All You Would to Know About Lexan Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate or PC as it is commonly known in the industry is amorphous thermoplastic material that is transparent and more resilient than glass. These are available in a variety of colors commercially and may be made translucent as well. However, the internal transmission ability of the material is at par with glass.

Polycarbonate polymers are used in the production of a variety of products, especially those that need transparency as well as resistivity to impact, for example bullet-proof glass. It is also used in roofing, manufacturing of lenses in eyewear, automotive components, medical equipment, green houses, protective gear, lighting fixtures and digital disks.

Lexan Polycarbonate

Physical Properties of Polycarbonate

The physical properties of polycarbonate polymers are unique that makes it so useful across different type of application.

• Transparent and resilient – It allows light to pass through easily and are also impact resistant. They are heat resistant and people can also apply the same materials to produce some products.
• Heat resistant – It is also known to possess heat resistance and can be combined with flame retardant substances as well without any significant degradation of the material.

The most unique property of thermoplastic is that instead of burning it liquefies at very high temperature. In case of PC it is about 155 degrees Celsius. This is a useful trait of it allowing manufacturers to heat it to its melting point, cool and reheat without any major degradation. This allows easy injection and mold and also in subsequent recycling.

Reasons for Extensive Usage

Apart from transparency and its high impact resistance, PC is a lighter material. Having natural UV filter it is therefore a useful alternative to glass.

A variety of applications of PC can be seen across different industries that include the following:

• Eyewear
• Prototype models of clear windows
• Clear tubes in prototype sports equipment
• Translucent color tinted prototypes
• Clear molds of silicone and urethane casting
• Light pipes and diffusers in LEDs
• Machinery guards
• High heat applications on 3D printers where ABS is not feasible and much more.

Polycarbonate

Different Types of PC

• Solid sheets that have UV protection and allow 40 to 90% of sunlight to pass making it a translucent or transparent material suitable for canopy roofing and skylights.
• Multiwall sheets are those that have a high fire and heat resistivity along with UV radiations as well. These sheets are manufactured with thermal and sound insulation.
• Corrugated sheets are very advantageous as its surface is flexible and can be folded and bent according to the design requirements. It is also very easy to fit these pieces.
• Lexan modular panel are those UV protected Lexan Polycarbonate panels available in several colors. These panels are available in different thickness of 16, 20, and 25 mm.

Advantages of PC Panels

These are virtually unbreakable having ability to withstand massive force for which it is sued in manufacturing police shields and bulletproof windows, fences and offices.

The UV blockage makes it a popular choice for overhead covers, awnings and skylight in commercial setups. As compared to glass, plastic and acrylic these are very light making it easier for transportation and installation.

PC is very flexible to use and lowers labor costs keeping the building costs low. It can be used even in harsh weather conditions due its resilience, useful physical and optical properties. These sheets can lasts for years outdoors facing sun, rain and wind without discoloration or yellowing.

Considerations to Choose

Choose the right material considering three factors: 

• Color for light transparency factor.
• UV protection factor for health reasons.
• Insulation properties for a comfortable inside.

Just make sure that you choose the right glue like epoxide to prevent crazing of the material. If you need further assistance for choosing the right materials, then you can contact the polycarbonate manufacturers of this field.