14 Jan Why Choose Polycarbonate?

Polycarbonates are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structure. Polycarbonates used in engineering are strong, rigid materials, and some grades are optically transparent. They are easily machined, molded and thermoformed. Because of these properties, polycarbonates find many applications.

Polycarbonate is often used for plastic lenses in eyeglasses, medical devices, automotive components, protective gear, greenhouses, Digital Discs, and outdoor lighting fixtures.

Polycarbonate sheets are preferred for roof skylights and as coating materials due to their high impact and UV resistance, high light transmittance, easy assembly, resistance to chemicals. It is distinguished from other roofing materials due to its non-flammability, resistance to atmospheric conditions, being economical and aesthetic appearance.

Advantages of polycarbonate;

1. Durability: Polycarbonate is 250 times stronger than glass and virtually indestructible. Due to its impact resistance, polycarbonate is a suitable choice for protection from bad weather conditions and flying debris.
2. Light transmission: Polycarbonate offers light transmission properties comparable to glass, giving it an advantage over glass as it visually functions in the same way but is significantly lighter and more durable.
3. Easy to cut and shape: Polycarbonate is usually sold in solid or multiwall sheets, available in standard sizes and thicknesses from 4mm to 32mm. The material is easy to cut with common tools and can be shaped or bent at room temperature following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Thermal insulation: Both solid and multi-walled polycarbonate provide some degree of thermal insulation. It can provide a higher degree of thermal insulation due to its internal structure with more than two walls. These structures include 2-wall, 3-wall, X-structure, honeycomb and 4-wall structures, and each type has its own insulation properties and R-values to meet the demands of different applications.
5. Color Option: This material is available in at least 12 different colors, so if your project is going to make use of color, you will have many choices.
6. Lightweight: Polycarbonate material weighs about half the glass equivalent, meaning you can benefit from lower shipping costs, easier handling and storage, and simplified material handling.
7. Easy to install: The boards can be attached directly to a frame or support structure, and the accompanying hardware is designed for fast, simple assembly and joining.
8. UV Protection: A high quality sheet has a UV coating on one or both sides that protects the sheet from yellowing or fading in direct sunlight.