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How to cut PVC foam or PVC multilayered sheet?
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PALBOARD and PALIGHT sheets up to 3 mm thick can be cut with a utility knife or blade.
A jigsaw with rough-cut blades designed for plastics can also be used. Smooth metal cutting blades are not recommended.
Another manual option is table top or vertical cutters. In such cases, it is recommended using cutters with twin wheel head blades suitable for cutting ACP (Aluminum Composite Panel).
For industrial volumes, use a bridge saw or a circular table saw.
Saw blade specifications, clearance angle, and detailed information are available in the Product Fabrication Guide in the downloads section.

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How to cut solid flat plastic sheets?
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A variety of power saws, either table mounted or portable can be used to saw polycarbonate and PVC solid sheets.
A moving table, fixed blade bench saw is preferable for long, straight sawing.
Radial arm saws are generally used for “cross-cut” (width) or diagonal sawing.
Handsaws are slower and less accurate than table saws. These can be used for on-site trimming.
Laser or water-jet cutting is possible when cutting polycarbonate sheets, but not recommended for PVC sheets.
For detailed saw blade specifications, clearance angle, and detailed information, look up the product's fabrication guide in the downloads section.

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How to Cut SUNLITE Multiwall Polycarbonate Roofing Panels?
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Multiwall polycarbonate sheets are strong, durable, lightweight, and provide excellent thermal insulation. These features make them ideal for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. On-site tailoring and trimming is simple. Follow these guidelines to ensure quality results.
 
Safety First: Protect yourself by using professional equipment, keeping your surroundings neat and tidy, and using tools with caution and care.
Place a layer of cardboard or plywood on the workbench before placing the first sheet. This will protect the surface from scratches.
Place one multi-wall panel on your workbench. You should cut one sheet at a time, and not stack sheets together.
Multiwall polycarbonate sheets come with protective films. This film indicates which side of the panel is UV-protected. Do not remove it. You will need it later.
Use a measuring tape to measure the sheet, and make pen marks at each end. Join the marks with a ruler.
Do not rush measuring and marking. Once trimmed, you cannot patch the sheets together.
Secure the polycarbonate sheet to the workbench surface to prevent movement and vibrations.
Support the sheet near the cutting line. You can do this by placing a timber plank on top of it, parallel to the markings.
Cut along the marked pen line. The preferred method is to use a fine-tooth saw that rotates at high speed. 
Advance the saw slowly and steadily and do not stop once you have begun. It will ensure a clean, consistent edge.
Clean the sheet’s channels with compressed air.
Remove leftover cuts and scraps from the cutting table.

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How to Cut SUNTUF Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets DIY
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Corrugated polycarbonate sheets are common roofing materials for DIY garden shelters and outdoor canopies. On-site tailoring and trimming is simple. Follow these guidelines to ensure quality results.
Safety First: Protect yourself by using professional equipment, keeping your surroundings neat and tidy, and using tools with caution and care.
 
Place a layer of cardboard or plywood on the workbench before placing the sheets. This will protect the surface from scratches.
Place the polycarbonate panels on your workbench.
Clamp a few sheets together. This will reduce vibrations.
Polycarbonate sheets come with a removable protective film or marking strip. This film indicates which side of the panel is UV-protected. Do not remove it. You will need it later.
Use a measuring tape to measure the sheet, and make pen marks at each end. Join the marks with a ruler.
Do not rush measuring and marking. Once trimmed, you cannot patch the sheets together.
Secure the polycarbonate sheets to the workbench surface to prevent movement and vibrations.
Support the sheets near the cutting line. You can do this by placing a timber plank on top of the sheets, parallel to the markings.
Cut along the marked pen line. The preferred method is to use a fine-tooth saw that rotates at high speed. 
Advance the saw slowly and steadily and do not stop once you have begun. It will ensure a clean, consistent edge.
Remove leftover cuts and scraps from the cutting table.

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How to heat-bend PVC sheets?
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PVC sheets such as PALIGHT, PALABOARD, PALCLEAR and PALOPAQUE, can be bent with Calrods, radiant heaters, strip heaters or air-circulated ovens. Heat guns can also be used in small areas.
To ensure successful results, a thermostat should be employed to regulate the sheet temperature so that the surface temperature does not exceed allowed limits.
When using a metal contact strip heater, cover the heater strip with Teflon spray to prevent marking the sheets.
Different sizes of rectangular heating bars can be applied to produce bends of different radius. The larger the heated area of the sheet, the broader the radius can be created.
When heat-bending PVC sheets at a gauge thicker than 4 mm, the sheet should be warmed from both sides.
PVC sheets require heating approximately 30 to 40 seconds per millimeter prior to being bent.
To form tighter bends with smaller radii, use a small heated area on the upper surface (inside the bend) of the sheet and a larger heated area on the bottom surface (on the outside of the bend) of the sheet.
A minimum radius of twice the sheet thickness is necessary to avoid breakage.
When bending PVC sheets into an angle, the extension of the sheet on either side of the angle should be at least 20 times the panel thickness.
Once heat-bent, place the panel to cool down in a fixture, such as a jig or clamp. Fans and/or compressed air will speed up cooling. For detailed guidance, look up the Product Fabrication Guide in the Downloads section.

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How to Install SUNTUF Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing Sheets DIY?
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Specifications vary between different products and sheet profiles. Read the installation instructions for the specific roofing sheet you have chosen and follow them carefully.
Here is a general outline of the steps involved in installing corrugated polycarbonate roofing panels:
 
Have your roofing framework built, including rafters and purlins with appropriate spacing.
Measure and mark the area where the panels will be installed.
Trim the sheets to the right length, if needed.
Place the first panel on the roof and align it with the roof edge.
Before securing the panel to the roof frame, remember:
Place the fixings in the right places.
Use suitable screws and gaskets.
Pre-drill oversized holes to allow thermal movement.
Repeat the process with the remaining panels, overlapping and align them with the corrugations.
If needed, add additional flashing.
 
It is important to follow the manufacturer's installation instructions carefully and use the appropriate fasteners and sealants to ensure a secure and durable installation.
If you are unsure about how to install the panels or are not comfortable with the process, it is recommended to hire a professional contractor to do the job.

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How to laminate PVC sheets?
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Depending upon the type of application and the equipment available, the techniques recommended for lamination of PALBOARD multilayered panels or PALIGHT foam PVC are cold press using adhesive-backed paper, cold vacuum press, hand laminating with transfer adhesive, and using spray adhesive.
None of these processes involve heat. Because PVC may warp at temperatures above 65°C or when heated from one side only.
For ideal results, the sheet should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol, and allowed to dry, prior to adhesion. When laminating with pressure-sensitive adhesives, a force of 25–40 psi is required. Proper spacers are also critical. Because force must be applied equally across the material.
For further information, download the Product Fabrication Guide in the downloads section.

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How to make a V-groove in PALBOARD?
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V-grooving PALBOARD is an excellent method that helps industrial designers turn a 2D panel into a 3D object.
For V Groove Milling\Routing, use a machine bit designed for bending applications. Such bits offer top angles of 90°, 120° or 135°.
A 90° bit produces rectangular bends with almost no gaps.
120° or 135° rounded tip bits produce acute angled bending of up to 90° with approx. 2 mm gap between the sides.
Make sure not to route through the PALBOARD panel. Leave 0.6 mm to 0.8 mm, so you can benifit from the structural strength of this matrial.

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How to mechanically fasten plastic sheets?
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Flat, solid plastic sheets such as PALSUN, PALCLEAR or PLOPAQUE can be fastened with nuts and bolts, provided several points are remembered:
Use EPDM and aluminum washers to distribute the load.
Do not use rivets, as they apply excessive force and cause sheet cracks. 
Drill a slightly oversized hole by 2-3 mm, and tighten moderately.
When using mechanical fasteners, they should be evenly spaced to avoid stress accumulation at particular points. 
 
Wherever possible, a floating frame, or H profile installation is preferable, similar to glass, and without mechanical drilled fasteners.

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How to paint PVC sheets?
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There are a variety of paints that can be used on PVC sheets.
Some examples of suitable paints include vinyl, acrylic lacquers, and two-part polyurethanes.
Before painting, the sheet's surface must be dry, clean, and grease-free.
When applying dark color paint to PVC sheets intended for outdoor use, it is imperative that the paint has a light reflectance value of 55 or higher in order to avoid excessive heat absorption, which will result in deformation.
For further information, download the Product Fabrication Guide in the PALIGHT Downloads section.

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How to screen print on PVC sheets?
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Screen printing on PVC sheets is simple.
It is recommended to consult the ink manufacturer regarding required ink additives for proper adhesion. In addition, it is recommended to test screen printing inks before production begins.
Before screen printing, the sheet's surface should be cleaned with isopropyl alcohol and a clean white cloth.
To remove small scratches or dents, fan a heat gun over the affected area. However, do not overheat, to avoid surface deformation.
After printing is completed, screen printing ink should air dry, rather than heat dry.
For further information, download the Product Fabrication Guide in the PALIGHT Downloads section.

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How to store flat plastic sheets?
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Flat plastic sheets, either solid or foamed, should be transported and stored horizontally, on a flat, sturdy pallet whose dimensions are equal or larger than the largest of the sheets.
The sheets should be secured to the pallet during transportation and on-site handling.
It is recommended to stack the sheets with the longer sheets at the bottom and the shorter on top, leaving no unsupported overhang. 
Palram's products leave the factory in packages, wrapped in white, watertight film. The wrapping should be removed as close to use as possible.
Avoid leaving sheets stored unwrapped. Dirt may accumulate on the sheets and/or their edges, attracted by electrostatic charges in the sheets
Sheets should be stored in a covered, dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight. 
If storing sheets temporarily in an open area, cover the entire pallet with a white opaque film, sheet, cardboard or any other protective material.

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How to Store Polycarbonate Sheets?
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Polycarbonate sheets are tough and durable and guaranteed to last for years.
Here are some tips for storing polycarbonate sheets to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Polycarbonate should be stored horizontally on a flat surface, such as a pallet or a shelf. 
Ensure that no nails or bolts protrude from the platform. Even small rocks can leave permanent dents and scratches on the sheets.
Stack the largest sheets at the bottom, and the shorter, smaller panels on top.
Avoid stepping on polycarbonate panels and placing heavy or sharp equipment on them.
Store the polycarbonate sheet in a dry, cool, ventilated, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
Keep your stack dry to prevent whitening and water spots.
Avoid covering the sheets with dark films or other heat-absorbing materials.
Cover the panels with an opaque, bright, waterproof cover if you intend to leave them outdoors.

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How to Store PVC Sheets?
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PVC sheets are durable and chemically resistant and guaranteed to last for many years if handled properly.
Here are some tips for storing PVC sheets to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Store your PVC sheets horizontally on a flat surface, such as a pallet or a shelf. 
Ensure that no nails or bolts protrude from the platform. Even small rocks can leave permanent dents and scratches on the sheets.
Stack the largest sheets at the bottom, and the shorter, smaller panels on top.
Avoid stepping on PVC panels and placing heavy or sharp equipment on them.
Ensure that the PVC sheets are stored in a dry, ventilated, cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight.
Do not stack transparent or translucent sheets over opaque PVC sheets.
Avoid covering the sheets with dark films or other heat-absorbing materials.
Cover the panels with an opaque, bright, waterproof cover if you intend to leave them outdoors. 
Keep your stack dry to prevent whitening and water spots.

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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.

Is it OK to walk over PALRUF roofing sheets, during or after installation?
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No. If it can’t be avoided during installation, use stepping ladders, platforms or crawling boards to prevent walking directly over PALRUF roofing sheets.

Is PALRUF resistant to animal residue?
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All of Palram's animal covering & cladding solutions are resistant to animal residues, detergents, and other chemicals, and come with a 10+ year warranty.

Is PALRUF resistant to UV radiation?
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Yes, PALRUF corrugated PVC is resistant to UV.

Is PALRUF resistant to UV radiation?
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Yes, PALRU corrugated PVC roofing sheets are UV resistant.

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Is PVC suitable for UV printing / UV curing?
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PVC is a good substrate for UV inks.
Wide format and flatbed printers employ various ink and ink curing technologies to allow high quality printing at high speeds.
PALIGHT is suitable for use with UV curing and solvent-based digital inks, and for IR drying when water-based inks are required. It retains superb whiteness, even after intense UV curing.
UV Screen Printing Inks also work well on PVC. The most critical factor to consider when using UV systems is the curing oven. Low-wattage bulbs should be used to keep temperatures below 65°C. UV curing systems with variable speed conveyors are ideal.

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