Clear polycarbonate sheets

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Everything you need to know about clear polycarbonate sheet

Polycarbonate, also known as Lexan, is the most popular substitute for glass. Not just in houses and buildings, but also in cars, caravans, sheds and boats. Each application requires a different sheet thickness; therefore, we stock clear polycarbonate in thicknesses varying between 2 and 15 millimetres. The material is a thermoplastic polymer which means that it is a type of plastic that can withstand high temperatures. Polycarbonate is twice as light and 250 times as strong as traditional glass and is therefore ideal for use as safety glazing.The maximum sheet size that is available in our online shop is 230 by 100 centimetres. Of course, we can cut the sheet to any desired size. Your order will be ready for delivery as soon as possible. We also stock polycarbonate sheets in the versions: opal white and tinted.

Applications of clear polycarbonate sheets

Polycarbonate is extremely strong which is why this material is ideal for glazing in locations where vandalism or burglary might be a problem. For example, glazing of shelters, bicycle sheds, technical products/machines, boat windows and illuminated advertising.

Polycarbonate is also widely used in the food and beverage industry – this is mainly because this material can withstand high temperatures. With crystal clear polycarbonate, the possibilities are endless; you can turn it into anything from a greenhouse or roof, to a caravan window or balcony glazing.

Types of crystal-clear polycarbonate

Broadly speaking, there are two types of polycarbonate sheets: solid and channel sheets. In our webshop, you will only find the solid (monolithic) type. Channel sheets are panels in which many small cavities are arranged. This saves a lot of weight without detracting from the rigidity. Both solid sheets and channel sheets can be seen a lot in light-transmitting roof constructions, such as roofs and awnings. The thicknesses vary from 2 mm to 15 mm.

Tip: Are you going to use clear polycarbonate panels as safety glazing? We recommend choosing a sheet thickness of at least 4 mm. For use in aquariums, 5 mm is the minimum plate thickness. For glazing from 1.5 m², we recommend a minimum of 6 mm as the sheet thickness.

In our webshop, you will find polycarbonate sheets in a range of colours: clear, opal, grey and brown. For normal glazing applications (eg glazing for a garden shed) always go for crystal-clear polycarbonate.

Working with clear polycarbonate

Polycarbonate can be machined in the same way as acrylic sheet. Drilling, sawing, milling and polishing it is even easier because the chance of the material breaking is significantly less.

Polycarbonate sheets can be fixed in various ways: with screw connections, in rubber seals or with special glue.

Useful to know:

Polycarbonate has an expansion degree of 0.065 millimetres per metre per degree Celsius. That is why it is important that you make the fixing holes wide enough to prevent the bolt or screw getting stuck when the plate expands. If you use glue or sealant, it must be sufficiently flexible. Tip: use Seal’n’bond Premium H750 mounting glue.

Example:

You’re going to use a polycarbonate sheet as balcony glazing and the sheet is 2 metres wide. The outside temperatures can vary from -15 ° to + 35 ° Celsius. That is a temperature difference of 50 ° Celsius on a plate of 2 metres. The expansion degree is then (2 metres * 0.065) * 50 degrees = 6.5 mm.

Characteristics of clear polycarbonate sheets

Polycarbonate sheets distinguish themselves because of their high impact resistance: the material is virtually unbreakable. Polycarbonate can cope with high temperatures, it’s self-extinguishing and fire retardant. The sheet is easy to handle, and is suitable for sawing, drilling and milling. Polycarbonate sheets are also easy to bend without tearing or damaging the fold. Both sides of the sheets are covered by a protective film to prevent damage from transport or handling. All polycarbonate sheets in our range are UV resistant, therefore they are well suited for outdoor applications. For instance, they can be used to replace a boat window or when building a canopy. When polycarbonate sheets are not UV resistant, they will become discoloured and turn yellowish after two or three years. The strength of the material allows polycarbonate sheets to be used as vandalism and burglary proof glazing, for example in bus shelters, waiting areas, bicycle parking, et cetera. Polycarbonate sheets are also very suitable for replacing car, boat and caravan windows. Other names that are given to polycarbonate are: Lexan, Arla, Margard, Calibre, Radilux, Makrolon, Quin, Axxis, Panlite, Lexgard and Makrofol. Polycarbonate is more prone to scratching in comparison to regular glass. Scratches are easily removed by polishing the sheet. We recommend treating the sheet with an antistatic cleaner to prevent the plastic from attracting dust.

Properties of clear polycarbonate

  • 2 x as light and 250 x as strong as regular glass
  • Suitable for contact with food
  • Shockproof
  • Moisture resistant
  • UV resistant
  • Fire resistant
  • Self-extinguishing
  • Recyclable

Product properties

Specifications

Regular product information

  • Color
    Transparent
  • Physical characteristics
    Clear, Smooth
  • Protective film
    Both sides

Product downloads

Maintenance of clear polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is slightly more sensitive to scratching than traditional glass so avoid hard brushes, scouring pads and abrasive cleaning agents. Read our cleaning tips below:

This is how you clean polycarbonate:

Wipe the sheet with a clean (!) damp cloth and rinse it regularly. (This will prevent you from moving the dirt around on the surface, which will cause scratches.)

Treat afterwards with a little Burnus antistatic cleaner applied with a clean lint-free cloth.

Useful tips:

Avoid alcohol, acetone, benzene, thinner or glass cleaner. They leave scratches or a haze on the glass.

Has the polycarbonate been damaged or are there numerous scratches? Then you can polish the sheet.

Deeper scratches first be should be sanded using with normal sandpaper or wool with a grain no coarser than 400.

Tip: Machine polishing polycarbonate yourself? View our blog: Polishing polycarbonate

Order crystal clear polycarbonate sheets

Ordering a transparent polycarbonate sheet cut to size is quick and easy! We will cut it for you and deliver the sheet to you as soon as possible. You will receive updates about the status of your order via email.

Questions?

Do you have any questions about our products or the ordering process?

We are happy to help you. Please contact our customer service: