PALSUN®
PALSUN Flat Solid Polycarbonate Sheet
PALSUN®
PALSUN Flat Solid Polycarbonate Sheet
PALSUN®

PALSUN® Flat Solid POLYCARBONATE SHEET

Widest range of clear flat polycarbonate roof panels, glazing and sign & display solutions

Flat solid polycarbonate sheets are an excellent alternative to glass for a wide range of applications as they are 200 times stronger and weigh less than half. Palram offers PALSUN flat polycarbonate sheets for these applications, and has already installed millions of square meters around the globe in projects that surpass the imagination.  PALSUN solutions offer extraordinary impact resistance and durability, and are available in a range of tints from glass-like clarity to shaded—with or without diffusion. In addition, Palram also offers technically advanced SolarSmart™ tints with selective solar control technology. PALSUN polycarbonate sheets are one of many the products that Palram offers for these market segments.

Virtually unbreakable - 200 times stronger than glass and less than half the weight

  • Ideal for sign faces, sound barriers, skylights, glazing & safety glazing
  • Withstands blunt force pounding
  • Protects people, plants, furniture and other objects from UV exposure
  • Up to 90% light transmission

Virtually unbreakable - 200 times stronger than glass and less than half the weight

Shenzhen Universiade Stadium - Palram Projects Team

Palram supplied PALSUN flat solid polycarbonate glazing for the main stadium of the Shenzhen Universiade complex, along with engineering solutions and support. At the time of the project completion, the Shenzhen Universiade main stadium had the largest polycarbonate roof installation in the world.

Shenzhen Universiade Stadium - Palram Projects Team

PRODUCT DETAILS

 

Standard Dimensions and Surface Finishing Options*

Thickness (mm)Width x Length (mm)Smooth Both sidesEmbossed Both sidesMatte One sideHair Cell One sidePrismatic One side
11220 x 2440

1.51250 x 2440


21220 x 2440, 1250 x 2440, 2050 x 3050


2.5 - 61220 x 2440, 1250 x 2440, 2050 x 3050




81220 x 2440, 1250 x 2440, 2050 x 3050


9 - 12.71220 x 2440, 1250 x 2440, 2050 x 3050

2-182450 x 3050
Standard Dimensions Note           *Other Dimensions Are Available Upon Request, Subject To A Minimum Order.
 

Product Range

RangeProductDescription
BasicPalsun® Basicu2122UV Stabilized general purpose polycarbonate sheet
UVPalsun® UV1Co-extruded UV protection on one side for exterior applications
UVPalsun® UV2Co-extruded UV protection on both sides for exterior applications
UVPalsun® Embossed*Embossed surface (E102, prismatic, hair cell)
UVPalsun® FR*Fire retardant, with higher fire resistant rating
UVPalsun® Matte*Matte finish on one side
UVPalsun® SG WhiteHigh diffusion for sign grade applications
UVPalsun® CSCoil stock on rolls (Clear and SG White standard)
UVPalsun® FoamFlat foamed polycarbonate sheet, UV protected on one side
Solar Smart UVPalsun® Solar Control*Efficient heat-blocking with metallic appearance
Solar Smart UVPalsun® Smart*See-through sheet with advanced heat-blocking
SpecialtyPalsun® Basic FR**Fire retardant, with elevated Relative Thermal Index (RTI) values
SpecialtyPalsun® OGOptical grade sheet
SpecialtyPalgard®Abrasion resistant on one or both sides
SpecialtyPalgard® TGTransportation grade (meets specific transportation codes)
SpecialtyPalshieldu2122Containment and bullet resistant glazing
Product Range Note         *With Co-Extruded UV Protection On One Or Both Sidesn** Available In 2mm And 2.36mm For Applications Without Direct UV Exposure
 

Typical Width Dimensions

TypeDimensions
Available Widths x Lengths48'' X 96'', 60'' x 96'', 72'' x 96'' and 80'' x 120''
Available Thicknesses0.03'' to 0.50''

Typical Width Dimensions Note          * Custom Width - Run To Size, In Thicknesses 0.03″ To 0.67″

Standard Color chart

Type:*Colors
TransparentClear, Grey, Bronze, Red, Blue, Green, Smart Green, Smart Blue, Bluish Breeze
TranslucentYellow, Red, Mint Green, White Opal, White Diffuser, Light Box, Solar Ice, Solar Olympic, Solar Control
OpaqueDark Green, Red Brick, Black, Dark Blue, Cream, Light Grey, Dark Grey, Brown, Off White
 
Standard Color Text
  • *Custom Colors And Solar Transmissions Are Available Upon Request, Subject To A Minimum Order
   
Solar Smart Colors Note
  • *Significant Minimum Order Requirements May Apply For Some Colors Listed. Custom Colors Available Upon Request; Please Contact Your Palram Representative Or Agent For Additional Details And Minimums. N** Solar Smart

 

Typical Physical Properties

Property Method*ConditionsUnitsValue
Density (D-792)g/cm31.2
Heat Deflection Temperature (D-648)Load: 1.82 MP°C130
Service Temperature - Short Term°C-50 to +120
Service Temperature - Long Term°C-50 to +100
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion (D-696)mm/m °C0.065
Thermal Conductivity (C-177)W/m K0.21
Tensile Strength at Yield (D-638)10 mm/min.MPa65
Tensile Strength at Break(D-638)10 mm/min.MPa 60
Elongation at Yield(D-638)10 mm/min.%6
Elongation at Break (D-638)10 mm/min.%>90
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity (D-638)1 mm/min.MPa 2300
Flexural Strength (D-790)1.3 mm/min.MPa100
Flexural Modulus(D-790)1.3 mm/min.MPa2600
Impact Falling Weight(ISO 6603/1 E50)3mm sheetJ158
Rockwell Hardness(D-785)R Scale125R
Light Transmission (D-1003)3mm clear sheet%90
Haze(D-1003)3mm clear sheet%<0.5
Yellowness Index (D-313)3mm clear sheetYI<1
 
Typical Physical Properties Notes           * ASTM Except Where Noted.

Flammability

StandardClassification*
EN13501B, s1, d0
BS 476/7Class 1
NFP 92501M/2
UL ClassifiedV2 (File e221255)
ASTM D-635CC1

Flammability Notes          * Depends On Thickness. For Additional Information Please Contact Your Palram Distributor.

FR Flammability

OrganizationStandardClassification
ASTMD-2863-87L.O.I. = 30
ULUL 94V-0
AU1530.3-1982Ignitability Index = 9,Spread of Flame Index = 8, Heat Evolved Index = 10, Smoke Developed Index = 8
FR Flammability Note           * Depends On Thickness. For Additional Information Please Contact Your Palram Distributor.
 

Regulatory Code Compliance Certification

OrganizationStandardClassification
ULSAM File # E336663Rigid Sign Face Material
ULUL972Pass
Miami Dade CountyNOA # 15-1207.07Approved Plastic
ANSIZ97.1-09Impact and Weathering
ICCIBC Section 2606.4Light Trans. Plastic
ICCIBC Section 803.1Interior Finish
CCMCNBC 2010 (Canopy Covering)Compliant (CCMC Eval. Rep. 13450-R)

Palsun Fr Flammability Notes          *0.177″ Thru 0.50″ **0.040 (1mm) Thickness Available With Class A Rating ***Depends On Thickness

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I curve the polycarbonate to follow the façade curve?
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All Palram polycarbonate products can be cold bent onsite during installation, subject to a minimum radius. The radius varies based on the chosen product. For flat sheets such as PALSUN & SUNLITE, the rule-of-thumb for the minimum radius is the thickness multiplied by 200. Please check the Palram catalog for more detailed specifications.

How do I specify the required thickness of the polycarbonate glazing material?
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The recommended thickness of the polycarbonate glazing material is based on factors such as wind & snow load, panel size, and boundary conditions. Visit the Palram website for access to calculators that can help you determine the recommended thickness.

How do I reduce the heat build-up coming from the façade into the building?
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In order to reduce heat build-up through the façade, Palram strongly recommends the use of its tinted SolarSmart™ panels. SolarSmart™ tints can be implemented in all Palram polycarbonate products. For more information, reference the Palram SolarSmart™ technology page.

How do I create a double skin glazing solution for façades and curtain walls?
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Flat solid or multiwall sheets can be glazed in double skin applications using standard aluminum curtain wall profiles and EPDM gaskets. The SUNPAL system can be installed in a double skin application with a special aluminum profile provided by Palram.

Can flat solid polycarbonate be installed in a similar manner to glass in curtain wall applications?
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PALSUN can be installed with standard curtain wall aluminum glazing profiles and EPDM gaskets (similar to glass), or spider fixing spaced with approximately 400 mm centers. However, it cannot be used with structural silicone and PALGARD (PALSUN) with anti-scratch coating is the recommended substitute in this case.

Should products be pre-dried before thermoforming?
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This depends on the production date and storage conditions of the product before thermoforming. It is recommended to check the product before thermoforming is attempted.

Is the PE film suitable for thermoforming applications?
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Most of Palram's products that are delivered with PE film covering are suitable for thermoforming. In general, we recommend using clear PE and not printed PE.

What is the minimum allowed bending radius of polycarbonate?
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The minimum allowed bending radius of the polycarbonate is 200 times the thickness of the sheet, for example, a 2 mm sheet has a minimum 400 mm bending radius.

How do I install flat solid or multiwall polycarbonate sheets as skylights?
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Flat solid or multiwall polycarbonate sheets need to be installed with designated aluminum profiles when used as a skylight.

Can the percentage of light transmission be controlled? I need a lot of light but I need it to be diffused.
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Palram offers various LT% parameters - from 0% to 90%. In addition, we offer a color called a “diffuser” that allows 85% of the light in while diffusing it by 100%. The result is a light-transmitting panel that is not transparent but is highly translucent.

If polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation, why is there a "UV-side" that faces outwards?
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Polycarbonate sheets block UV radiation by absorbing it. This absorption mechanism can cause degradation to the material, and to prevent this from happening, the sheet is coated with a special material.

For this reason, it is recommended that the sheets are installed with the marked UV protective layer facing outward. Moreover, most of the sheets are only protected on the side that is clearly marked as such.

How do I design the secondary steel support spacings for roofing/siding?
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Palram created specific loading tables for each product. Please visit our website and download the specific catalog.

How do I clean the polycarbonate?
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  • Never use abrasive or high alkaline cleaners on any Palram polycarbonate products.
  • Do not leave cleaners on Palram polycarbonate for extended periods of time. Rinse immediately with cold, clean water.
  • Do not apply cleaners in direct sunlight.
  • Never use sharp objects, squeegees or razors on polycarbonate.
  • Do not clean with gasoline.
  • Always practice safety first and never step directly on a polycarbonate panel.
  • Always test cleaners in a small inconspicuous area prior to cleaning the entire panel to ensure against adverse results.
  • Avoid allowing the pressure washer spray tip to come too close to the panel. Pressure washers often have enough pressure at the spray tip to penetrate or tear the panel.
  • Avoid dry cleaning as sand and dust particles clinging to the exterior of the panels may scratch the surface.

What is the meaning of Shading Coefficient (SC)?
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Shading coefficient (SC) is a parameter that compares transparent and translucent materials with clear 3 mm glass with 87% LT ׂ(light transmission). The lower the value, the more convenient it is to stay under the material on warm, sunny days. In architectural projects, the SC should usually be between 0.3 to 0.5.

When should I use multiwall polycarbonate and when solid polycarbonate?
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Multiwall polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is thermal insulation. Solid polycarbonate should be used when the key design parameter is acoustic insulation and glass-like appearance.

What is the difference between multiwall and solid polycarbonate?
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Multiwall is a multi-cell structured sheet. Due to its multi-cell structure, it has superior thermal insulation and low area weight.

When should I specify a matte surface finish for the polycarbonate?
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A matte surface finish is good if you want to avoid glare within your surroundings.

How do I determine the color, Light Transmission (LT) and haze properties of polycarbonate?
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This decision depends on the application – some of the colors are transparent and some are translucent. If a see-through material is needed, then haze should be smaller than 1% and the LT% should be based on the illumination design. If a translucent effect is needed, then the haze should be 100% and the LT% based on the chosen color.

Can I cover my old polyethylene greenhouse with polycarbonate while still keeping the old structure?
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Yes, but with minor reinforcements to the structure in order to support the load.

Will polycarbonate light transmittance deteriorate over time?
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PALRAM's polycarbonate products are shielded with a UV protection layer that guards against photodegradation, yellowing, and brittleness. This protects the sheets from the harmful impact of UV radiation and helps to maintain light transmittance and quality for many years. Our products come with a 10-year warranty against loss of light transmittance. Upon special request, we can provide an enforced UV protection layer with a longer warranty.

Which of Palram's sheets are suitable for printing, sign & display applications?
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For use in illuminated signage, PALSUN, PALSUN CS (Coil Stock) and PALGLAS are suitable for the sign face; and PALBOARD, PALOPAQUE, and PALIGHT for the body of the letters or symbols. For print & display, Palram's entire product portfolio can be used based on the specific application. This choice depends on a combination of several parameters, including the cost of the media, its durability, and its suitability for the specific application. Please visit Palram’s Flat sheet application catalog for more information.

Which materials can be used in the construction of my sign?
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Sign faces are usually made from polycarbonate or acrylic. For extreme conditions such as heavy hail, low temperatures, or high temperatures produced when thermo-forming, polycarbonate is probably more suitable. For sign boxes or channel letter cans, PVC, multi-layered PVC and foam PVC can be used.

Which material diffuses the light better?
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The diffusion is not defined by the material, but by the diffusion additive that is part of the manufacturing formula. The materials should be selected by their fit to the application (e.g. polycarbonate for thermo-forming or extreme weather). Usually products marked with sign grade and/or diffusion grades have greater light diffusion than others.

What is an illuminated sign?
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A sign that is illuminated by an electrical light source (fluorescent\LED).