MATERIALS EXPLAINED CONT’D
Polycarbonate
Typically, this material is known by the trade name of Lexan. Polycarbonate is an extremely strong, shatter-resistant material. It is usually used where the opportunity of breakage is possible. Nine year premium vinyl may be applied (including translucent vinyls for backlit signs).
Polycarbonate comes in white or clear. Thicknesses range from 1/8” to ¼” or thicker. It comes in sheet form in sizes 49” x 97”, 61” x 97” and 75” x 100”. Polycarbonate also comes in roll stock form in sizes 38″, 52″, 64″, 72″ and 100″ high.
Some typical uses include: • backlit ground signs • backlit fascia signs • pylon signs
Acrylic
Typically, this material is known by the trade name of Plexiglas. Acrylic comes is both sheet form and in roll stock. Due to the high thermal expansion and contraction rate of acrylic, it is best mounted using an extruded aluminum frame (usually custom made to size). Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl may be applied (including translucent vinyls for backlit signs).
Popular thicknesses in sheet stock range from 1/16” to ¼”. There is a wide range of colours available in sheet sizes of 49″ x 97″, 61″ x 96″ and 75″ x 100″.
Roll stock is 3/16” thick in either white or clear. The heights of acrylic roll stock are 30”, 39”, 51”, 63”, and 75”.
Some typical uses include: • backlit ground signs • backlit fascia signs • pylon signs
Magnetic
Ultra Magnetic material is a thin film of vinyl on top of a magnetic sheet for mounting to metal surfaces. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyls can be applied. Ultra magnetic material may also be screen-printed. This material comes on rolls 24” wide in thicknesses of .030”.
Some typical uses include: • fridge magnets • vehicle signs
PVC
PVC is a smooth, hard plastic material. Thicknesses range from .040” to 1”. It is available in various standard colours such as red, blue, yellow, green, white, and black but not in all thicknesses. The most popular thickness is 1/8” (3 mm). Sheet sizes are 4’ x 8”, 4’ x 10’ and 5’ x 10’. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl can be applied. PVC can also be screen-printed.
Some typical uses include: • tradeshow displays • light duty industrial signs
Styrene
Styrene or HIPS (High Impact Styrene) is smooth, white, lightweight plastic material. It is available in .012”, .020”, .030”, .040”, 1/16”, .080 and 1/8” thicknesses. Sheet sizes are 40” x 72” and 48” x 96”. Three to five year and nine year premium vinyl may be applied. Styrene may also be screen-printed.
Some typical uses include: • tradeshow displays • internal bus sign advertising • external bus sign advertising
Other Materials
Be sure to ask about other outdoor durable materials such as:
• Econolite & Alumalite – http://www.laminatorsinc.com/signs/products/signsoverview.htm
AluPanel – http://www.multipaneluk.co.uk/alupanel/alupanel_overview.php