Rating of the best manufacturers of cellular polycarbonate for 2022

Every year, the building materials market amazes with its novelties. Cellular polycarbonate, although not something new, is still popular and in demand among both private and industrial builders. It attracts attention with such qualities as excellent thermal insulation, resistance to high and low temperatures, low weight, impact resistance, etc.

The nuances of choosing cellular polycarbonate

The huge variety of cellular polycarbonate on the building materials market confuses the average person. Questions immediately arise: how to choose a quality material at an affordable price, what characteristics are important in the first place, and which are secondary.We will try to give some practical advice on how to choose polycarbonate and what to look for when buying it.

Before delving into the technical specifications, you should decide what the material is being purchased for. Most often in private construction, polycarbonate is used for greenhouses, sheds, arbors, fences. Depending on the functions that polycarbonate will perform, the appropriate characteristics will be selected. So, pay attention to the following characteristics:

• thickness and structure.

The thickness of polycarbonate sheets can be 4, 6, 8, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 mm. Lightweight versions are available with a thickness of 3.2, 3.7 mm. For greenhouses that are not dismantled for the winter, sheets with a thickness of 6-8 mm are more suitable. Thicker ones will let in less light, which is so necessary for plants. Sheets with a thickness of 3.7-4 mm are suitable for greenhouses with a milder climate and the absence of heavy snowfalls. Small canopies, gazebos are best done with a material thickness of 6-8 mm; for roofing it is better to use a thickness of 16 mm or more.

According to the structure, one-, two-four- and six-chamber cellular polycarbonate is distinguished. They differ in the number of layers connected by jumpers. In addition, a different arrangement of jumpers (H-shaped and X-shaped) is possible, which also affects the resistance to impacts and other mechanical stress.

• density.

The strength of the material and the ability to withstand negative weather effects (snow, wind, hail) depend on this indicator. The density value varies between 0.52-0.82 g/cm³. Sheets of the same thickness can have different densities, it depends on its structure (number of jumpers). Logically, the denser the sheet, the heavier it is.

• the weight.

Weight directly depends on the density of the sheet. Accordingly, the lighter the sheet, the less dense and less impact resistant it is. Some manufacturers produce lightweight versions of polycarbonate sheets, but at the same time they must be marked with a special word, for example, Light. In world practice, the production of this material is considered to be a standard sheet weight of 1 m² the following indicators: 4mm - 0.8 kg; 6 mm - 1.3 kg; 8 mm - 1.5 kg, 10 mm - 1.7 kg.

• UV protection.

Without protection from UV radiation, polycarbonate under the influence of sunlight begins to break down after 2-3 years. Therefore, manufacturers apply a special protective layer to increase the service life. The service life of polycarbonate with UV protection is more than 10 years. Depending on the protection application technology, this period can be up to 30 years. The presence of a protective layer is reflected in a special marking.

• minimum bend radius.

This characteristic is important when using sheets for mounting curved structures (arched greenhouses, sheds, gazebos). This indicator depends on the thickness and structure of the sheet and is 0.6-2.8 m. It is advisable not to exceed the permissible bending radius so as not to violate the sheet structure and the UV protective layer.

• light transmittance.

This parameter depends on the thickness of the sheet, its color and transparency. For different manufacturers, this parameter for transparent polycarbonate 4 mm thick varies from 80 to 95%. The thicker the sheet, the less light transmission.

Having found out what you should pay attention to when buying this material, you can start choosing. We have presented to your attention the best manufacturers of polymeric materials and their brands of cellular polycarbonate.

The best polycarbonate manufacturers

Plazit Polygal Group (Polygal Vostok)

Polygal Vostok is the domestic official representative of the Israeli company Plazit Polygal Group. The company has been manufacturing polymer boards for over 40 years. Its products are not only in demand all over the world, but are also the standard of quality.

Polygal Vostok produces cellular polycarbonate 4-20 mm thick, 2.1x6.0 and 2.1x12.0 m in size. The color palette includes 15 colors. In addition to the standard ones (transparent, white, blue), garnet, amber, silver, gray and other colors are offered. The company offers the following types of polycarbonate:

The GOST standard is recommended for roofing for various purposes. Thickness 4-20 mm. Sheet lengths 6.0 and 12.0 m. Available in all the colors mentioned above. UV protection applied by co-extrusion. Warranty 15 years.

Practical - a complete analogue of the GOST Standard, but with a 15% reduction in the specific weight of the sheet. Warranty 14 years.

The Titan Sky standard is recommended for roofs with a slight slope, industrial structures requiring special strength. Suitable for cold climates and difficult weather conditions. The reinforced X-shaped structure makes the sheets not only the most shock-resistant, but also improves the thermal insulation properties of the material. Thickness 8-20 mm. Available in all colors and with shading or reflective finishes.

Cellular hummingbird is a lightweight and economical option for the domestic market. Thickness 3.7-20 mm. 10 year warranty.

Kiwi cellular is an economical material for advertising purposes and summer residents. Thickness 3.2, 3.7, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm. Sizes are standard. Warranty 7 years.

All subspecies of produced polycarbonate can be produced with additional coatings, embossing and flame retardant at the request of the customer.

The cost of a sheet 4 mm 2.1x6.0 m from 2500 rubles.

• when ordering from the manufacturer, it is possible to apply additional coatings: antifog "Antifog", absorbing IR and thermal radiation "Comfort", decorative embossing "Freeze";
• it is possible to produce polycarbonate with a special additive that slows down the combustion process - a flame retardant FR;
• decent quality at an affordable price;
• several options for produced sheets by specific weight: standard, lightweight, reinforced;
• light transmission at the level of 82%.

• not found.

Covestro

The Italian company Covestro, which until 2015 was called Bayer MaterialScience, is a manufacturer of Makrolon brand polycarbonate. The use of innovative technologies in production makes it possible to produce high-quality and demanded by consumers material with excellent characteristics. Polycarbonate sheets are produced with a thickness of 4, 6, 8, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40 mm. The sheet size is standard 2.1 by 6.0 m. The color scheme includes colors: transparent, milky, blue, green, smoky, etc.

The service life of polycarbonate of this brand in outbuildings is up to 15 years. This period may be 20-25 years, but it depends on the correct storage and further use of the material.

• the excellent technical characteristics of the material are due to the quality raw materials (100% virgin raw materials, not recycled secondary ones) that the company uses;
• refractory;
• when burning does not emit harmful and toxic substances;
• maximum impact resistance among similar materials from other manufacturers;
• resistance to chemical influences (atmospheric phenomena, reagents);
• high heat and noise insulation;
• the ability to use at high temperatures (low coefficient of thermal expansion);
• not afraid of sudden changes in temperature;
• water-repellent layer (no drop marking) on ​​the inside of the sheet to prevent the formation of condensate drops (water drains without lingering);
• the presence of a coating that protects against harmful UV rays;
• light transmission up to 95%.

• the manufacturer offers only one size 2.1 by 6.0 m;
• small range of colors.

Carboglass

Carboglass is a pioneer in Russia in the production of cellular polycarbonate. Currently there are 4 production lines in Golitsino and Krasnoyarsk. The production uses industrial equipment of the Italian company OMIPA S.p.a. OMIPA S.p.a. Granulate is purchased only from primary raw materials from the leading manufacturers Styron, Kafrit, Covestro and Kazanorgsintez.

Carboglass offers consumers one-, two-, three-, four-chamber polycarbonate options, as well as reinforced ones, which other manufacturers in the country's market cannot offer. Sheet thickness 4, 6, 8, 10, 16, 20, 25 mm. Sizes 2.1 by 6.0 and 2.1 by 12 m. Available in 15 colors (transparent, white, bronze, brown, red, yellow, turquoise, etc.). All polycarbonate from this manufacturer is coated with a protective UV layer using co-extrusion technology.

Carboglass cellular polycarbonate is divided into 6 types, which differ in purpose and performance characteristics:

• Premium - for complex engineering structures, year-round greenhouses. Available in thicknesses of 4-25 mm. UV layer 40-60 microns. Resistant to UV radiation and adverse weather conditions (frost, hail, snow, wind). All colors are available in the 4-10 mm range. Warranty 20 years.
• Reinforced (with a reinforced structure) - for structures with increased strength and greenhouses for year-round use. UV layer 40 µm, thickness 4 and 6 mm. Available only in transparent version. In addition to weather resistance, it is impact resistant. Warranty 20 years.
• The crystal is used for seasonal greenhouses, private construction that does not require increased strength. Thickness from 4 to 25 mm. UV layer 30-50 microns. Resistant to frost and wind. Thicknesses up to 10 mm are available in 9 colours. Warranty 15 years.
• Agro is used for seasonal greenhouses. Available in 4 mm thick transparent version. It has a high light transmission rate. Covered with a protective film of 30 microns for protection against UV radiation. Weather resistant. Warranty 18 years.
• Special for greenhouses and Super Pokrov - economy options for Agro. The thickness is 3.5 mm and 3 mm, respectively, the UV layer is 10 µm. Transparent. Warranty 6 years.

The cost of a sheet with a thickness of 4 mm and a size of 2.1 by 6.0 m from 3650 rubles.

• all polycarbonate has a protective layer against UV radiation;
• one-four-chamber polycarbonate options, as well as with a reinforced design;
• high impact strength of Premium and Reinforced polycarbonate;
• light transmission up to 86%;
• temperature range of use -40 - +120 ⁰FROM;
• fire-resistant and self-extinguishing material;
• chemically resistant material to many substances (except for ammonia, acetone, gasoline, kerosene and some others);
• wide range of uses from agriculture and private needs, to larger construction;
• large selection of colors.

• individual cases of non-compliance with the declared density.

SABIC Innovative Plastics

Sabic is a world leader in the supply of high strength sheet materials. It produces the brand of cellular polycarbonate Lexan, which has been represented on the world market for more than 40 years. Lexan material has a wide range of applications: interior work, glazing of various objects (greenhouses, swimming pools, verandas, winter gardens), walls and roofs of buildings, including industrial ones. Sabic offers customers sheets of one-, two-, four-chamber and reinforced polycarbonate of various thicknesses: 4.5, 6, 8, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 45, 50 mm. Lexan sheets, along with such characteristics as high impact resistance, elasticity, good thermal insulation, fire resistance, have such an important quality as maintaining light transmission over a long service life. Thus, Lexan materials are indispensable for building glazing. Separately, it is worth highlighting the protection against UV radiation. It is applied using a special lamination (varnishing) technology on one or both sides of the sheet and practically does not transmit UV and IR radiation.

The manufacturer offers several options for sheets, consider each of them in more detail:

• LEXAN THERMOCLEAR-PLUS ™ - UV protection on both sides of the sheet, thickness from 4.5 mm and more. High light transmission and high weather protection. 10 years warranty.
• LEXAN THERMOCLEAR SUNXP™ provides UV protection with even more UV resistance than the previous version. Warranty 15 years.
• LEXAN THERMOCLEAR Easyclean sheets are self-cleaning due to the use of a hydrophobic coating that reduces the formation of condensation droplets. Due to this, coupled with double-sided UV protection, light transmission is increased, even in cloudy and rainy weather. 10 year warranty.
• LEXAN THERMOCLEAR Dripgard is a non-drip coated polycarbonate on the inside. It is indispensable for glazing verandas, pools, greenhouses, industrial facilities, where drops are unacceptable. 10 year warranty.
• LEXAN THERMOCLEAR Solar Control IR is a double-sided UV protection sheet with improved weather and impact resistance. But the main distinguishing feature is the blocking of near-infrared radiation, combined with maximum light transmission. Those. the room will be as illuminated as possible, but it will not heat up much inside. Available in transparent blue, light green or grey.
• LEXAN THERMOCLEAR Solar Control - the special inner surface of the sheets reduces heat build-up while maintaining high light transmission. 10 year warranty.
• LEXAN THERMOCLEAR Venetian is a polycarbonate with UV protection on one side. It differs from other white stripes on the inside of the sheet, which have a decorative effect. 10 year warranty.
• LEXAN THERMOCLICK - polycarbonate sheets with X-structure and UV protective layer on the front side. The advantage of this variety is that there is no need to install a vertical profile and the possibility of constructing profileless facades. In addition, this type of polycarbonate has a high impact resistance and thermal insulation. 10 year warranty.

The cost of a sheet 2.1 by 6.0 m with a thickness of 4 mm is from 4300 rubles.

• unique UV protection technology;
• possibility of use in a wide temperature range (from -40 to +120⁰FROM);
• resistance to negative atmospheric influences, including hail;
• solar color transmission can vary from 38 (tinted sheets) to 83%;
• the sheets transmit sunlight well, but not heat (the room is illuminated, but does not heat up);
• the material is fire resistant, resistant to mechanical stress, shock. Maintains rigidity even at high temperatures.

• small selection of colors;
• more expensive than other manufacturers.

POLYALT

PK POLYALT is a Russian plant for the production of cellular polycarbonate under the Sellex trademark. Sellex materials are not inferior in quality to foreign analogues. The plant uses Bayer granules as raw materials, and production is carried out on Italian OMIPA production lines. It is important to note that all employees of the plant involved in the production of polycarbonate underwent special training at OMIPA in Italy.

The POLYALT plant produces polycarbonate sheets with the following characteristics: thickness 3.3, 3.6, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 mm; dimensions 2.1x6.0 and 2.1x12.0 m. All sheets are produced with UV protection with a layer thickness of at least 30 microns. The color scheme includes 12 colors: blue, brown, bronze, red, orange, silver, cherry, green, turquoise, transparent, milky, yellow.

Consider the varieties of cellular polycarbonate for various purposes, which are distinguished by the manufacturer.

• Sellex Comfort - sheets are designed for glazing translucent structures. Thickness 4-16 mm. Produced in two sizes. Available in all the colors mentioned above. UV protection 35 microns.This kind of polycarbonate sheet withstands all the negative manifestations of the weather, including snowfalls and strong winds. Differs in impact resistance. Light transmission up to 80%. Can be used in temperature range -45⁰C-+75⁰C. Warranty 15 years.
• Sellex Premium - similar to the previous one in its characteristics, but has greater resistance to high temperatures. Can be used at temperatures from -45 to +120⁰C. Also, this polycarbonate is characterized by resistance to chemical attack and fire resistance.
• Sellex Solaris is a polycarbonate designed for glazing greenhouses, summer verandas, visors and arbors. Produced with a thickness of 4-10 mm. UV protection from 35 microns. It is available in two sizes 2.1x6.0 and 2.1x12.0 m. All colors are available. 10 year warranty.
• Sellex Matador is an economical option for greenhouses, gazebos and porches. Sheet thickness 3.3 mm, UV layer 30 µm, available in two sizes. Warranty 7 years.

The cost of a sheet with a thickness of 6 mm and a size of 2.1x6.0 m is from 3900 rubles.

• oriented to difficult weather conditions (heavy snowfalls, winds, hail);
• resistant to temperature changes;
• long warranty period of operation;
• wide scope: from private to industrial construction;
• has good sound and noise insulation.

• there are no sheets thicker than 16 mm in the production line;
• light transmission is lower than that of other manufacturers (up to 80%).

Polycarbonate World

The Mir polycarbonate company is a specialized manufacturer of polycarbonate in Moscow. Particular attention is paid to the quality of the materials produced. All material is certified.

The plant produces polycarbonate with the following characteristics: thickness 3.5, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32 mm; sheet sizes 2.1x6.0 and 2.1x12.0 m. 12 colors are available. The company produces polycarbonate of two quality classes - standard and premium.

Class Standard is available in thickness 3.5-32mm. From a thickness of 16 mm, the sheets have a triangular section (structure 2RX) and are more impact resistant. The size range standard class polycarbonate is available in all colors (12 colors). Depending on the thickness of the sheets, they can be used both for small greenhouses and canopies (3.5-6 mm), and for larger private and industrial facilities (8-32 mm). Transparency from 80 to 85% (for sheets 3.5 mm).

The Premium class is available in 4-10 mm thickness in 2R structure in 12 colours. Premium is distinguished by a double-sided coating with UV protection (up to 60 microns). Only one size available 2.1 x 12.0 m.

The cost of a sheet 4mm 2.1x6.0 m from 1500 rubles.

• all products are certified;
• the lowest price;
• focused on use in difficult weather conditions (snow, hail, etc.);
• color scheme includes 12 colors;
• sheets with a thickness of up to 32 mm and a reinforced structure are produced;
• fire resistant (do not burn, but melt);
• double-sided UV protection for premium polycarbonate.

• the manufacturer did not indicate information about the protective layer against UV radiation in the Standard class.

SafPlast

Plant "SafPlast" is an expert manufacturer of polymeric materials in Russia. It produces Novattro brand polycarbonate. To maintain the quality of manufactured products at a high level, only Italian equipment (OMIPA) and continuous monitoring at all stages of production are used.The plant is equipped with its own laboratory, which checks all the main characteristics of the produced polycarbonate.

Novattro is produced in two sizes 2.1x6.0 and 2.1x12.0 m. Thickness 4-32 mm. Depending on the thickness, the sheet can be one-, two- and four-chamber, and its structure is 2R or 2Rx. The sheets are available in 12 colors, as well as in Decor format with patterned inclusions. The protective layer against UV radiation is 40-60 microns. Light transmittance up to 81%.

Separately allocated polycarbonate for greenhouses. It is produced under the brand name ACTUAL! Bio. Its characteristics: thickness 4-10 mm, dimensions 2.1x6.0 and 2.1x12.0 m. UV protection from 35 microns. 80% light transmission. A special layer of Bio contributes to the accelerated growth of plants and the early ripening of fruits.

The manufacturer also allocates a separate series of material for private needs in construction - Rational (Kazan). Its characteristics are: 2 sizes mentioned above, thickness 3.5-10 mm, available in 10 colors. UV protection 30 microns. Can be used for greenhouses, arbors, canopies, etc. Guarantee 10 years.

The cost of a sheet 4 mm 2.1x6.0 m from 3400 rubles.

• several options for the structure of the sheet: regular, reinforced and extra strong;
• sheet thickness from 4 to 32 mm;
• specially developed material for greenhouses with a special Bio-layer (efficiency proven by research);
• large selection of colors.

• linear change in dimensions with increasing temperature is greater than that of the declared competitors.

When choosing cellular polycarbonate, it is important, first of all, to determine its functional purpose in combination with the weather conditions of your region. And only then, based on this, to select varieties of material that are suitable for the characteristics.It will be easier to decide on the manufacturer, because. We have provided you with the best.