Polycarbonate sheets are versatile panels that can serve numerous home improvement and DIY projects. Looking for a guide to polycarbonate sheeting to find out what they are used for? Read on to find out more.
What Is Polycarbonate Sheeting?
Polycarbonate sheets are transparent or opaque panels made of polycarbonate, a type of plastic known for its resistance and durability.
The material’s main advantage is its outstanding strength – in fact, polycarbonate can maintain its rigidity in temperatures ranging from -20°C to 140°C while displaying excellent mechanical properties and high dimensional stability.
Like glass, polycarbonate is an amorphous solid; however, this material is about 250 times more impact-resistant than glass.
This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, from creating resistant conservatory roofs to making bulletproof windows. Let’s have a look at common every day uses of polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate Sheeting Uses
Building Applications
Over 200 times stronger than glass, polycarbonate sheeting is a more durable option for skylights and gazing security lights in buildings. Not only is polycarbonate more resistant, but it also insulates better than glass. Thus, it is a more appropriate choice than glass for skylights in cold climate areas.
Agriculture
Due to the material’s durability and UV protection, polycarbonate is becoming increasingly popular in the creation of greenhouses. This material provides better insulation compared to glass whilst letting plenty of light pass through. At the same time, it protects your plants from the harmful effect of UV radiation.
Interior Design
While most polycarbonate sheets are transparent, coloured or opaque options are also used with success in interior design. More often than not, the material is employed in the creation of room dividers, shower boxes, and design doors.
Bullet-Resistant Windows
In places where bulletproof windows are a necessity, such as banks and other institutions, polycarbonate can provide better protection and security compared to glass. The polycarbonate sheets are often placed between two glass panels, although you could also find options made of polycarbonate alone.
Vehicle Parts
Polycarbonate sheeting is also commonly used in the automotive industry for making car parts. Some elements usually made of polycarbonate include the door handles, headlight bezels, dashboards, as well as radiator grills, thanks to the material’s resistance to high temperatures.
Electronics
Polycarbonate is strong and durable yet incredibly lightweight; thus, it is often employed in the electronics industry. Common, every day devices made with polycarbonate sheets include smartphones, laptops, smart TVs, as well as other devices that could be sensitive to impact damage. Moreover, CDs and DVDs are also made of polycarbonate sheets.
As you can see, polycarbonate sheeting is versatile and adaptable. From interior design and construction to the agriculture, automotive, and electronics industry, this material can successfully suit a wide range of purposes and needs.
