Polycarbonate Clear Square Tube
- SKU:
- PC514
Description
Polycarbonate is a virtually indestructible plastic first developed by Dr. H. Schnell of Bayer AG, Germany, and Dr. Daniel W. Fox of General Electric Company, USA in 1953. Known for its strength and durability, Polycarbonate is widely used across various industries including construction, display, and fabrication projects.
This Polycarbonate Clear Square Tube is a robust, lightweight, and UV-resistant product that offers exceptional tensile and flexural strength. With its high-gloss finish and excellent optical clarity, this square tube is ideal for applications where both strength and transparency are required. It is a versatile, cost-effective choice for a wide range of industrial and creative applications, including displays, science projects, arts and crafts, and structural components.
Substrate Suggestions
Polycarbonate Clear Square Tubes are recommended for applications where high tensile strength, optical clarity, and ease of fabrication are essential. These tubes are particularly effective in projects that require strong yet lightweight materials, such as display cases, architectural elements, and scientific instruments.
Bonding Guidance
The Polycarbonate Clear Square Tube is well-suited for both industrial and creative projects. It can be easily sawed, drilled, painted, decorated, glued, and formed using standard tools. This makes it ideal for custom fabrication, artistic displays, and structural applications where both transparency and strength are needed.
Additional Information
This product is designed for professional use and is not intended for general consumer applications. Plastic-Craft Products reserves the right to provide a similar quantity of a comparable product if necessary.
This product cannot be shipped to specific counties with restrictions. Please verify your shipping destination before placing an order.
Technical Properties
Material Characteristics
Polycarbonate Clear Square Tubes are tough, dimensionally stable, and maintain their properties across a broad temperature range from -40°F to 280°F. They provide high impact resistance and are stronger and harder than acrylic, making them ideal for applications requiring durability and clarity.
Key Benefits
- High tensile and flexural strength
- Excellent optical clarity
- Attractive high-gloss finish
- Stronger and harder than acrylic
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Easy to fabricate and decorate
- UV resistant
Applications
- Display cases and exhibits
- Architectural elements
- Scientific instruments
- Arts and crafts projects
- Fabrication and prototyping
- Protective covers and guards
- Custom structural components
- Decorative installations
Detailed Polycarbonate Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 9,500 psi |
| Impact Strength | 13 ft-lb/in (Notched Izod) |
| Density | 0.043 lb/in³ |
| Water Absorption | 0.12% |
| Flexural Strength | 15,000 psi |
| Compressive Strength | 12,000 psi |
| Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion | 3.9 × 10–5 in./in./°F |
| Heat Deflection Temperature | 270°F (at 264 psi) |
| Dielectric Strength | 390 V/mil |
| Flammability Rating | H-B (V-0 at 0.45" thickness) |
Installation & Maintenance
Installation
Polycarbonate Clear Square Tubes can be easily sawed, drilled, and shaped using standard tools. It is important to ensure that the surfaces are clean and dry before installation. Compatible adhesives and sealants should be used to secure the polycarbonate in place.
Maintenance
Polycarbonate tubes are simple to clean and polish using a clean cloth and appropriate cleaning compounds. While these tubes have excellent optical clarity, they cannot be polished. Light scratches can be removed with special abrasive compounds designed for polycarbonate.
Safety & Handling
Safety and Environmental Precautions
Polycarbonate is generally safe to handle and use. However, precautions should be taken when cutting or machining the material to avoid inhaling dust or fumes. Always use proper personal protective equipment, including gloves and safety goggles.
First Aid
Inhalation: If dust or fumes are inhaled, move to fresh air. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for 15 minutes. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Wash skin with soap and water. If irritation occurs, seek medical attention.
Ingestion: If swallowed, seek medical attention immediately.
Product Comparison
Compare Polycarbonate with Other Materials
| Feature | Polycarbonate | Acrylic | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | 250x stronger than glass | 30x stronger than glass | Breakable |
| Light Transmission | High clarity | 92% | 88% |
| Weight | Lightweight | Lightweight | Heavy |
| Temperature Resistance | -40°F to 280°F | -30°F to 170°F | 32°F to 212°F |
| Cost | Moderate | Lower | Higher |
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I clean Polycarbonate tubes?
A: Use a mild soap and water solution with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners as they can scratch the surface.
Q: Can Polycarbonate tubes be cut to custom sizes?
A: Yes, Polycarbonate tubes can be easily cut using standard tools. We also offer custom cutting services.
Q: Is Polycarbonate UV resistant?
A: Yes, Polycarbonate tubes are UV stabilized, making them suitable for outdoor applications.
Q: How does Polycarbonate compare to glass in terms of safety?
A: Polycarbonate is significantly safer than glass due to its high impact resistance. It is 250 times stronger than glass, making it shatter-resistant and ideal for applications where safety is a priority, such as in protective covers, machine guards, and structural components.
Q: Can Polycarbonate tubes be used in extreme temperatures?
A: Yes, Polycarbonate tubes are highly durable and can withstand a wide temperature range from -40°F to 280°F, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments, including areas with extreme heat or cold.
Q: Are Polycarbonate tubes recyclable?
A: Yes, Polycarbonate is a recyclable material. It can be reprocessed and reused, contributing to sustainability efforts and reducing environmental impact.
Q: What are the common applications of Polycarbonate Clear Square Tubes?
A: Polycarbonate Clear Tubes are commonly used in applications that require high strength and optical clarity, such as display cases, architectural elements, scientific instruments, protective covers, and decorative installations. Their high-gloss finish and durability make them ideal for both functional and aesthetic applications.
Q: Can Polycarbonate tubes be easily machined?
A: Yes, Polycarbonate tubes can be easily machined using standard tools. They can be cut, drilled, and formed without cracking or breaking, making them ideal for custom fabrication and structural applications.
Q: Does Polycarbonate yellow over time?
A: Polycarbonate tubes are UV stabilized to reduce yellowing over time, making them suitable for long-term outdoor use where exposure to sunlight is a factor.
Q: How do Polycarbonate tubes handle chemical exposure?
A: Polycarbonate has good chemical resistance to many substances, but it is advisable to avoid exposure to certain chemicals, such as strong acids and bases, to maintain the material's integrity and appearance.