Polycarbonate Domes
Polycarbonate domes sheets can be either cold or thermo-formed to almost any shape or size while still retaining strength, clarity, and lifespan among other amazing properties. Polycarbonate domes often use Drape or Vacuum Forming methods.
Polycarbonate Domes Introduction
One of the biggest advantages of using polycarbonate as a skylight covering material is its design flexibility as opposed to glass or other glazing materials. Polycarbonate domes sheets can be either cold bent or thermo-formed to almost any desired shape while still retaining strength, clarity, and lifespan among other amazing properties.
Polycarbonate Domes Manufacturing Principle
Polycarbonate domes mainly use Drape or Vacuum forming methods.
Polycarbonate Domes Forming Methods: Drape Forming
VULCAN Polycarbonate sheets are often formed using thermoforming procedures such as Drape Forming or Vacuum Forming. VULCAN Polycarbonate sheets are mostly suitable for various types of thermoforming. It is however, imperative to maintain continuous regulation of sheet and mold temperatures throughout the length of the forming process in order to minimize failures. Our polycarbonate domes are usually made with Solid Flat & Embossed sheets.
Polycarbonate Domes Forming Methods: Drape Forming
Drape forming, which is a much simpler forming technique, generally the method of choice for simple shapes or large curvatures, is done by placing a heated piece of VULCAN Solid Flat polycarbonate sheet on a single male, or female mold. When thermally processed to the appropriate temperature, polycarbonate sheets will sag and conform to the shape of the mold under its own weight, which can also be done by manually applying pressure. Drape formed domes will retain overall even material thickness and is to be considered when choosing between forming methods. It is recommended that the molds be pre-heated before placing any sheets on top, and sheets should also be pre-dried before thermally processed.
Vacuum Forming Polycarbonate Domes:
Vacuum forming is considered the most widely used of polycarbonate thermoforming processes due to its versatility, simplicity, and low cost compared to most mechanical and pressure forming techniques. It should be noted that areas with bend radius or sharp corners smaller than the sheet thickness could result in excess thinning or webbing of the final product, and should be considered when choosing forming type.
Advantages of using Polycarbonate Domes
Polycarbonate domes are normally square or circular in shape and flanged for fixing, and is normally used for vent opening or access hatch glazing, installed over roof decks via a manual or electrically controlled hinged frame covering. The arched form adds extra impact resistance properties to the already virtually unbreakable property of polycarbonate, and can also be used to cover over softer material as an extra layer of protection.
VULCAN Polycarbonate Domes are usually made with Solid Flat or Solid Embossed polycarbonate sheets.
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