Technical Specifications

1212 Enterprise Drive, De Pere, WI 54115 | P: 888.602.4441 Multiwall Polycarbonate Technical Overview (Updated 9/3/13)
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Sheet Edge Conditions/Engagement:
Sheet engagement is critical to a multiwall polycarbonate system. Engagement is the amount of material held by a frame
or resting on a support. While multiwall polycarbonate is extremely strong, it is also flexible. The panel will not break
but may bend and slip out of its frame or off its supports. A minimum ¾” engagement with at least one rib in the
engagement area is recommended. The system used and loading conditions can influence this engagement distance. To
allow for thermal expansion capture system should hold the panel but not be so tight as to prevent movement.
Edge Sealing/Tape:
The ends of multiwall sheets must be covered/protected to prevent dust, bugs, or excess moisture from entering the
flutes. This can be done using sealing tapes and polycarbonate U-profiles. On the top or high-end of the panel, aluminum
tape should be used to seal off the top edge. The tape will help prevent moisture from entering the flutes. On the lower
or bottom edge, a fabric vent tape should be used. Vent tape will prevent bugs and dust from entering the flutes but
allow the flutes to breath. This air movement is important to allow any possible moisture to vent out of the flutes. In
addition to the tapes, the panels should be either captured in a frame system or have the edges trimmed in a
polycarbonate U-Profile. The profile further protects the sheet edges. The lower edge should have 3/16” weep holes
every 12” to allow moisture to drain.
Some systems use an aluminum profile that tightly fits the edges of the panels. In the case of these tight fitting
aluminum profiles, the aluminum and vent tape may not be necessary. See specific instructions for their installation
including fastening and need for weep holes.
Slope:
To ensure proper drainage a minimum slope of 2:12 is recommended for multiwall polycarbonate. The ribs and flutes of
the multiwall polycarbonate must be running downward to allow for proper draining.
Bending
Multiwall polycarbonate sheets can be cold bent to a variety of diameters. It is important to not bend the panel past the
minimum diameter as this will cause excess stress in the panel. The ribs/flutes of the panel must follow the bending of
the panel. This maintains the strength of the panel and ensures the ribs/flutes are sloped downward for proper
drainage.
Product Thicknes mm(in) Max Bending Radius
6mm Twin Wall 6(1/4) 34"
8mm Twin Wall 8(5/16) 55"
16mm Triple Wall 16(5/8) 110"
25mm 5x Wall 25(1) 173"