Polycarbonate is used where a greater impact resistance is needed or a screen needs to be bent in a wide curve without heating, for example speedboat wrap-around screens that can be bent around and screwed in place without the need for pre-forming.
We can cut side windows and flat front screens but are unable to make swept (curved) bends. We can make sharp bends in sheets up to 39” (1 metre) in width such as the “C” shaped screens seen around rib control consoles.
We shall be pleased to quote for hole cutting, drilling and countersinking. Also for hatches and washboards.
Windows are usually in 3mm – 6mm thicknesses, in clear or neutral tint. Hatches and washboards in 10mm.
Please note:
If you are supplying your old window etc as a template please clean it up and pare it down to the basic sheet before bringing it along as we are unable to use it if it’s covered in sealant or has fittings left on. Further charges may apply.
Mirrored acrylic 3mm:
Safe & lightweight for mirrors on boats. Also good for display especially behind bars and show cases.
The reflection is not perfect but good enough for the above uses.
Working tips for acrylic
Treat it gently. Try to hold the material down to reduce vibration. Cut with a laminate blade in a Stanley knife, jigsaw with a plastic cutting blade or with a bandsaw.
Hole drilling
If using a hand held drill do not use a nice sharp drill bit because it catches the material.
Drill slowly with even pressure letting the bit do the work. Hold material down firmly on to an old piece of wood and let the bit pass through.
Edges can be filed and rubbed down with wet & dry for a smoother finish.
Fixing
Holes for fixings should be drilled oversize to allow for expansion and contraction of the sheet. Do not over tighten the fixings and if possible use with a soft washer to spread the load. The nearer the fixing is to the edge the more likely it will crack through especially if the sheet is subjected to movement from the wind or weight.
If you really need to bend acrylic around a radius and cannot get to the mainland you can try warming the sheet gently with a hot air gun. This is a long process and only works with thinner grades. Not recommended.
Working tips for polycarbonate
Nothing special because it is so tough! You could bend a 6ft length in half and stand on it without it breaking! Cut with a jigsaw with plastic cutting blade, bandsaw or even fine toothed handsaw.
Storage
All plastic sheets should either be stored flat or supported by a board leaning at an angle of 80 degrees to the ground. If sheets are leaned against a wall at too steep an angle the downward pressure may cause distortion.
Samples
Please contact us to request a small sample of any stocked material.
