Monolithic (cast) polycarbonate appeared in the 50s of the last century. This is a high-strength plastic, produced in the form of transparent sheets, which are most often used in construction, architecture and the manufacture of outdoor advertising.
Cast polycarbonate: size
The thickness of the sheets is from 1 to 12 mm, the pitch is 1 mm.
Standard sizes of polycarbonate sheets :
- 122 x 224 cm;
- 205 x 305 cm;
- 205 x 610 cm.
Polycarbonate Material Properties
- Lightness . Polycarbonate is a lightweight material, making it easier to install than traditional glass.
- Impact strength The structure of the material is viscous, elastic and strong, so it does not scatter when struck into pieces that can, for example, injure people. Cast polycarbonate withstands a shot from a firearm, which allows it to be used as an “anti-vandal” material. Street peaks made from it are not destroyed by falling branches or stones. Also, due to such strength, this material is used as protective glasses and glasses for helmets.
- Transparency About 90% of the sunlight passes through molded polycarbonate, which is comparable to the transparency of ordinary glass. Outdoor products made from this material are supplemented with UV protection if necessary. For this, a special film is used or the sheets are treated with a light-protective varnish.
- Fire safety. Cast polycarbonate does not support combustion and is prone to spontaneous attenuation. At temperatures above 130 degrees, it begins to melt, while water vapor and carbon dioxide are formed.
- Resistance to temperature extremes . The temperature range at which the material does not change its properties and structure is from -50 to + 120 degrees. At lower temperatures, the sheet simply shrinks.
- Resistance to water and aggressive chemical materials. Cast polycarbonate does not hold back and does not absorb water, it just rolls off its surface. Therefore, the material does not damp, does not grow moldy and is not subject to decay. Most chemically active substances do not change its structure, with the exception of products containing ammonia, alkali, methyl alcohol and acetone. Products from this material are quite resistant to street pollution, do not retain dust on themselves. If necessary, they can be cleaned with ordinary detergent.
- Thermal conductivity and noise protection . Compared to glass, both figures are slightly higher. Polycarbonate glass can protect against noise penetrating from the street, as well as save on heating the building in the cold season.
- Flexibility. Due to the viscous and elastic structure, polycarbonate sheets can be given any shape. The material lends itself to cold bending without violating physical properties. It can be rolled up, which is convenient for transportation. However, it is better to store it on a flat surface to prevent distortion.
- Uncomplicated handling . Polycarbonate sheets can be cut, sawed and drilled with conventional tools. Laser cutting possible. It gets better processing during milling, especially if it is necessary to make a figured product. The edge at the same time turns out equal, does not melt and does not "whiten".
- Aesthetic properties. Modern technologies make it possible to produce sheets of monolithic polycarbonate of various colors, which makes it possible to choose it for a specific design development. Polycarbonate structures are lightweight due to the light weight of the material, which makes installation easier and cheaper. The term of use of polycarbonate, during which it does not change its appearance, is about 20 years.
Areas of use of polycarbonate. Construction and architecture
Cast transparent polycarbonate is used for glazing and outdoor decoration of public and residential buildings, as well as in the manufacture of street awnings, peaks, street pavilions, bulletproof partitions. The release of greenhouses and greenhouses, which you can assemble yourself. Suitable material for the manufacture of glazed terraces in the country or in private homes.
Aircraft and shipbuilding, computers
Cast polycarbonate is used in many fields. In particular, for the manufacture of signal lights and aircraft glasses, as well as portholes.
Hard drives, as well as other components for PCs, are made of polycarbonate.
Food Industry, Advertising
The dishes made of polycarbonate are durable, do not break and do not enter into chemical interaction with products or detergents.
Lightness, resistance to external influences and temperature extremes, a long service life without losing the original appearance, high “anti-vandal” characteristics, a wide color palette, ease of processing and aesthetics made it possible to use this polymer for the manufacture of outdoor and indoor advertising.
Conclusion
Due to the expanded list of positive properties of monolithic (cast) polycarbonate, it is becoming more popular among other types of sheet plastics. Today it is a modern, universal and promising industrial material, which is used in various industries, ranging from construction and automotive, ending with medicine and electronics. On average, the life of this material is about 15 years, taking into account compliance with all operating standards. Many manufacturers give a ten-year quality guarantee for this plastic, which increases demand.