Polycarbonates

Polycarbonates offer high impact strength over a wide temperature range. They can be supplied in high heat, FDA, UV grades and glass filled. They are available in a wide variety of stock shapes and can be custom extruded into unlimited profiles. Following is an overview of some of the polycarbonate materials offered by fifteen leading suppliers.

Tuffak® polycarbonate sheet from Atoglas of Atofina Chemicals, Inc. suits applications requiring high impact resistance. Virtually unbreakable and resistant to vandalism, Tuffak polycarbonate sheet is ideal for protecting decorative graphics and advertisements like those of an urban bus shelter. Suitable for a wide range of glazing applications, Tuffak polycarbonate sheet for transit and school uses is available with an abrasive-resistant coating and solar tints. Another sheet grade with superior optical properties serves in aircraft cockpits and canopies.

Tuffak® S polycarbonate sheet for sign applications has excellent toughness to withstand vandalism. UV-stabilized and thermoformable, this sheet comes in various thicknesses on reels or as sheet stock. Sign-grade sheet comes in colorless, sign white and solar tints. Whiter Tuffak® XL sign-white polycarbonate sheet combines the toughness of polycarbonate sheet with an integrated UV light-resistant barrier to improve weatherability and resist yellowing.

Additional grades of Tuffak polycarbonate sheet are formulated specifically for food-grade applications and uses requiring critical resistance to flammability.

For additional information, contact Tom DeMain, Atoglas of Atofina Chemicals, Inc., 2000 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, 215-419-7605, Fax: 215-419- 5512, Web: www.atoglas.com.

Makrofol® DPF-5072, a polycarbonate-based film with a gloss first surface and a matte second surface, is specially designed by Bayer Films Americas for bright metallic look applications. The gloss first surface provides the bright metallic look and both the first and second surfaces are printable. Makrofol DPF-5072 is available at a thickness of 0.015” and a width of 48.5”. It is formable using thermoforming, high-pressure forming, and hydroforming. The material is ideal for flat appliques such as backlit deadfront and film molding insert applications with draw depths less than 0.5”. Typical applications include automotive speedometer dials, PRNLs, cell phone A and B covers and PDA A covers. It was designed for use in the automotive, telecommunications and any other industries that require formable metallic films.

For additional information, contact D. J. Jantz, Bayer Films Americas, 245 New Park Drive, Berlin, CT 06037, 866-659-9023, Fax: 877-229-3702.

Brett Martin, one of the world’s leading polycarbonate sheet manufacturers, announced the formation of Brett Martin Inc. in the United States, set up to market and supply the Marlon® range of polycarbonate sheet across the country.

Marlon® ST Longlife multiwall polycarbonate is available in a wide range of structures and tints, including dual tint options. It is used extensively in both domestic and commercial applcations worldwide.

Marlon® CS Longlife profiled polycarbonate is a superb material for all types of rooflights, canopies and greenhouses. It has been used on a number of high profile stadia including the City of Manchester stadium.

Brett Martin Inc. can also supply solid polycarbonate, solid PVC, solid and profiled PVC and foam PVC.

For additional information, contact Ron Melvin, Brett Martin Inc., P.O. Box 77342, Charlotte, NC 28271, 877- 874-4100, Fax: 704-752-8481, E-mail: usasales@ brettmartin.com, Web: www.brettmartin.com/usa.

Now it’s easier than ever before to rely on CO-EX for a broad range of products including Macrolux® Multiwall Polycarbonate Twin, Triple, 4, 5 and M-Wall sheet, heat reflecting Macrolux® Athermic, RoofliteMB® for metal buildings and Rooflite® Corrugated Polycarbonate sheet and profiles. CO-EX Corporation has been serving the horticultural, architectural, metal buildings, plastics, signage and home improvement markets since it was founded in 1988.

CO-EX products feature the kind of advanced technology and product development that you would expect from an industry leader, with the type of superior service that comes from a smaller, close-knit operation.

Easy to install and fabricate, Macrolux and Rooflite panels won’t crack or split when cut or drilled. The panels can be readily cold formed to many bending radii and can be fabricated on site to precise dimensions.

For additional information, contact Janice Pravorne, CO-EX Corporation, 5 Alexander Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492, 800-888-5364 / 203-679-0500, Fax: 203- 679-0600, Web: www.co-excorp.com.

TECANAT® is Ensinger, Inc.’s line of polycarbonate stock shape products.

It is available in rod and plate stock, in diameters 0.25” to 8” and thicknesses that range from 0.25” to 4” or more. TECANAT is also produced in variety of thin wall tubing geometries. Ensinger offers TECANAT in clear, black and with 20% glass fiber reinforcement as standard items.

TECANAT polycarbonate has excellent toughness and mechanical strength and exhibits low water absorption. TECANAT has good insulative and thermal properties, is dimensionally stable, weldable and bondable. As a result, this product is very machinable. TECANAT can also be polished to yield a transparent appearance and can be produced in a variety of custom colors and additives. The resin is FDA compliant and can be used in a range of applications such as medical devices, food handling, machine guarding, business machines and automotive components.

For additional information, contact Donna Mantia, Ensinger, Inc., 365 Meadowlands Blvd., Washington, PA 15301, 724-746-6050, Fax: 724-746-9209, E-mail: dmantia@ensinger-ind.com, Web: www. ensinger-ind.com.

Futurplast manufactures clear polycarbonate tubes ranging from 1/4” in diameter to 12” with 1/16”, 1/8” and 1/4” wall thicknesses. These products are stocked at their strategically located distribution warehouses in Montreal, Los Angeles, Chicago, Tampa and El Paso. If you are looking for one 10” tube with a 1/4” wall and need it overnighted to you. Futurplast has got it and will get it to you when you need it.

Futurplast is a distributor committed a one-stop shopping destination for clear polycarbonate tubes as well as clear, colored and frosted “P95” acrylic products, offering a large selection of in-stock rods and profiles.

Colored polycarbonate tubes are also available on request.

For additional information, contact Joseph Sorella or Lisa Houle, Futurplast Extrusions, 3435 Pitfield Blvd, St-Laurent, QC, Canada, H4S 1H7, 888-812-9075, Fax: 866-388-2955, E-mail: info@futurplast.ca, Web: www.futurplast.ca.

Gallina USA LLC offers polycarbonate multiwall sheets and systems. They include arcoPlus 684 and arcoPlus 626 polycarbonate systems with battens. These materials are translucent, light weight polycarbonate panels that are easy to install, have an attractive appearance and are very energy efficient and cost-effective to use.

Policarb 25mm and 32mm (right) are 7 layer polycarbonate material sheets that have a high insulation factor and strong resistant to snow and wind loads.

ArcoPlus Onda and arcoPlus 1000 are corrugated twin wall Polycarbonate materials that have been used as office dividers and for window and roofing applications where natural light needs to be maximized.

ArcoPlus 323 (20mm) and arcoPlus 344 (40mm) are “tongue and groove” system. These interlocking polycarbonate sheets are used in manufacturing facilities as windows, sunrooms, skylights etc.

For additional information, contact Betty Reed, Gallina USA, LLC, 245 East Madison Ave. Milton, WI 53563, 888-825-4872 / 608-868-4253, Fax: 608-868-4253, E-mail: betty@gallinausa.com, Web: www.gallinausa.com.

Green.tek, Inc. offers LEXAN® Thermoclear® Solar Control multiwall sheets, providing extremely high solar reflection and an excellent Solar Factor (LT/ST). The sheets are available in 6’ widths, 8mm thickness and cut to length up to 23’ long with Green.tek’s standard 10 year limited warranty on yellowing, loss of light transmission and impact strength. The combination of the Solar Control properties, with the existing properties of LEXAN Thermoclear, makes these sheets unique in the building and construction market. The Solar Control coating selectively blocks IR light - keeping your building, on average, 12° cooler than conventional clear LTC/LTD glazed building.

Green.tek also recently added 2 UV 8mm LEXAN Thermoclear Plus to its wide range of multiwall polycarbonate products available at no minimums, cut to size and shipped on time to meet job site deadlines. The product is backed by a 10 year warranty against yellowing. Thermoclear Plus offers UV protection on both sides, high impact strength, excellent light transmission, outstanding insulation properties, excellent weather properties, cold curvability and is lightweight for ease of handling.

For additional information, contact Erin Huggett, Green.tek, Inc., 407 North Main St., Edgerton, WI 53534, 800- 747-6440 / 608-884-9454, Fax: 608-884-9459, Email: huggett@green-tek.com, Web: www.green-tek.com.

Hi-Tech Profiles, Inc., a leading manufacturer of extruded stock shapes, has recently announced the addition of polycarbonate to its offering of thermoplastic materials available for custom quote.

HTP specializes in the extrusion of engineered thermoplastic materials in sizes ranging from 0.050” to 3” OD. They offer an extensive line of tubing, hollow rod and bushing stock in nylon and acetal that is in stock and available for immediate shipment, Custom sizes are quoted on request with over twenty different materials to choose from now including polycarbonate. Coiled tubing, custom cutting and printing are available on request with standard stock sizes available.

For additional information, contact Brian McGregor, Hi- Tech Profiles, Inc., 185 South Broad Street, Pawcatuck, CT 06379, 800-342-5495, Fax: 860-599-0522, Web: www.hitechprofiles.com.

Petro Extrusion Technologies, Inc. (PET, Inc.) is a custom and stock tubing and profile extruder of engineering grade thermoplastics. They specialize in a wide range of compounds including general purpose, UV, FDA and high heat grades of polycarbonate.

PET, Inc. can custom extrude clear and colored polycarbonate tubing from 1/16” to 8” in a variety of shapes and wall thicknesses. They also custom extrude polycarbonate profile extrusions, offering an extensive selection of standard colors with color matching capabilities.

For additional information, contact Sales, Petro Extrusion Technologies, Inc., P. O. Box 99, Garwood, NJ 07027, 800-229-3338 / 908-789-3338, Fax: 908-789- 0434, E-mail: robert.petro@verizon.net, Web: www. petroextrusions.com.

Plaskolite, Inc. offers polycarbonate mirror sheet in .118” and .236” thickness, in a sheet size of 48” X 96”. It can be easily fabricated, saw, router or laser cut. Polycarbonate mirror is recommended for those applications requiring high impact strength, heat and flame resistance.

A scratch-resistant coating is available for those more demanding applications requiring abrasion, stain and solvent resistance.

For additional information, contact Jonda Stover, Plaskolite, Inc., P.O. Box 1497, Columbus, OH 43216, 800-848-9124, Fax: 877-538-0754, E-mail: plaskolite@ plaskolite.com, Web: www.plaskolite.com.

Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products offers PC 1000 machine grade polycarbonate, a transparent amorphous thermoplastic which offers very high impact strength and high modulus of elasticity. The material has a 290°F heat deflection temperature at 264 psi, absorbs very little moisture and resists acidic solutions. These properties, in addition to good electrical characteristics, make PC 1000 an excellent choice for electrical/electronic applications. Its strength, impact resistance and transparency also make it an ideal material for certain transparent structural applications such as sight glasses and windows.

The material is stress-relieved, making it ideal for close tolerance machined parts. Stock shapes are produced from polycarbonate resins which meet the requirements of ASTM D 3935.

A food grade polycarbonate that is compliant with FDA, NSF, Canada AG and USP Class VI regulations is available on request. A glass fiber reinforced polycarbonate grade is also available on request.

For additional information, contact Kress Schwartz, Quadrant Engineering Plastic Products, 2120 Fairmont Ave. P.O. Box 14235, Reading, PA 19612, 800-366-0310, Fax: 800- 366-0301, Web: www.quadrantepp.com, E-mail: kress.schwartz@qplas.com.

Se-Kure Domes and Mirrors metalize polycarbonate sheet stock for distribution. The sheet is currently stocked in clear, gold and bronze, with other colors available on request. Sheet sizes are 49” x 98” and 62” x 98” in thicknesses of .06, .08, .98, .118, .177, .220 and .236 inches. They also offer screen printing and laser cutting to size.

For additional information, contact Art Fox, Se-Kure Domes and Mirrors, 1139 Haines Blvd. Sturgis, MI 49091, 800-253-2064 / 269-651-9351, Fax: 269-651-1467, Email: afox@se-kure .com, Web: www.domesandmirrors.com.

MAKROLON® WG (Window Grade) polycarbonate sheet is an amorphorus thermoplastic made from Bayer’s MAKROLON polycarbonate resin. It is ideal for use in a variety of applications, ranging from containment to fabricated parts. This newly developed product line of polycarbonate sheet products extends the thickness range offered by Sheffield Plastics Inc.

MAKROLON WG sheet ranges in thickness from .750” thick up to 2” thick. Prior to the introduction of MAKROLON WG, Sheffield manufactured up to .500” thick polycarbonate sheet. Polycarbonate sheet offers extremely high impact strength and high modulus of elasticity. Typical applications include sight windows for tanks/vessels, viewport windows, medical parts and some military parts. The sheet features excellent clarity, dimensional stability and good dielectric properties. It offers excellent thermal performance and is fabrication friendly.

MAKROLON WG demonstrates low levels of black specks or other impurities and is UV stable. The superior toughness of MAKROLON WG, combined with its clarity and excellent dimensional stability, makes this the product of choice in many demanding applications.

For additional information, contact D. J. Jantz, Sheffield Plastics Inc., 119 Salisbury Road, Sheffield, MA 01257, 800-254-1707, Fax: 800-457-3553, Web: www. sheffieldplastics.com.

Palsun Foamed Polycarbonate (PFP) sheets in a sine wave configuration have been sold by Suntuf in the professional builder’s market for over 3 years in the USA and Canada along with accessories and fasteners under the

Suntop® trademark. Suntop panels, (thermoformed PFP sheets) manufactured in three standard colors, are ideal for roofing and cladding of industrial, agricultural and public out-buildings, as well as DIY applications.

Having a density and distributor cost of 25-30% below traditional polycarbonate sheet, Palram’s PFP Sheet is impact and weather resistant; has excellent thermal and acoustical insulation properties; is lightweight, easy to form and fabricate and has a service temperature range equal to compact polycarbonate sheet.

Products featuring Palsun (PFP) in production and development include: containers, casings, machinery protection, kick panels, signs and guitars.

Suntuf, Inc. also manufactures polycarbonate and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) panels for a wide variety of commercial and industrial applications.

For additional information, contact Mike Howser, Suntuf, Inc., 9735 Commerce Circle, Kutztown, PA 19530, 800-999-9459, Fax: 610-285-9928, E-mail: suntuf@suntuf.com, Web: www.suntuf.com.

Sustaplast LP, a leading manufacturer of acetal, nylon and high performance materials announced the availability of Sustanat® PC polycarbonate machine grade rods and sheets are available from stock in natural, black and glass-filled 20%. Rods range from 3/8” to 6” diameter (10’ lengths) and sheets 1/4” - 4” (24” x 48”). Custom sizes and cut-to-size pieces are also offered on request.

For additional information, contact Chris Watras, SUSTAPLAST L.P., 216 Philips Road, Exton, PA 19341, 800- 832-6787 / 484-875-9040, Fax: 484-875-9030, E-mail: sustaman@sustaplast.com, Web: www.sustaplast.com.