Tinted polycarbonate sheets

Cut to size

Everything you need to know about tinted polycarbonate sheet cut to size

Tinted polycarbonate, also known as Lexan, is the most commonly used substitute for standard glass. The range on Plasticsheetsshop.co.uk also includes tinted polycarbonate sheets. We stock grey and brown tinted sheets in five thicknesses: 3 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm. The sheets are transparent; therefore, they are a perfect choice as replacement for windows and security glazing. The material is a thermoplastic polymer which means that the sheet can withstand high temperatures. This material is twice as light and 250 times as strong as ordinary glass. This extremely strong plastic is therefore ideal for safety glazing, among other things. The maximum available sheet size is 230 by 100 centimetres. Of course, all polycarbonate sheets can be cut to your desired size and will be ready for delivery as soon as possible. The material is also available in the colours opal white and crystal clear.

Applications of tinted polycarbonate

Tinted polycarbonate is ideal for privacy glazing. In machine construction, tinted polycarbonate is widely used for covers and protective caps. If you want to create a terrace where you’re sheltered from bright sunlight and are protected from UV rays, tinted polycarbonate is highly recommended.

Types of tinted polycarbonate

Tinted polycarbonate is available in brown or grey. We offer both shades in sheet thicknesses of 3 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm. With tinted polycarbonate, the following rule applies: the thicker the sheet, the less light it transmits.

Working with polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is not only very strong but also easy to work with. DIYers can also saw, mill and polish this material. You can process polycarbonate in the same way as acrylic sheet.

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

Top tip:

Polycarbonate has an expansion degree of 0.065 mm per metre per degree Celsius. That is why it is important that you make the fixing holes so large that the bolt or screw does not get stuck when the sheet expands. If you use glue or sealant, it must be sufficiently flexible.

Example:

You’re planning 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, giving a temperature difference of 50 ° Celsius on a 2-metre sheet. The degree of expansion is then (2 metres * 0.065) * 50 degrees = 6.5 mm.

Characteristics of tinted polycarbonate sheets

Polycarbonate sheets are often chosen for their extreme impact resistant qualities. Tinted polycarbonate sheets are 250 times stronger than glass and still weighs 50% less than a glass sheet that is the same size and thickness. The sheets are easy to handle, and are suited for sawing, drilling and milling. Polycarbonate sheets are also easy to bend without tearing or damaging at the fold. All polycarbonate sheets in our range are UV resistant, therefore they are suitable 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 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 tinted polycarbonate

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

Product properties

Specifications

  • Physical characteristics
    Smooth, Tinted
  • Protective film
    Both sides

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Maintenance of polycarbonate

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

How to clean polycarbonate

Wipe the sheet with a clean (!) damp cloth and rinse it regularly. (This prevents the dirt from being moved over the sheet, causing scratches). Next, apply a little Burnus anti-static cleaner on a clean lint-free cloth.

Good to know:

Avoid alcohol, acetone, benzene, thinner or glass cleaner as 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 must be pre-sanded with normal sandpaper or wool. (The grain should never be coarser than 400).

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

Order tinted polycarbonate panels cut to size

Order tinted polycarbonate tinted panels quickly and easily. We will cut the sheets to size for you. We will deliver the order as soon as possible and you will receive updates about the status of your order via email.

Any questions about tinted polycarbonate?

If you require any further information about tinted polycarbonate, please view our frequently asked questions pages or ask our customer service team who will be happy to advise you.

Questions?

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

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