The characteristics of polycarbonate , type and application in construction

In today's construction market a lot of materials, specifications of which seemed impossible a few decades ago.Take, for example polycarbonate he also transmits light, such as glass, but the easier it 16 times, and can bend.The ideal solution for roofs, pitched designs, sheds and greenhouses.

design

Cellular polycarbonate - hollow material.Two (or more) of thin sheet are connected by jumpers, or "ribs".In the context, he recalled the cell, often with a rectangular cross-section of cells.This design allows you to simultaneously provide light weight and high rigidity material.

produced polycarbonate pellets of plastic extrusion.The molten mass is extruded through a die to form a sheet with a predetermined location of the jumpers.Due to the technological process, polycarbonate is possible to obtain up to 0.3 mm thick.

Types and scope

Polycarbonate is:

• single chamber consisting of two sheets connected by a bridge, its standard thickness from 40 mm to 10 mm,
• bicameral, consisting of 3 plates and 2 rows of jumpers,its thickness is 16 mm,
• reinforced with diagonal crosspieces, thickness 4 mm or 6,
• four-chamber consisting of 5 sheets x and 4 rows of jumpers a thickness of 16 mm.

The thicker the sheet, so it is stronger and more rigid, thick four-chamber polycarbonate bends worst.Also, the strength and durability depends on the thickness of the jumper, in embodiments cheap they usually are thin and can not withstand large loads.Most often jumpers go along the edge of the sheet, but there are also located a wave.

Choice of polycarbonate depends on where it will be used.For the production of advertising structures, signage, interior parts using polycarbonate 4 mm thick, which is well bent.In the construction of sheds, gazebos, greenhouses used sheets 6-8 mm thick, depending on the size of the structure.Polycarbonate 10-20 mm thick device is suitable for fences, large areas of glazing, construction of canopies over parking, internal partitions, etc.The thickest polycarbonate 30-32 mm thickness is used to create transparent roofs in residential and industrial premises.

sheets standard width - 210 cm, length - 200 cm, 600 cm or 1200sm.

Features

polycarbonate have a lot of advantages that make it very popular in modern construction.

• He misses more than 90% of the sunlight, holding most of the ultraviolet radiation.In high-quality brands of polycarbonate glass translucency approaching performance that at a low price makes it an ideal choice for the construction of greenhouses.Sunlight passing through the sheet becomes distracted - it is also an advantage for growing plants.
• Polycarbonate is very easy.Its weight is only 6-7% by weight of glass of the same thickness, and 30-35% - by weight of the acrylic.This allows you to use it in the construction of sheds, gazebos and other structures is not too strong frame, as well as to dispense with additional devices for lifting weights.
• sheet bends with little effort or heating.The maximum bending radius is dependent on the thickness and structure of the material: it is thinner than the more pliable.Through this compliance, it is used in the construction of structures of complex shape - arches, arbors with a rounded roof,
  
• Polycarbonate is very resistant to mechanical stress: standard tests include drop weights from a height of several meters.Even if it is broken, then fragments without, unlike glass.
• polycarbonate Possibility to give different colors - green, blue, red - and thereby diversify the appearance of buildings.Light transmission stained sheets are much lower - 25-30%.
• Through voids inside, polycarbonate - excellent sound and thermal insulator.These parameters are directly dependent on the thickness and material structure.
• Polycarbonate is not afraid to temperature changes and does not deform.Varieties resistant to UV action, can be used in areas that have very hot summers.In winter, the sheets can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees.
• Almost non-flammable, heat resistant up to 120 degrees.

Disadvantages

ideal material does not happen.There are disadvantages and polycarbonate.

• Most manufacturers define the lifetime of 15 years, but only when properly installed.It is not too long, and not know how to lead the material itself after him.
• Afraid of acetone and similar solvents, they leave it dull spots.
• need to install a special profile and fasteners.During installation you have to be careful not to scratch the surface with a sharp instrument.

Polycarbonate - good modern material for private construction.To not give up on it, select products approved manufacturer and observe all rules of installation.