Strong and rigid polycarbonate is another multi-functional substrate, with a high impact resistance and class 1 fire rating. An alternative to acrylic, polycarbonate best serves when damage is going to occur regularly. Application areas include, signage, machine guard, greenhouse, glazing and skylights.

• High impact resistance
• Class 1 UK fire rating
• Half the weight of glass
• High temperature resistance

High Impact Resistance

Double the impact resistance of PETG and almost unbreakable, polycarbonate key strength lies in its durability. With shatter free properties, polycarbonate provides as an ideal substitution to glass. Mirror polycarbonate is often found in hospitals and areas open to the public.

Light Transmission

Like acrylic, polycarbonate offers crystal clear clarity in its standard finish. Various opaque light transmission grades, are also available across the opal range (from 18% up to 40%). Depending on the thickness of polycarbonate visible light can vary.

Weathering

To protect the sheet from discolouring from long term exposure to sunlight, our clear polycarbonate sheets are UV resistant. Impact resistance is rapidly lost when long term exposure to non-UV sheets occurs. Yellowing can develop within 1 – 3 years as a result.

Cutting

There are several ways to cut polycarbonate:

Circular saw – Avoid sawing under 2mm
Band saw – Thick polycarbonate should be cut with a bigger tooth size
CNC – Router must be at least 750 watts & drill bit spinning 18.000 to 25.000 rpm
Wall & Beam Saw
Sharp Utility Knife (on thin thicknesses 2mm and below)

Flammability

Under the Euroclass EN 13501-1 classification our polycarbonate has a class ‘B, s2, d0’ fire rating. Our stocked polycarbonate is also self-extinguishable.

Drilling

A clean drill hole is best achieve with a drill bit designed especially for plastic. Metal drill bits can be used but only if they haven’t come into contact with metal beforehand – a slower drilling speed is recommended to achieve the best result.

Glues

A multitude of Bostik glues are applicable with polycarbonate. Both ‘Evo-Stik Mirror Adhesive’, ‘Evo-Stik Extru-Fix’ and ‘Simson ISR 70-03 & Prep M’ all have excellent bonding properties with it. Face joints, lap joints and fixing to vertical surfaces are all achievable with the relevant adhesives.

Printing

Decorating polycarbonate is possible through several different methods: screen printing; hot stamping; vinyl application.

Fixing/Wall Mounting

If metal is being used to fix or clamp polycarbonate into place, room should be allocated for the metal to expand, as polycarbonate has a higher thermal threshold than other materials. Direct metal interaction with the material should in fact be avoided at all costs.

Hard Coated

Where vandalism might be an issue, we can supply a hard coated polycarbonate for added protection. Removal of both graffiti and paints is relevantly straight forward, due to the smooth protective lacquer surface.

Scratching

The Problem
Due to the soft density of polycarbonate scratching can occur easier than that of rival substrates like acrylic or PETG. Taking care of the material in transportation and application is therefore vital.

The Solution
To combat this, hard coated sheets are available which limit overall scratching and will help to retain aesthetic appeal.