Friday, February 23, 2007

Mirrored Acrylic Sheet
The lightweight, fabrication versatility, increased strength and break resistance are just a few of the advantages acrylic mirror offers over glass mirror. Mirrored acrylic is 10 times more break resistant than glass mirror of equal thickness, allowing it to be used in many applications where glass is not acceptable.

Depositing aluminum on the substrate creates a superior reflective surface. A paint backing is then applied over the aluminum for protection. The quality and durabaility of the paint used in this process is crucial to prevent scratching during shipping, handling and various fabrication techniques.

Additional backings on the substrate include paper masking and vinyl. These backings provide heightened protection in demanding fabrication processes. A pressure sensitive adhesive backing is also available replacing hand applied adhesives that can be difficult to apply and more likely to produce an un-uniformed adhesive coverage. Pressure sensitive adhesive backing is used in those applications where the mirror is mounted to a fixture or in a permanent setting.

Protective coatings
A variety of protective coverings are used on acrylic, polycarbonate and PETG mirror sheet products. These include polyfilm, 3-mil laser polyfilm, papermask and adhesive film.

Mirrored acrylic products
Mirrored acrylic sheet is produced mainly in a thickness range of .060'' to .236''. Generally, sizes are from 36'' x 60'' up to 80'' x 120''. A one-inch overage on both length and width provide a maximum yield in fabrication process such as laser cutting. A variety of colors and textures are available including shades of red, blue, green, gray and bronze, yellow, pink and purple, as well as stipple, prismatic and non-glare patterns.

See-thru mirrored acrylic
See-thru, or two-way mirror allows a percentage of incident light to pass while reflecting the remainder. The illuminated side becomes a mirror and the darkened side becomes transparent. These mirrors are used in monitoring and surveillance devices in institutions, hospitals, casinos and stores. Main thicknesses are available .118'' and .236''.

First surface mirrored acrylic
First surface, or two-sided mirror consists of an opaque film of aluminum protected by a clear coating. Incident light is reflected in either direction making this sheet ideal for applications where the back of the mirror remains exposed, or where a reflection in both directions is desired.

PETG mirror
PETG mirror combines versatile fabrication properties with good impact strength, design flexibility and speed of fabrication. PETG mirror is ideal for children's toys, cosmetic uses and office supplies.

Scratch-resistant coating
A scratch resistant coating that is applied to the substrate is used in more demanding applications requiring abrasion, stain and solvent resistance. A coated sheet can be written upon with erasable pencils making it ideal for scheduling boards and restaurant menus.

Polycarbonate mirror
Polycarbonate mirror offers increased strength, heat and flame resistance. It is also available in see-thru, first surface and with a scratch-resistant coating.

For more information, contact Mike at 763-754-2020.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Insulation value of polycarbonate sheets
Polycarbonate sheets play an important role in today's agricultural market place. From greenhouses to garden centers, polycarbonate is the ideal product of choice. Polycarbonate is light weight, easy to install and allows abundant natural light into interior spaces. In addition, polycarbonate boasts the best fire rating among plastic products and has excellent insulation properties, all leading toward the design and construction of safe, energy-efficient agricultural buildings.

There are two alternatives available for covering greenhouses: a soft cover utilizing polycarbonate. Because most greenhouses not only shelter flora and fauna but also state-of-the-art equipment, a hard polycarbonate cover is most often selected.

Once the decision to utilize a hard cover has been made, then you must again choose between corrugated polycarbonate and twin-wall polycarbonate. Because of better thermal efficiencies and greater diffusion of natural sunlight, twin-wall polycarbonate is likely the product of choice.

Building owners should always keep in mind that utility costs are directly related to the energy efficiencies of any building. For greenhouses the energy cost is equal to the energy lost. As we keep heating, we lose energy through the covering.

Four wall, 8 mm (5/16'') thick polycarbonate sheets offer the perfect solution for today's energy and budget conscious market. With an R value of 2.08, about 15 percent more efficient than comparable two wall sheets, the material will actually pay for itself in less than three years by reducing the heating cost. "Pay more to pay less!"

Now more than ever, it is vitally important that we strive to save as much energy as possible. We have many customers across North America successfully utilizing the four wall, 8 mm thick polycarbonate sheets.

For more information, contact Mike at Ultra Acrylics, Inc.