How to cut polycarbonate? Useful recommendations

Cellular polycarbonate is a relatively new material used in the construction of roofs, awnings, canopies, as well as all kinds of greenhouse structures. There are several types of polycarbonate, but the most common is the cellular.

His popularity he acquired primarily due to low cost. Modern technologies have given polycarbonate significant advantages over other transparent materials. Among them is:

• Ease of material - allows you to withstand heavy snow loads, and also use inexpensive materials as a frame structure;
• The installation of cellular polycarbonate is simple and does not take much time;
• High strength;
• High temperature resistance;
• Fire safety;
• Excellent noise, sound and heat insulation characteristics;
• High light transmission;
• Property of viscosity - how to cut polycarbonate into several separate elements, then fasten them to the frame, thereby weighting the appearance and complicating the work, it is better to use the property of viscosity of the material, due to which it is able to accept any configuration;
• Resistance to changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure.

Typical questions on polycarbonate processing and installation

It is worth noting that polycarbonate is highly prone to mechanical impact. So that during processing and installation the sheets are not damaged, before cutting polycarbonate, drilling it or fixing it, check that all tools are well sharpened and in good order.

Is drilling possible?

If you need to make a small hole, the usual screw drills are fine. In this case, when drilling, it is necessary to press the sheet firmly against the table.

What are the dimensions of the cellular polycarbonate?

Width - 2,1 m, length - 6 or 12 m, thickness - from 4 to 16 mm. While working with the material, it is possible to correct the size, however, before cutting the polycarbonate, it is necessary to take into account that the material expands under the influence of a high temperature up to 2.5 mm.

How to store?

When polycarbonate sheets are laid, it is necessary that the side of the UV protection is on top. Also, so that the material does not lose its performance characteristics, you should periodically wipe it with an aqueous solution of room temperature with the addition of cleaning agents. Use a soft cloth or sponge.

How to cut polycarbonate?

A mechanical or manual saw, held at a small angle, is ideal. During cutting, in order to avoid stress and vibration, it is necessary to press the sheet firmly against the table.

When to remove the protective film?

It protects the sheets from the ingress of various mechanical particles when cutting and fastening, so remove it after the installation is complete.

How to strengthen?

Make sure that all sheets are correctly oriented, namely in the direction of the slope or the edges of the roof. This is done to prevent the accumulation of water - condensate. With fasteners, it is necessary to use only thermowells to prevent deformation. To fasten sheets it is necessary with an indent at least in 4 mm, differently chipped.