Just How Tough are Polycarbonate Sheets in Reality?

Polycarbonate materials are considered among the most important industrial resources in our world today, and the companies that manufacture such products have to keep up with a rapidly developing industry. The world of plastics and polycarbonates changes every day because of new developments in the science of manufacturing these polymers; as well as the vast range of products that is made from this miracle material! From various construction purposes, to factory infrastructure; polycarbonate sheets are required in a variety of custom designed shapes and sizes according to their use and function.

Since we are discussing the matter of toughness of polycarbonates, it is important to understand the three main factors related to this -

(a) Thickness and Optical Properties

The toughness of polycarbonate sheets primarily depends on the thickness, and this can range from 1mm to 12.70 mm! Since clients use these sheets for so many different purposes, manufacturers often have to produce custom orders. Polycarbonate has to have the qualities of impact resistance as well as optical properties similar to glass. Certain requirements mean that the manufacturer must make sheets of exact thickness, and this may vary from standard manufacturing measurements. Only the biggest companies have such capacity, since the manufacturing process is complicated. While the thickness does define strength, it is also important to remember that new manufacturing techniques have been developed to make even the thinnest sheets capable of extreme durability.

(b) Manufacturing Standards

The raw materials used to make polycarbonates include mostly petroleum by products, but the manufacturing process is much more complicated than plastics. Since most polycarbonate sheets are transparent, the manufacturing standards must be carefully looked into. Also, with the various kinds of finishing and textures available, a manufacturer must have a vast range. The slightest foreign material or manufacturing flaw can have a great impact on the integrity of the material. With a lot of polycarbonate products being used for security purposes, it is important that manufacturers ensure extremely high quality standards. From bullet proof glass, to shielding factory workers, a lot of lives depend on the toughness of the material. This is why you need to look for a supplier with the highest manufacturing standards.

(c) Cutting and Shaping Techniques

While polycarbonate products are often molded at room temperature, and it is the extreme flexibility of the material that makes it so popular; cutting and shaping techniques play a very critical role in the toughness of the end product. Most of the cutting is done via CNC Routing, but in special cases, other techniques may apply. If the polycarbonate sheets aren't cut and shaped carefully, the material may not be as tough as intended. While you must find the right manufacturer with high quality control standards, also ensure that they have the resources to cut and shape the material according to your requirements!

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