How to cut polycarbonate in size to a greenhouse. Structure and properties

Polycarbonate cutting at home

One of the reasons for the popularity of polycarbonate is due to the fact that it is easily processed and adjusted to the dimensions of home.made buildings. Polycarbonate cutting is a responsible operation, since with an incorrect technology the panel is easy to spoil, having suffered material costs. For each case and type of material, the appropriate tool is selected and the procedure for cutting.

At home, cellular polycarbonate is most often used. Sheets consist of flat panels interconnected by partitions. Air chambers can be from one to five. Polycarbonate planes themselves and partitions have a thickness of not more than 1 mm and when cutting it is easy to make breaks and get torn edges.

Monolithic sheets are made by casting and voids inside the panels. The material is durable and viscous, and when heated, it melts. Carbon compounds with improper cutting are burned and brown shade is acquired.

In connection with these features, technology is suitable for responsibly. Compliance with simple rules allows you to carefully cut polycarbonate at home.

Necessary tools

At industrial enterprises for the manufacture of small architectural forms. greenhouses, pavilions, visors, etc. P for cutting, use laser and milling machines, controlled programs. The operating modes provide accuracy up to 1 mm Customer drawings, and the edges do not require additional processing.

A suitable tool for cutting polycarbonate at home is in the arsenal of any owner of private real estate.

The sections are covered with an ozed or sealing ribbon that hides small irregularities. It is important to observe the sizes of parts and not spoil the appearance of the panel by creases, dents, random through holes.

You can cut polycarbonate in size:

Cellular panels up to 2 mm thick are sometimes cut with reinforced sewing scissors or metal scissors. Monolithic polycarbonate thicker than 3 mm when processing with such a tool will crumble.

For marking, use roulette, long ruler, flat bar, marker.

Advantages and properties of polycarbonate

In its structure, the material can have a design consisting of two, three or even four layers, each layer is filled with stiffeners. with jumpers. The properties of this material are exceptional, thanks to its cellular structure, it is quite light, durable, almost transparent optically, moderately plastic, frost.resistant. It is also a powerful dielectric, quite durable. Successful cutting of material is possible due to its high strength and plasticity, even very thin and light plates can be cut.

High strength makes it possible to create an extrusion method of a plate with extremely thin walls, up to 0.3 mm, with a very small weight. Due to the resulting voids, the weight and costs are reduced, and the original cellular structure gives structures extraordinary lightness and airiness.

What are the errors when cutting?

The excellent properties of this material make it the most suitable for the construction of greenhouses. Greenhouses in areas are made to grow garden, garden crops with the help of their microclimate. Home greenhouses are most often made from a profile pipe made of steel. Such structures are placed directly on the ground, without the foundation, while the design itself is built from the plates of cellular polycarbonate. But in order for the structure to turn out to be durable and functional, it is very important to be able to correctly cut the material, as well as to cut it correctly. Photos of greenhouses from this material are attached to this article.

Here are mistakes that inexperienced people most often make:

  • Incorrect orientation, for dubious saving of sheets. especially when cutting for broken and spherical roofs. correctly orient the panels only in the direction of bending or ramp;
  • It is forbidden to fix the sheets “through”, because immediately, or gradually, leaks will occur in these places;
  • It is important to correctly choose the material of the desired thickness, because too thick polycarbonate is more difficult to cut, and it is more expensive-when choosing, you need to follow the recommendations of experienced specialists, as well as the manufacturer;
  • A big mistake. non.compliance with the tolerances that are necessary for thermal expansion;
  • Another big mistake. non.compliance with the conditions for fastening the edges of the sheets of material.

Material cutting technology

Step.by.step instructions for use are attached to each electrical tool and to some manual. The effectiveness and safety of the manufacturer depends on the implementation of the recommendations of the manufacturer.

Polycarbonate cutting technology involves compliance with the following rules:

  • Corner grinder. You need to take the smallest disk size of 125 mm. The best with diamond spraying are considered the best. They pass the cell cloth quickly, practically without heating. The separation of the canvas is not carried out due to friction. Before cutting a polycarbonate, you need to fix it well, and keep the tool when working with two hands. It is necessary to lead the canvas as quickly as possible, trying not to linger in one place for a long time.
  • Stationery knife. To cut the canvas evenly, you need a steel ruler or a long metal strip. First, a fishing line for a trimmer is laid, then a ruler is applied to it, and a blade is already carried out along its edge. You need to lead it slowly, tightly clinging to the sheet and stop. You must use protective glasses and gloves without fail. After applying the groove, the sheet is turned over and the process is repeated. Then the workpiece shifts to the edge of the table and breaks with both hands.
  • Electric. The device is arranged so that the saws of the saw are directed up, when moving, it creates tangible vibration and makes large chips. Therefore, you need to put the plywood from above and below or cut off several pieces from the plates folded in a stack. So vibration is reduced to a minimum, the edges are even. If during the cutting process the saw went to the side, the excesses are removed with a knife or a grinding machine.

All methods are not particularly difficult. The main thing is to perform all actions calmly, without haste, given the features of the operation of a particular tool.

The main recommendations

Regardless of the chosen technology of the cut of monolithic polycarbonate, a number of simple but effective rules should be observed:

  • The presence of a fairly wide, even and stable table. If it is too small, you can fasten a large plate on top and cover it with a blanket.
  • Make sure that there is no garbage and foreign objects on the working surface. They can scratch the sheets of polymer plastic.
  • If you have to do many blanks with straight and curved forms, you will need to prepare a whole set of tools. Corner grinder or hacksaw for straight lines, jigsaw for circles, knife for accurate fitting.
  • The protective film from polycarbonate is removed only after the treatment immediately before installation.
  • Marking is applied on the panel with a black marker. It cannot be wiped with your hand, but it is easy to remove with alcohol.
  • It is better to carry cutting lines from a sheet of paper laid under the plate with a contour applied. Long lines are best drawn using the board so as not to scratch the material with metal.

Before including electrical appliances to the network, you need to make sure that the cable integrity and off the uninterrupted operation button is turned off. It is also necessary to provide that the wire does not fall under the driving device during the cutting process.

Preparatory stage

First of all, you should prepare a design project, calculating the dimensions of each element of glazing. It is recommended to take into account the dimensions of the material (they are standard) to minimize the amount of waste. If the elements have curvilinear outlines, prepare the appropriate patterns of thick paper or cardboard. When preparing the material for the arched type greenhouse, special attention is paid to end elements with a semicircular top.

  • The site where it is planned to cut polycarbonate plates is cleaned of garbage, aligned, covered with leaf material-plywood, wood-based plate, etc.D.
  • A sheet of polycarbonate is placed on a flat solid surface if the material has a special layer that protects the material from aging under the influence of UV rays, pay attention to the labeling of the sides. the sheet should lie down with a protective layer upward. Similarly laid material with a mirror or laminated coating. A film that protects polycarbonate from mechanical influences during transportation and fastening is not removed until the end of installation work.
  • They make markings according to the project using a black marker and a metal (or wooden) ruler, roulette, ready.made patterns of cardboard.

In order not to damage a large area of ​​polycarbonate sheet during the markings, a board is laid on top with a width of 100 mm and a length of about 2 thousand. mm and step only on it. This excludes the risk of deformation of the material, the appearance of scratches on the surface.

For the convenience of cutting polycarbonate in size, and in order not to damage the surface of the material, on both sides of the cut line, two parallel boards 40 × 100 × 2200 mm are placed under a polycarbonate. they must lift the panel on the site where it will be cut.

polycarbonate, size, greenhouse, structure, properties

Choosing tools and cutting rules

Consider how and what is better to cut cellular polycarbonate and monolithic translucent polymer.

It is important that the tool does not spoil the material. for example, scissors for cutting plastic or construction scissors cannot be used, they compress cellular polycarbonate, deforming the edges of the cut.

A sawing tool with large teeth is also contraindicated, including a hacksaw on wood. it tears the material, the cut is uneven, with burrs and zazubsi.

  • knife (mounting or stationery);
  • corner grinding machine (corner grinder);
  • circular saw;
  • hacksaw for metal;
  • electric jigsaw;
  • laser.
polycarbonate, size, greenhouse, structure, properties

The cutting method is selected based on the tool at the disposal, thickness and structure of the material.

Using a knife

For cutting polycarbonate, a stationery knife is used, in which the blade consists of broketing out segments. A construction knife is also suitable, it is more convenient to use thanks to an ergonomic handle. You can use a shoe knife.

For monolithic polycarbonate, this tool is not suitable, since the material is too hard and the work will require a lot of time and effort. It is convenient to cut cellular sheets of small thickness with a knife. no more than 6-8 mm.

Before cutting the panel, check the sharpness of the blade on unnecessary scraps. If necessary, sharpen the boot knife or remove the dull elements of the drawer blade. Use the rule or metal ruler for cutting in a straight line. The knife blade should be located at an angle to the surface. the thicker the material, the more the angle should be closer to the straight.

First, an incision is performed at the end, then, without removing the blades from the serif, they slowly lead it along the marking line. Irregularities and random extra fragments are removed after the element is cut out of the stove. If polycarbonate material is not cut from one entry, repeat the process according to the same scheme. It is impossible to disinfect, break the sheet, otherwise its edges will be strongly deformed.

If you need to cut the sheets of large area, it is better to choose a tool that will provide higher performance. In this case, the knife will be required in any case to remove the burrs and cut off the irregularities, adjusting the glazing element exactly to the specified dimensions.

Cutting corner grinding

To cut polycarbonate with an angle grinding machine, use circles designed to cut metal. Cut the panel with a corner grinding, without afraid to melt the edges of the polymer material, will help:

  • the use of a cutting circle for working with aluminum (it is less heated during friction);
  • The use of corner grinder with a speed regulator (work should be carried out at low speeds, this also reduces the risk of burrs).

It is convenient to cut a monolithic polycarbonate and cellular panels, including along a curved trajectory. When working, be sure to use protective glasses that protect your eyes from flying chips.

Having turned on the power tool, you should wait until it gains the necessary speed of rotation. Cut the leaf material by moving the corner grinder from yourself along the line of cutting. Cutting the panel along the jumpers, keep the tool so that the blade goes in a straight line without touching the ribs of stiffness.

At the end of the work, check the evenness of the sections, remove the chips and dust that fall into the cells using a blower or vacuum cleaner.

The use of circular saw

The circular saw should be equipped with a working disc with small cloves. use wheels designed to work with plastic or metal. To cut a monolithic or cellular panel, act on the same principle as when working with a corner grinder. First, let the tool pick up the tools, then cut the pancreas raised using two boards, moving the tool from yourself. Press the supporting plate of the tool to the sheet. this will help more precisely cut the material along the drawn contour.

Using metal hacksaw

A hacksaw equipped with a canvas with small frequent cloves will help cut off a straight line of polycarbonate, cut a sheet along or across. Elements of complex outlines with this tool cannot be cut out.

When planning the cutting of polycarbonate at home using a hacksaw, pay attention to the following moment: so that the cutting line for the cutting trimmer is as flat as possible, it is necessary to firmly fix the panel. It is recommended to use clamps and boards. The canvas of the hacksaw is located at an angle of about 30 degrees. Drink the panel in the direction of yourself.

Using a hacksaw, you can cut a polycarbonate for a greenhouse with a pitched roof, since the tool cuts the material only in a straight line. Electrolobsik will help to cut semicircular end elements of arched structures.

The use of a knife habits for metal is permissible with a small cut length. For a long cut, use a knife on wood, but with small teeth.

Cutting with an electrician

The most suitable tool for cutting polycarbonate on elements of complex shapes is an electric jigsaw. The tool equipped with a thin saw is safer and convenient in operation compared to the angular grinding and circular saw, while the speed and complexity of cutting significantly differs for the better with a knife. Electrician is allowed to cut a monolithic and cellular polycarbonate.

When choosing a file, pay attention to the shape of the cloves. Divorced teeth are designed for wood, they will tear polycarbonate, making the edges of the cut to defective. To make cuts with even edges without burrs and cracks, use a file with small straight or wave.shaped cloves.

Cutting an electric jigsaw

This tool allows you to combine three positive qualities that the corner grinder and the construction knife are provided, namely the cutting speed, safety and simplicity of involving. Using an electric jigsaw, you can easily draw not only straight lines, but also cut out other more complex figures from different varieties of material. It can be used for a sawing polycarbonate with a thickness of 3 mm. If the sheets are too thin, then in this case, with its help, it is better to cut several pieces at the same time, after laying a cardboard of the corresponding size under them.

However, before cutting polycarbonate, it is necessary to choose a suitable file that plays one of the key roles. When choosing it, it is required to take into account a number of the following tips and recommendations:

  • To cut cellular polycarbonate, it is better to give preference to a file with the presence of straight teeth. This cutting element provides slight cringing of the material and helps to make the maximum spray.
  • It is necessary to choose files with frequent and small teeth. Cellular polycarbonate should be cut with cutting elements with TPI labeling, which indicates the number of teeth per inch. In this case, this indicator should be from 9 to 13 or more.
  • It is necessary to give preference to high.quality files, which are designed for cutting metal, plastic or organic glass, which will provide clean cut with a minimum amount of shortcomings.

The very process of cutting polycarbonate using an electric jigsaw is as follows:

  • Initially, it is necessary to prepare the place in which work will be carried out, after which it is required to mark the sheet.
  • Then you need to install a pre.prepared saw in the tool. It is recommended to use a new and sharp cutting element that has no defects yet. In this case, the file must be securely fixed and adjusted. With incorrect fixation during the work of the jigsaw, it will begin to vibrate and will cause the appearance of various shortcomings on the surface of the material.
  • The tool connected to the outlet or carrying should be brought to the end of the polycarbonate sheet along the sawing lane. For greater comfort, it is advisable to make a cutting in the indicated place using a knife with a sharp blade. In this case, before the end of the cut, the protective film should also remain on the material.
  • Next, press the supporting tile of the tool to polycarbonate. In this case, it is not necessary to apply a very great effort, since otherwise the sheet along the cut of the cut is bending. It is recommended that there are clamps or people who would help to exclude vibration and shift of the material during work.
  • At the next stage, you need to turn on the tool and wait for the moment when it gains suitable speed. As soon as the jigsaw reaches them, you can proceed to cut into polycarbonate in the intended strip. The tool should be carefully and slowly forward, making its supporting plate to the plane of the material.

note! In curved areas, it is necessary to observe the maximum caution, having previously prepared in cutting parts of a rounded shape on future surpluses and remnants, due to which it will be easier to carry out work.

  • At the end of the cutting, you need to turn off and disconnect the tool from the mains.
  • Then the cells of the material must be cleaned of chips by means of a vacuum cleaner or a jet of compressed air.
  • Next, it is required to cut excess and remove the shortcomings from the edges of the sawed polycarbonate. After that, they should be covered with construction tape, which will protect the cells from the penetration of dust and garbage.

Important! With the simultaneous cut of only one thin sheet, there is a high probability of cracking it.

Sawing polycarbonate by means of hacksaw

In some cases, this tool is also used when cutting polycarbonate sheets on square and rectangular parts. The process itself is very much like the one that happens during the use of a construction knife, so if there is a need for its use, then you should first consider the phased instructions described earlier.

In addition, when using a hacksaw, 2 nuances must be taken into account:

  • During the saw, the tool must be kept at an angle of about 30 °.
  • Before carrying out work, polycarbonate should be fixed as reliably as possible. If possible, it is desirable to consolidate the sheet in the vice of the workbench.

Without the experience of carrying out such work before involving a hacksaw, it is necessary to thoroughly practice, since otherwise there is a high probability that the material will crack along the cutting line and will be unsuitable for further use. In this situation, it is important to carry out competent fixation of polycarbonate in order to avoid excessive vibration and stress.

note! Close.cut out complex forms will not have a aesthetic look. For them it is necessary to use one of the previously indicated tools.

Polycarbonate cutting an electric jigsaw

To cut monolithic polycarbonate of large thickness, they often use an eclectic jigsaw. Due to a powerful drive, cutting is achieved without the application of human efforts. Thin products, as well as cell panels, are best placed in a pack and cut several elements at once. It is not recommended to cut single thin sheets, in order to avoid cracking at the site.

The use of electrolobesics significantly reduces the complexity and increases the efficiency of construction. Rationally resort to such a method of sawing polycarbonate paintings when performing large.scale work.

Features of cutting a plastic canvas using an electrolobian:

Using corner grinder for cutting polycarbonate

Corner grinder is a high.performance tool for cutting materials. Efficiency is achieved due to huge revolutions of the cutting circle during work. However, there are some subtleties that should be taken into account when working.

polycarbonate, size, greenhouse, structure, properties

Correctly cut polycarbonate with an angle grinding machine in compliance with the following recommendations:

Cutting process

Polycarbonate also differs in that it is very convenient and easy to work with it. Even a beginner at home can cope with this material. We offer some tips that will help correctly and without loss to cope with the harsh:

  • When performing straight small sections of the canvas 4-6 mm thick, an acute construction knife is suitable. The cut along even long lines is better to perform a corner grinder. Rounded parts are cut by an electrician.
  • When working with power tools, be sure to use personal protective equipment. Put on glasses that protect your eyes from fine dust. Rubber gloves will protect against accidental shock.
  • If necessary, apply marking on large sheets of polycarbonate, pave long boards on top that go beyond the sheet. You can move around them like a bridge without causing damage in the form of dents.
  • After the end of the work, remove the protective film, blow the electric pump with all the processed seams on the received details to get rid of dust, and close them with special protective profiles. Do not remove the film from polycarbonate sheets during cutting

A construction knife

To trim cellular polycarbonate up to 6 mm thick at home, you can use a construction knife. The only and main condition is that the tool should be sharp, high quality and have enough spare blades.

  • Put the knife tip at the starting point, and by clicking on it, make a cut. Along the marking line, perform a small incision slowly and as accurately as possible.
  • According to the cut, the knife is carried out again, gently introducing the material inside, and cutting it. In this case, the blade should be strictly perpendicular to the plane of the sheet.

Work requires special attention without haste and fuss.

Corner grinders are convenient to saw large polycarbonate sheets in length. We recommend using cutting circles for metal (better for working with aluminum). On the desktop, install several wooden supports along the edges, put the sheet on them.

Corner grinder is perfect for sawing sheets of polycarbonate of large length

  • Before you start cutting, try the work of the tool on a small unnecessary pruning of polycarbonate. Such a “rehearsal” will be especially needed for beginners.
  • Do not forget about personal protective equipment.
  • Turn on the machine, putting on a minimum rotation speed, and combine the cut.out circle with the place of cutting on the edge of the sheet.
  • Slowly and confidently start moving the circle forward along the intended line. During cutting, do not be distracted and constantly control the combination of the cutting line with marking.
  • Having completed the cut, turn off the corner grinder. Peel the edges of the cellular polycarbonate with sandpaper, then blow out a vacuum cleaner for cleaning from dust. Remove the protective film by sealed the ends with tape.

Electric

The jigsaw will cope perfectly, cutting both straight lines and other complex configurations. The main task is to choose the right file for cutting:

  • For cutting cellular polycarbonate, it is better to purchase a file with straight teeth. It is capable of crushing the material less and makes the cut as even as possible.
  • Choose files with frequent and small teeth. For cutting cellular polycarbonate, files with TR marking (from 9 or more teeth per 1 inch) are suitable).
  • Give preference to the canvas that is high.quality and is suitable for work with metal.plastic.

Swap of polycarbonate sheets using an electrician requires experience, you should practice on small sheets of the material

The basic rules when working with an electrician are as follows (we advise you to practice the remains of the material before work):

  • The desktop is ready to work, the corresponding canvas is inserted and securely fixed in the jigsaw. For convenience, make a small notch on the polycarbonate canvas with a knife.
  • Turn on the tool, wait for it when it picks up, and bring the blade to the notch, slowly directing the machine forward. By clicking on the tool, make sure that the polycarbonate sheet does not bend.
  • When working with large sheets of material, it is better to use the services of an assistant. He will hold polycarbonate, not allowing the sheet to vibrate. Work with long canvases can be divided into two stages: first go around to the middle, and then repeat the movement towards the opposite side.
  • After finishing work with an electrician, do all the actions that are described above when working with a corner grinder.

If you have already gained some experience with this electrical appliance, you can cut several thin sheets at once on one pattern. Just put a cardboard of the corresponding size under them and cut all layers at the same time.

Beginners should thoroughly practice before starting work with a hacksaw for cutting polycarbonate. Without experience, sheets, as a rule, crack along the cut line and lead to large losses of the material. It is important to correctly and correctly fix the sheet without allowing excessive voltage and vibration.

Drinking polycarbonate sheets with a hacksaw is a very difficult task, as it has a number of nuances

The laser refers to professional tools and only a highly qualified specialist can work with it. Laser cutting is usually used on an industrial scale, since the purchase of equipment is quite costly.

Once again we want to remind you that when working with power tools, be sure to follow all safety rules. The health and life of the employee sometimes depend on this, sometimes.

Than and how to cut. The main recommendations

Carrying polycarbonate, it is worth performing the following actions:

  • The place of work should be clean and not contain any garbage. This will avoid the appearance of cracks, dents and deformation. For convenience, a drywall, a wood-and-fiber slab can be placed under a sheet of polycarbonate.
  • Before cutting on a polycarbonate, you need to mark with a marker, which will be clearly visible.
  • In those cases when in the future it will be necessary to move along a sheet of polycarbonate, you need to lay a plank flooring on top of it, which will allow distributing the load. Then no dents or cracks on the material will not appear.
  • Cut the cutting from the side of the laminated or mirror coating. Before the end of work, you should also not shoot a protective film.
  • After the cutting of the material is completed, waste and dust must be removed from the surface of the sheet, as well as shake out the garbage from the cells.

If you need to drill polycarbonate, you will need standard metal drill. This process is even for a beginner.

Pay attention only to a few nuances:

  • You need to make holes in the intervals between stiffeners;
  • At least 4 cm must be back from the edge of the sheet so that the piece of the stove does not break.

Polycarbonate fastening tips

Fixation of polycarbonate sheets should be performed with self.tapping screws. It is noteworthy that the diameter of the screws should exceed the cross section of the hole in the polycarbonate by 1-2 mm. This allows you to compensate for the expansion of the material when heated.

In addition, it is very important that the entering the self.tapping screw into the polycarbonate sheet is free. Otherwise, the hole that is not properly drilled can lead to deformation of the material.

Laying polycarbonate must be performed VST, however, for thermal expansion of the material, gaps should be left. This approach will avoid errors in the installation of polycarbonate.

To seal the joints of the material, use neoprene or silicone ribbons. Do not use soft sealing materials from PVC, since as they operate polycarbonate, they emit substances that gradually destroy the material.

Sealing compounds for isolation of polycarbonate joints can only be silicone and no other.

Tools

The very first tool that almost everyone has and which can work with polycarbonate is a corner grinder. over, it is not necessary to use an expensive tool at all: even an inexpensive and small corner grinder will do all the work perfectly. To make even sections, you need to install a circle of 125 designed for metal. The only thing you need to pay attention to is the experience, since the tool is distinguished by high speeds, and if you did not have to work with it before. preferably before cutting polycarbonate, to practice scraping from this material. Where to get them? Turn to the masters who are engaged in the manufacture of polycarbonate structures.

Stationery knife

Perfectly cuts polymer plastic canvases and a stationery knife. over, even newcomers can cope with this. The main thing is that the knife is of good quality, and the work is not carried out in a hurry. the blade of such tools is very sharp and you can not only make an incorrect incision, but also be great to get hurt. The stationery knife is suitable for cellular sheets with a thickness of 4-6 mm, but it is already difficult to work with 8 millimeter. On thicker sheets, polycarbonate cutting is almost impossible, therefore, specialists recommend using the knife only where the material needs to be tied, and even then, on sheets up to 10 mm.

Electric jigsaw

Household, the most ordinary electric jigsaw is also quite suitable for working with polycarbonate sheets, only on it you need to install a file with small teeth, otherwise the material will be torn, not cut. This tool, like a corner grinder, is quite easy to use, but in order to be completely confident as work, it is advisable to practice in advance. The electric jigsaw is very in demand especially when you have to perform the cutting of monolithic polycarbonate of complex decorative shapes or make rounding.

Note: if you have to perform the cutting of thin sheets, then experts recommend folding the canvases of 10-12 pieces, and under them put a layer of cardboard and then cut everything at the same time.

When it is necessary to cut only one sheet. the risk of cracking increases significantly. To prevent damage to the material, you need to work only with a very well.sharpened tool. There are masters who, working with polycarbonate, use scissors. This is also quite acceptable. The main thing is that the tool used does not violate the structure of the paintings.

Newcomers are usually interested in: is it possible to cut and how to cut cellular polycarbonate with a hacksaw, or a hand saw?In the case when there is no experience, it is advisable not to use these tools: the canvases along the cuts may crack. Work best with power tools. But both beginners and experienced specialists must well fix the polycarbonate sheets in order to prevent vibration and stress in the material, which is also fraught with poor consequences.

Cutting with a laser

In addition to these methods, you can cut and laser. But, to work with a laser installation, you need to have appropriate skills. In addition, not every master has such a tool, so the laser cutting of polycarbonate is available only to those who are engaged in polycarbonate professionally. But, if there is an opportunity to do the work with a laser, you must use it, as it guarantees:

  • high speed of work;
  • lack of defects;
  • excellent cutting quality;
  • The accuracy of cutting: when working with a laser, the accuracy of the size is observed up to 0.05 mm;
  • When working, you do not need to fix the sheets.

Any cutting material designed to work on metal or wood, even a standard metal cutter can be used to the canvases of monolithic polycarbonate.

How to cut the cutting?

Experts before cutting polycarbonate, pre.prepare a workplace well. Necessary:

  • Remove all extraneous objects from the site: branches, segments of strips and boards, even small pebbles. Ideally, the place should be clean. This is necessary so that dents, scratches and other damage are not left on polycarbonate canvases. It is best to pave the workplace with sheets a wood-fiber slab, a wood-fiber plate or other material suitable for this purpose.
  • Using a marker and a long line or other object on the panels, you need to mark. If you have to move along the canvases during this, you need to lay a wide board and walk along it so that dents do not appear on the surface of the polymer.
  • Before performing polycarbonate cutting into size, it is necessary to put boards under both sides of the marking marker, the size of which should not be less than 4 × 10 × 220 cm. On top of the canvas in the same places, boards are placed again and, only then, it will be possible to move along them.
  • If the cut is performed on a flat line. you can work with a corner grinder, rounded parts are held by an electric jigsaw, and if you need to perform a slight fit. the stationery knife is also suitable.
  • If the work is performed on a material with a laminated or mirror surface, then it is very important to properly place the canvas at the workplace: a laminated or mirror coating should be turned upward. The better to cut polycarbonate of this type?The same tools as other types of material, but using a hacksaw is not permissible: a mirror or laminated layers can be detonated.
  • When working with cells of cellular polymer plastic, if the cut is carried out along the length of the sheet, the marking can not be performed: the sot itself will serve as a guideline. Thanks to this, you can not even walk on the surface of the material.
  • After the sawing of the cellular paintings is completed, it is necessary to blow out all the seams with compressed air to remove the dust and the chipping material that got inside.
polycarbonate, size, greenhouse, structure, properties

And most importantly. before cutting polycarbonate with an electric jigsaw or corner grinding, you need to put on protective glasses to protect your eyes from microparticles and dust. And one more thing. you always need to remember popular wisdom, which says that before cutting off, you need to measure seven times. this will help save money and time.