Polycarbonate Sheet: Ultimate FAQ Guide
We covered a lot of the topics related to polycarbonate sheets and their applications. But still, there are a ton of basic questions we get every day from our readers.
So we’ve decided to put all the questions in one place, to help the readers find their desired question easily and in one place. If you’re considering buying PC sheets anytime soon, you just need to read all the answers here, and you’ll be an expert as well. So without further adieu, let’s see what those questions are.
What is A Polycarbonate Sheet?
Polycarbonate is a transparent and robust thermoplastic material used in multiple applications for its strength and durability. It contains carbonate groups in its structure, which makes them so strong and flexible at the same time.
What Are The Applications Or Uses Of Polycarbonate Sheets?
Polycarbonate is used widely for canopies, roofing panels, and windows due to its strength and safe nature. It’s also used in building greenhouses because of its UV-resistant ability.
PC plastics are also used in electrical and automotive parts. The transparent and heat-resistant ability makes it suitable for numerous applications in these industries. There are many types of polycarbonate, different types offer different applications, maybe you can know more information from the following blogs:
How strong is a polycarbonate sheet?
It’s one of the most rigid forms of plastic that we can find. PC sheets offer incredibly high strength, among other alternatives. It’s almost 200 times stronger than glass material and 30 times stronger than the acrylic sheet.
What is a better polycarbonate or Acrylic?
Acrylic is another widely used thermoplastic material that has a lot of applications. The critical difference between these two plastics is that PC plastics are made out of carbonate groups, whereas acrylic is composed of a chloride group.
Want to know the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate. And how to identify Polycarbonate from Acrylic.
How long do polycarbonate panels last?
Polycarbonate is a robust material that has a lifespan of 10-20 years on average. The superior strength and durability allow this plastic to last longer than other alternatives. This is the reason why PC sheets are used widely in roofing panels and other outdoor applications.
To know everything about polycarbonate.
Is polycarbonate expensive?
Compared with other alternatives, yes. But when you consider the durability, applications, and lifespan of this plastic, you could easily see how it delivers more value than any other alternatives.
Polycarbonate sheet has outstanding strength and durability with UV resistance ability, perfect for many outdoor applications like a greenhouse or industrial roofing panels.
If you need a quote for this, get in touch with us now!
Can you drill holes in polycarbonate?
Yes. Polycarbonate sheets can be easily drilled and cut. Standard drill bits are suitable for PC materials. Still, we recommend using special drill bits designed to drill plastic material to avoid any damages before drilling, first make a pilot hole and start drilling from there.
Want to know how to drill polycarbonate;
Related Blogs About Polycarbonate and Acrylic
Can polycarbonate plastic be recycled?
This is an entirely recyclable plastic material that allows it not to damage the environment and use less raw materials.
How to bend polycarbonate sheets?
Polycarbonate is a robust material with outstanding flexibility. We can bend the sheet with a heating method. Just make sure the bending line is getting equal heat and if the sheet is thicker, apply heat on both sides equally, which will deliver the best result.
Another cool part of PC sheets is that unlike acrylic or any other alternative, they can be cold bent. This means you can bend the sheet without even applying any heat to the material. This due to the extreme flexibility of the plastic. You’ll need to consider the spring ability and require the bending tool to get the best result.
How to cut polycarbonate sheets?
Unlike acrylic sheets, polycarbonate sheets can not be cut with a scoring knife; we recommend using a circular saw for this job. A Circular saw will give you the best result while cutting a larger sheet. Otherwise, a jigsaw can be used as well.
Why is polycarbonate a better choice for extreme weather conditions areas?
As you already know, PC material is tough and durable. But the reason it’s used in extreme weather conditions is its high impact-resistant ability. This material can withstand extreme rough weather conditions like heavy rains, cyclones, or any other situation. It’s also heat resistant, making it the perfect choice for areas with high temperatures.
Polycarbonate sheet is the perfect choice for earthquake-prone areas. Because if you use other materials like glass or thin plastics, you will likely have to change the material once or twice every year. In contrast, PC sheets can withstand earthquakes or other high impacts.
Are polycarbonate roofs good?
Polycarbonate roofing panels are one of the best choices you can find on the market. If you’re concerned about the strength, durability, impact, and UV resistant material that will last longer than ten years or more, you’ll love PC roofing panels.
Maybe you need polycarbonate facade panel.
Which is better glass or polycarbonate?
Polycarbonate is 200 times more potent than glass and offers more durability and workability for any application. On top of that, pc sheets are significantly impact-resistant and weather-resistant, making it a better choice for areas where high impact or harsh weather conditions may occur.
Another great advantage of a PC sheet is that it blocks harmful UV rays while transmitting better light than glass materials. Although it has far more strength than glass, PC sheets are way lighter than glass and have better workability.
Other than these benefits, polycarbonate sheets are better than glass in every aspect. However, the price of glass material is lower, if you consider the durability and life span of both materials, you’ll want to avoid glass.
Does polycarbonate absorb heat?
Unlike glass or other alternatives, polycarbonate sheets don’t absorb heat. Their heat-resistant capability allows them to block heat, rain, snow, or even UV rays, making them a perfect choice for roofing panels and greenhouses.
How can you tell the difference between acrylic and polycarbonate?
Acrylic is often lighter than polycarbonate and has better transparency. One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between these two is, look at the edges. The edge of acrylic sheets tends to appear clear while the edge of polycarbonate sheets is blueish.
Is polycarbonate sheet bulletproof?
Yes. Many polycarbonate sheets are bulletproof and are now widely used in vehicles, windows or other applications. Because of the many setbacks of bulletproof glass, bulletproof PC materials are widely used now.
Polycarbonate vs acrylic which is better for me?
Depending on your needs and requirements, you’ll have to choose the perfect option for you. For example, if you need plastic material for small aquariums or skylights, I’ll suggest using acrylic sheets because it offers more light transmission and transparency than the others.
On the other hand, polycarbonate sheets are better for large aquariums for greenhouses because of their strength and heat-resistant abilities.
Want to know the difference between Lexan Vs. Acrylic.
Can I use a polycarbonate sheet for the greenhouse?
Of course! This plastic material is now the favorite for building greenhouses. Because of the heat and UV resistant capacity, it makes the perfect choice for greenhouses worldwide. Also, the impact resistance and robust abilities allow it to withstand harsh weather conditions and last for a long time.
Where can I get the best polycarbonate sheet at a good price?
If you’re looking to buy the top-quality material at the best price, you’re in the right place. I’m not asking for a commitment right now. Just have a chat with us and compare our quality and price with other manufacturers, you’ll make a better decision by yourself.
Conclusion
That’s all from my side. Now it’s your turn!
Have I missed out on something important? Is there anything you’d like us to add here? Then leave a message in our chatbox and we’ll respond to you as early as possible.
See you in the next guide!
About UVPLASTIC
UVPLASTIC is a leading manufacturer of polycarbonate in China. Meantime, UVPLASTIC provides designing and machining polycarbonate service. The subsidiary-UVACRYLIC, which is a leading manufacturer of acrylic sheets in China, provides custom acrylic. If you are interested in these products, please contact us!
