Monolithic polycarbonate: photo, characteristics, dimensions and applications

Monolithic polycarbonate allows you to solve any design problem for facing and glazing of building objects. Of all the sheet polymers that the industry produces, this is the most reliable material for today, combining lightness and strength. A huge number of positive properties, which has polycarbonate, explains its versatile application.

Monolithic polycarbonate. Characteristics

• Ease. The small weight of monolithic polycarbonate greatly facilitates the installation of structures in comparison with conventional glass.
• The impact resistance of this material is simply unique - it is 250 times higher than that of glass. Polycarbonate is not damaged even under the most severe blows, which makes it possible to use it as advertising or building structures in places where there is a possibility of acts of vandalism.
• Refractoriness. Monolithic polycarbonate is classified as a flame retardant material. When exposed to open fire, it does not burn, it just begins to melt.
• Light transmission capacity - 90%. In terms of transparency, polycarbonate does not differ from standard glass. Together with its high strength, this allows the use of material for protective glazing.
• Heat resistance. The temperature range, which is able to withstand a sheet of polycarbonate monolithic, ranges from 40 to 120 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is not afraid of temperature changes and is suitable in any climatic conditions.
• Polycarbonate is not subject to the destructive effects of chemicals and compounds.
• Due to its excellent soundproofing properties, this material is indispensable when creating soundproof structures.
• Simplicity and security of installation. Polycarbonate is easy to process: it can be drilled, cut. Lightweight plastic, elasticity greatly facilitate the installation work.

Constructive capabilities

Polycarbonate is a very pliable material for any molding, both cold and thermal. Can be subjected to vacuum metallization, allows you to apply images using a variety of means: silk screen printing, engraving, screen printing or staining. All the structures created with monolithic polycarbonate have a very long service life.

Applications

Almost all spheres of human activity use monolithic polycarbonate, the characteristics of which in the aggregate make it a universal material. It is used for glazing buildings, which provides natural lighting of premises, allowing you to save electricity. Due to high light transmission this material is just a find for those who are going to build a greenhouse or winter garden.

Resistance to environmental influences and strength make monolithic polycarbonate a popular material for the creation of roofing and arch structures, for anti-vandal protection of shops, museums. Soundproof properties allow the construction of noise-canceling screens along the motorways.

Polycarbonate is used to create telephone booths, billboards, road signs and stops, protective fences on sports grounds and production halls. In the automotive industry it is used in the manufacture of shockproof windshields and diffusers for automobile headlights.

Dimensions of monolithic polycarbonate are standard - 3,05х2,05 m. The thickness of the sheet is from 2 to 6 mm. Accordingly, the material is selected for a given thickness. For the production of greenhouses, it is recommended to use sheets no more than 4 mm, and for entrance structures and canopies, polycarbonate must be used thicker.

When designing canopies and awnings, any design idea can be realized thanks to such material as monolithic polycarbonate. A large number of photos of all possible variants of such elements of registration of the entrance are presented.

Color palette

Along with transparent sheets of polycarbonate, the modern market offers a huge selection of color-coded: blue, orange, green, red, etc. Each color has its own peculiarity, which must be taken into account when choosing the material according to the purpose. For example, the turquoise color of the visor above the entrance to the store will attract the attention of buyers. Polycarbonate bronze is preferred as a protective screen at the gas station, because it is not so noticeable dirt and dust. It should be remembered that the more saturated the color of the material, the lower its light transmission capacity.

Additional sheet processing

Monolithic polycarbonate is quite easy to process: it can be cut, drilled, glued. Slabs are cut with a regular saw on wood or on a machine tool with the help of hydromechanical cutting. To prevent vibrations and stress, the sheet should be fastened closer to the cutting tool, pressing as much as possible to the table. Cutting plates in size, you should take into account the thermal expansion, leaving room for thermal motion. When cutting mirror plates, in order to avoid the detachment of the reflective layer, it is necessary to place the material upwards with the laminated side. The holes in polycarbonate are made with a screw drill. During the drilling process, it is important that the plate is in close contact with the substrate.

Cleaning and polishing

Stability of polycarbonate to various chemicals facilitates the care of it. To clean this material, it is sufficient to have a 100% cotton cloth and a mild detergent with water. You can use special cleaners available in a wide range. The advantage of these tools in their ability to create a polycarbonate surface film that protects against dust and static electricity. This procedure is sufficient to conduct 1 time in 2 weeks.

It is not recommended to use wipers for cleaning, since the ammonia included in their composition is capable of destroying monolithic polycarbonate. Photographs and a description of the means intended for cleaning this material will help to make the right choice.

Methods of fastening monolithic polycarbonate

The creation of various products from polycarbonate, whether it is a protective partition or a display case, requires the fastening of sheets with the help of special constructions that are also used for conventional glass. There are two ways to install - wet and dry.

The wet method involves the use of a polymer putty, which is applied to its edge and around the perimeter of the frame before installing the sheet. For more complete sealing, special gaskets are used and the joint is treated with a sealant.

Cleaner is the dry method - using mechanical means. Fastening of sheets is made by means of threaded joints, self-tapping screws in combination with gaskets and seals. Holes in the sheet, intended for attachment to the frame, must be drilled in advance, before the installation. The fixing step is approximately 500 mm. The hole should be located at a distance of at least 20 mm from the edge of the sheet and have a diameter 2-3 mm larger than the fastener.

Among polycarbonates, represented in the market of building materials, the leading position both in quality and price is monolithic. Cellular polycarbonate at a price much more affordable, but has a slightly different properties.