, PE, etc
• Simply operation requirement

Application:

• Advertising signage
• PVC board
• Teflon plate
• Skylight
• Pallet
• Light box
• Medical equipment cover
• Automobile

Properties:

• Vacuum degree: Mpa 0.07~0.09（520mmHg）
• Power: kW 4
• Z-Axis Travel: (mm) 650
• Working area: (mm*mm) 2000*3500

Successful Case:

Dimension: 1280*1280*600mm

Raw Material: 4mm Polycarbonate Solid Sheet

Process: Thermo forming, Cutting to size, Deburring

Country: British