Polycarbonate sheets are known to be stable and tough, which is why they have a wide range of uses and applications. It is now one of the most popular plastics because of its versatility. It’s highly dependable and with a range of benefits, it’s clear to see why this sheeting has many different uses. In many instances, it is now being used instead of glass because of its range of characteristics. So, how are polycarbonate sheets used?
Different Applications of Polycarbonate Sheets
1. Electrical Accessories
Polycarbonate sheets are used to make a wide range of electrical accessories as well as hardware. It is lightweight and can withstand high impacts so it is ideal for use in electrical applications. Therefore, it is used in the manufacturing of sensor parts, switching relays, computers, cell phones, CDs, and DVDs as well as connectors and LCD sections. Polycarbonate sheeting is preferred over other materials as it is durable and safe to use at the same time.
2. Farming Applications
This material is also heavily used within the farming industry as plastic comes with a high level of versatility and durability. This means that you will see it used in greenhouses and nurseries. They offer a high level of UV protection which means that it lets in the sunlight but prevents UV radiation from causing damage and this means that crops and plants are protected. Furthermore, they have the choice of a variety of different types of polycarbonate sheets such as single-walled, twin-walled, and multi-walled and this is dependent on the needs of farmers.
3. Automobile Industry
The automobile industry also used polycarbonate sheets as they are lightweight and boast a range of properties such as flexibility, low dampness ingestion, dimensional security, and heat resistance. As they are lightweight, it means that they can enhance the design of vehicles and can be used to make certain parts of vehicles such as handles, front light bezels, and radiator flame broils. As polycarbonate is highly adaptable and durable, they provide a cost-effective alternative to other materials that would have once been used.
4. Roofing
It is also a very useful material that can be used in roofing. This is because it is waterproof, can withstand the elements, and also offers UV protection. This makes it suitable for a variety of uses and applications such as in structures, patio covers, conservatories, and summerhouses. Furthermore, it is also cheaper than other forms of roofing and easier to maintain while it can be replaced easily if required. Along with this, it is also great at letting in sunlight which is another reason why people choose to use polycarbonate for this purpose.
5. Fencing Barriers
Polycarbonate sheet offers a high level of durability and is strong while it is also impact resistant. This makes it ideal for use as a barrier or fencing. This material is commonly seen in hockey rinks where it constantly takes the impact from hockey pucks proving that it offers enhanced safety and resistance. They are simple to install and manufacture while they are also affordable and this is why it is commonly used as fencing barriers.
6. Sound Walls
This material also offers an impressive level of sound insulation. It is often used to reduce the spread of sound and noise and that is why it is often seen placed around railway lines, construction sites, and even busy roads. It has many uses and that is why you will also see it in offices where it is used to reduce the noise of conversations while it is also used in clothing stores.
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Why use Polycarbonate Panels?
1. Indestructible
Polycarbonate is a material that is often used in place of glass and this is because it is almost indestructible. It has the ability to withstand high impacts and it is also extremely useful when it comes to protecting items during transportation and even handling items. When it is used as windows or roofing, it can handle falling objects and it is cheap to replace should it need replacing. Unlike other materials, polycarbonate does not weaken with age which means that it can remain in place for a very long time.
2. Lightweight
Glass has a density of 2800kg/m2 while polycarbonate is one of the toughest plastics available even though it only has a density of 1200kg/m3 which makes it a better choice over a glass in some instances. As it is lightweight, when it is used as cladding or roofing it means that structures don’t have to be designed to take additional weight like they would with glazing.
Additionally, polycarbonate sheets are easy to handle because they are lighter. This means that they are simple to transport, live, and manoeuvre, and because it is not considered fragile, it means it is safer to use too.
3. Easy to Bend
Polycarbonate is a plastic that is also known as thermoplastic and with this comes some useful characteristics. This means that it can be manufactured and moulded in a wide range of shapes. A polycarbonate sheet can also be cold-bent on-site which is ideal for those who work with it as this means that this plastic is flexible and usable.
Furthermore, it is also possible to heat it, cool it, and reheat it again without it weakening or degrading and which makes it suitable for a range of uses but also means that this plastic is recyclable.
4. Transparent
While it is possible to get polycarbonate sheets in different colours, especially twinwall and multiwall, it is a transparent material. It has a high level of transparency as it lets around 88% of sunlight through it compared with 90% of glass glazing. This is one of the reasons why it is used as glazing in greenhouses and summerhouses. It also has UV protective filters which means that it offers a high level of protection from harmful rays from the sun.
5. Heat Resistant
As mentioned, polycarbonate is classed as a thermoplastic which means that it can be reshaped under different temperatures. At a temperature of 155 degrees celsius, it will become a liquid but it does offer impressive heat resistance, dimensional stability, shock resistance and it is resistant to humidity. In high temperatures, it will remain stable which makes it a preferred choice over other different types of plastic. The high expansion level is also something worth considering as this will need to be considered when it comes to finding the right-sized sheet.
Types of Polycarbonate Sheets
1. Multiwall
Multiwall polycarbonate is the most widely used out of all polycarbonate sheeting. It is commonly used in conservatories and lean-to roofs. It offers an exceptional level of thermal insulation as well as excellent sound insulation. It also comes with UV protection and is extremely easy to work with.
2. Triplewall
Triplewall polycarbonate offers an exceptional level of strength and durability. Even though it has three layers, it is still extremely lightweight making it suitable for large jobs such as conservatory roofs, carports, and canopies.
3. Twinwall
Twinwall polycarbonate sheets have two layers but they still offer a high level of strength and durability. Furthermore, they will provide an excellent level of UV protection and can be used in a range of applications. Available in 4mm, 6mm, and 10mm sheets perfect for the installation of carports, lean-tos, canopies, and greenhouses.
4. Solid
Solid polycarbonate sheets are seen to be a suitable alternative to glass as it is lightweight, durable, and safe to use. This is also the case because it boasts UV protection and lets in plenty of sunlight which makes it suitable for use in conservatories and carports as well as windows in summerhouses.
5. Corrugated
Corrugated polycarbonate sheets offer exceptional strength, making them 200 times stronger than glass. It is used in roofing as it offers impact resistance, is lightweight and it helps with insulation. It offers UV resistance too which means that it is safe for use in conservatories and summerhouses.
Conclusion
Polycarbonate sheets clearly have a wide range of benefits and uses. Offering cost savings, enhanced durability, and flexibility, it makes a great alternative to other materials such as glass or roofing tiles. If you want to find out more about our range of polycarbonate sheets, then get in touch with us today.
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