I'm having a new flybridge surround (4 sides) installed next month and I'm wondering what the membership thinks is the best polycarbonate.
.040 Makralon or .060 lexan?
You'll want Makrolon AR2 (Abrasion resistant both sides).
This was at 8 years old in 2016. Still looks this good today. The only things that have ever touched it are IMAR and a fresh brand new microfiber rag each treatment...
Nice! No sign of clouding or yellowing?
Our front panels are Makrolon, installed in 2009 and up 24/7/365, and two of the panels have started to cloud over this last year or so. Don't know what grade Makrolon it is, though; didn't at the time know enough about it to realize there are (were) various grades...
-Chris
Thanks for all the info but I'm going to follow the suggestions from the guy who's making the enclosure. He recommends .060 Lexan Margard. He has used a lot of Makrolon in the past but had trouble with "yellowing" after 3 years. So, it's a coin toss! P.S. He's also the oldest canvas shop in my city!.040 Makralon or .060 lexan?
Thanks for all the info but I'm going to follow the suggestions from the guy who's making the enclosure. He recommends .060 Lexan Margard. He has used a lot of Makrolon in the past but had trouble with "yellowing" after 3 years. So, it's a coin toss! P.S. He's also the oldest canvas shop in my city!
I changed to the AR product last year, which addresses abrasion but it's not clear if it enhances UV resistance.
I expect UV resistance would be very important. Also, I don't know if the materials are similar and whether this would even apply, but you commonly see yellowed/fogged headlight covers on cars. That's a result of using ammonia-based cleaners. Most people assume it's UV related, but it's 100% owner/user induced. It makes me wonder if yellowing of the lexan etc panels is similar....
I had coated lexan for ten years and still clear. IIRC it was 50 ga except for 30 ga at curved areas that eliminated frames .
Just finished the job yesterday & am extremely pleased with the quality!Thanks for all the info but I'm going to follow the suggestions from the guy who's making the enclosure. He recommends .060 Lexan Margard.