Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is a transparent plastic which distinguishes itself from other materials with its extreme impact resistance. Polycarbonate sheets are 250 times stronger than glass and are virtually unbreakable. The material is often used because of this as protection or glazing in places where glass is too fragile.
Polycarbonate (PC) is also known as Lexan®. The material is not only available in sheets but in tubes and bars.
Characteristics of polycarbonate
Polycarbonate is an optically pure and clear material which is impact resistant: it is 250 times stronger than glass of the same thickness. This makes it the material of choice for safety glazing and machine protection. In addition, polycarbonate has fire-resistant properties (fire classification B1), is lightweight, retains its shape and it can be processed in many different ways. Lexan® sheets can also be bent when cold.
We supply extruded polycarbonate in sheet, tube and bar form. Any size is possible and you can choose from a wide range of transparent colours and finishes, like crystal clear, bronze, opal, scratch resistant, mirror, matt and textured.
Most important characteristics:
- Extremely impact resistant: 250 times stronger than glass of the same thickness
- Crystal clear
- Good fire classification (B1)
- 50 times lighter than glass
- Easy to work with (can be bent when cold)
- Available in many transparent colours
Processing
It is very easy to work with polycarbonate. The main processing techniques we use are:
Applications
Due to its extreme impact resistance, polycarbonate is often used for protection or safety glazing. We use it to make machinery hoods, boat windows, railing glazing and balcony glazing. But polycarbonate is also used extensively in the advertising industry. Lexan® sheets are often used in billboards, illuminated advertising, displays and shop fittings.
If you would like more information on this material or to discuss the possibilities for using polycarbonate / Lexan® for your application, we'd love to hear from you!