Palram PALGAR User Manual
PALSUN®
Flat Solid Polycarbonate Sheets
PALGARD™
Flat Solid Polycarbonate Abrasion Resistant Sheets
Architectural, Safety & Security
Glazing Guide
for Designers, Engineers & Professional Consultants
PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
Contents:
Part A. Technical Data & Principal Indications for Use
Page
1. Introduction, abbreviated Definitions & Typical Glazing Applications: …………………….……3
2. PALSUN Family:…………………………………………………….…………………………………..4
3. Standard Dimensions, Weight & Colors:……………………………………………………….……5
4. General Characterizations & Physical Properties:………………………………………….….…...6
5. PALGARD Enhanced Attributes……………………………………………………………………….7
6. Optical Characterization & Properties:…………………………………………………….………..8
7. PALSUN Thermal-Insulation Properties:…………………………………………………..……….10
8. PALSUN Acoustic Properties:……………………………………………………………..…………10
9. Durability under Environmental & Climatic Conditions:…………………………………………11
10. PALSUN Flammability:……………………………………………………………………………….12
11. PALSUN Chemical Resistance:………………………………………………………………………13
12. Sealants, Sealing & Glazing Accessories, Bonding Agents & Adhesives:……………………….13
13. Choosing the Appropriate PALSUN Type for the Intended Application:………………………..14
Part B. Installation Instructions, Directives & Recommendations:
1. Flat PALSUN & PALGARD Glazing Installation on Supporting Frames
according to Supporting Method & Span. Load tables………………………………………………...15
2. Installation of Curved PALSUN Glazing on Supporting arches
according to Arch Radius & Supports Span. Load tables……………………………………………..20
3. General Indications for Curved PALSUN Installation:……………………………………………..23
4. Directives, Instructions & recommendations for Flat & Curved PALSUN Glazing:……………..26
5. Principles of Planning & Engineering Design with PALSUN® Glazing:…………………………..24
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
PART A. DATA & PRINCIPAL INDICATIONS FOR USE
1. Introduction, abbreviated Definitions & Typical Glazing Applications
:
PALSUN®: Flat solid polycarbonate sheet, in transparent & translucent configuration, for use as safety &
security glazing, in flat or curved configurations. PALSUN family Includes many types as could be
observed further on.
PALGARD™: Flat solid polycarbonate sheet, mostly in transparent configuration, with additional
abrasion resistant silica coat on one or two sides, for enhanced resistance to scratches, vandalism and
graffiti, chemical attack & haze. A member of the PALSUN family.
Contrary to regular PALSUN, PALGARD sheets should always be installed in the flat position, never to be
curved, as it might crack the silica coat(s).
Polycarbonate: A thermoplastic material offering extraordinary strength & impact resistance along
with very high flexibility, glass-like transparency & light-transmission, relatively high working
temperature range & excellent workability & fabrication qualities.
Can be fabricated & formed in practically any available industrial process, such as extrusion,
thermoforming, injection-molding, casting etc.
Polycarbonate glazing/cladding (of any type) blocks completely the whole range of harmful solar UV
radiation, while transmitting the whole range of visible light and near IR radiation.
Therefore, People and hardware covered by polycarbonate elements have the best protection against
deterioration & disintegration from UV radiation
This guide refers to flat solid polycarbonate sheets produced by an industrial co-extrusion process.
Possible Applications:
• Windows in buildings of all types,
• Glazed curtain walls and light-transmitting roof-cover.
• Natural lighting apertures (Skylights, Sidelights) in roofs and walls.
• Transparent indoors partitions.
• Transparent acoustical barriers on side of roads & highways and noisy public places (schoolyards,
playing grounds, stadiums & sport arenas, automotive sports etc.)
• Transparent stationary and mobile shields of all types.
• Windows for transportation vehicles (trains, buses &, cars, aircraft, ships & boats etc.).
PALSUN & PALGARD may come in a variety of thickness, shades & colors & light-transmission rates.
PALSUN may also come in a number of surface finishes.
Important Note
:
PALGARD is a part of PALSUN family and identical in most details and properties.
Whenever and wherever PALSUN is mentioned in this manual PALGARD is included, and vice
versa, unless specifically stated otherwise.
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
2. PALSUN Family
Table 1. PALSUN Family – Description & Indications for Use
Ser.
Type & Name of
No.
Product
A B C d
1
PALTOUGH
2
PALSUN
3
PALSUN plus
PALSUN
4
Embossed
5
PALSUN Matte
Finish
6
PALSUN FR
PALSUN
7
Solar-Control
8
PALSUN Mirror
9
PALGARD Clear
PALGARD
10
Translucent
Notes:
1. all PALSUN & PALGARD sheets appearing in the table are produced with polyethylene protective masking on
both sides of the sheet (or on one side on special order). The UV protected side (and the silica coated side on
PALGARD) is clearly marked on the appropriate protective film. The masking would be peeled-off only during
actual installation or immediately after its conclusion.
2. For instructions on transportation, handling & storage see relevant sections further on in this manual.
3. PALSUN & PALGARD sheets carry 10 years limited guaranty, as appears in PALRAM Guaranty Certificate, provided on
demand.
4. PALSUN & PALGARD sheets can be supplied as transparent, translucent or opaque configurations, in a few standard
sizes, colors & tints, thickness & light-transmission. Non-standards properties upon special demand, subject to minimal
order & agreed surcharge. For more details contact local PALRAM dealer.
:
Description
UV stabilized sheet, smooth on both
sides
Sheet smooth on both sides, with
integral co-extruded UV protective layer
on its external side.
Sheet smooth on both sides, with
integral co-extruded UV protective
layers on both sides.
Sheet embossed on one side, with
integral co-extruded UV protective layer
on the external smooth side, unless
otherwise required
Sheet smooth on one side, with antiglare matte finish for better light
diffusion, on the other
An high fire resistance sheet,
conforming to US Fire Standard UL 94
V-0
A tinted, metallic hued, semi-reflective
sheet with integral solar-radiation
control enabling regulated transmission
of visible light with reflectance of most
solar longer wave heat radiation
Sheet smooth on both sides, with
integral co-extruded UV protective layer
on its external side & mirror metallic
coated film on the other .
A colorless transparent sheet, smooth
on both sides, with integral co-extruded
UV protective layer on the external side
(or both) & abrasion resistant silica coat
on one side (generally external) or both.
Same as PALGARD Clear but in specialorder translucent version.
Comments & Indications
for Use
For indoor applications only. Available also
in other configurations as appears in
paragraph 4, 5 & 6 in the table.
Applied on exterior wall windows, curtainwalls, skylights & sidelights or internal
artificial lighting elements
To be applied in open outdoors glazing,
with possible UV exposure on both sides
(sound barrier for instance) & external
artificial lighting elements
Possible UV protective layers on both sides.
3 possible embossing shapes: “hill & valley”,
“Prismatic”, “Hair-Cell”
With integral co-extruded UV protective
layer on the external side or on both.
With integral co-extruded UV protective
layer on the external side or on both.
Available in all possible combinations
appearing in this table.
With integral co-extruded UV protective
layer on the external side or on both.
Available in aluminum shade (gray) & Solar
Ice (pearly -white). Other hues & colors on
special demand subject to minimal quantity
order.
For indoor & outdoor applications. Internal
mirror finish film will always be installed
against a rigid, sealed backup or other
sealed, impermeable protective element.
Other tints (bronze, gray etc.) at 5%
surcharge & 5.0 t min. order. To be used
same as flat PALSUN glazing (and variants)
with enhanced cleaning options & improved
scratch resistance
To be installed in the flat position only.
Non-standard. Available At special order, min. 5 t.
per order /color + agreed surcharge
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
3. Standard Dimensions, Weight & Colors:
Table 2. PALSUN Standard Dimensions, Weight, Colors & Tints:
Thickness Standard Dimensions (mm x mm)
mm 1250 x 2050 1220 x 2440 2050 x 3050
1.0 NA
1.5 NA
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
8.0
10.0
12.0
Table 3. Standard PALGARD Sheets/Panels:
Thickness
Standard
Dimensions
mm mm x mm gr/m2 Transparent Translucent
3.0 3,600
Theoretical
Weight
Theoretical
Weight
2
gr/m
1,200
1,800
2,400
3,600
4,800
6,000
7,200
9,600
12,000
14,400
Standard Colors & Tints
Standard Colors & Hues
Transparent Translucent
Colorless
Bronze
Solar-Gray
Solar-Control
Solar-Ice
Matte
(Diffuser)
Opal-White
4.0 4,800
5.0 6,000
6.0 7,200
8.0 9,600
10.0 12,000
12.0
Notes:
1. PALSUN Non-Standard Choices
production standard are available to special order, subject to minimal agreed quantity.
2. Certain PALSUN types are produced in limited choice of thickness, size, finish or color/tint. Please consult your
local PALRAM distributor about availability prior to order.
3. When a certain color or tint is required it is advisable to ask the distributor or salesperson for a typical agreed
color sample which would be the only binding proof for the true color ordered.
4. Final shade of a sheet’s color would be determined by the thickness & light-transmission percentage
requested. A thicker sheet would need lighter shade for a fixed percentage.
5. Standard PALGARD sheets
2000x3000
14,400
are produced only in 2.00 x 3.00m dimensions, in 3-12mm thickness & colorless hue.
colorless
Other standard colors
(bronze or similar) 5% surcharge,
min.5 t. per order /color
: Other colors & shades, in-between thickness, width & length other than
Non-standard.
At special order,
min. 5 t. per order /color
+ agreed surcharge
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
4. Polycarbonate General Characteristics & Physical Properties:
Table 4: Typical Properties of PALSUN, PALTOUGH & PALGARD Sheet (3 mm = 0.12 in.)
Notes:
1. Conditions, units and values in the table, in U.S. Customary units, are presented within brackets.
2. Results depicted in this table were obtained by following indicated ASTM method, except where another method is
indicated by a (b) symbol.
3. All 3 sheet types are basically polycarbonate, with identical properties, save additional thin UV protective layer(s) or the
ultra-thin silica (abrasion resistant) coat(s) and their contribution to the specific sheet behavior.
4. Test results depicted correlate (when applicable) to a 3.0mm (1/8 in.) thick sheet.
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
5. PALGARD Enhanced Attributes (Compared with regular PALSUN):
a. Visible Light Transmission: Improved by PALGARD silica coat by approximately 1.5% (to 91%)
b. Yellowing Index: Improved by PALGARD silica coat to < 0.75.
c. Chemical Resistance: PALGARD coated side presents better resistance than the non-coated side, or
parallel PALSUN or PALTOUGH. It could be subjected, for limited periods, to harsher chemicals or more
effective cleaning agents during removal of persistent grime or occasional graffiti.
d. Cleaning Persistent Grime & Graffiti Removal: PALGARD coated side can withstand spray-paints,
motor oils, alcohol based markers & other relatively aggressive chemicals along with brisk use of alcohol,
kerosene and even gasoline as cleaning agents.
PALSUN or PALTOUGH are more vulnerable to these materials and might be harmed by contact with
them.. Damage scope depends on duration of exposure & type of chemical.
Resistance duration to each cleaning agent differs, so use it gradually, from the most gentle to the
harshest. Wash-off immediately as cleaning is completed, with lots of clean water and mild detergent.
e. Weather Resistance: PALGARD coated side(s) offers even better weathering durability, confirmed by
thousands of hours of accelerated exposure and years of field tests in harsh climate conditions.
f. Abrasion Resistance: PALGARD meets ASTM D-1044 & ANSI Z26.1 TEST #17 Taber Abrasion Test with
good results, displaying good resistance to friction & chaffing with people in crowds.
PALGARD can endure intentional abuse to a measure, however once gouged by sharp objects (knives,
screwdrivers etc), a deeply scratched surface could not be restored.
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
6. PALSUN® & PALGARD™ Optical Characterization & Properties:
a. Blocking UV Radiation: All the siblings of the solid polycarbonate sheets family block practically all
the destructive & harmful UV radiation range (250 to 400 nm), and a considerable part of the longwave far IR (Infra-Red) heat radiation range (see graph 1).
b. Visible-Light Transmission: In this 400 to 800 nm wavelengths range a typical clear, colorless PALSUN
(or the two others) will transmit about 87 to 91 percent of the incident visible light radiation.
c. Light-Transmission as a Function of Sheet Thickness: Percentage of light transmission drops slightly
& linearly with each gradual increase in thickness (see graph 2).
Graph 1. % Light Transmission of PALSUN &
PALGARD Sheet (3 mm) Versus Wavelength
Graph 2. PALSUN & PALGARD Sheet % Light
Transmission Versus Sheet Thickness
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
Table 4. PALSUN & PALGARD Optical & Thermal Properties - Solar Radiation Transmission
Thickness
LT % LR % ST % SR % SA %
PALSUN Type
(Standard PALGARD
Comes only in Clear)
Clear
Clear Embossed
50% 50 7 54 7 39 26 74 0.75
Bronze
Solar Gray
Opal-White
Solar Control
(Aluminum Gray)
Solar Ice
(Pearly White)
Notes:
1. Values in this table are based mostly on known data about the various sheets in it and partly on theoretical
calculations & interpolations. Performance of other sheets absent from table would be assessed by
approximated extrapolations.
2. See enhanced definitions below for acronyms on top of table.
35% 35 6 42 6 52 32 68 0.64
20%
50% 50 7 54 7 39 37 63 0.75
35% 35 6 42 6 52 32 68 0.64
20%
20% 20 30 18 33 49 58 42 0.36
35% 35 28 35 28 37 47 53 0.54
50%
35% 35 56 33 49 18 58 42 0.34
50%
(mm)
ASTM
D1003
88 10 84 10 4 12 88 1.00
3.0
85-87 10-12 81-83 10-12 3-7 14 86 1.00
3.0
All
20 6 28 6 66 39 61 0.52
All
20 6 27 6 67 38 62 0.54
1.0 35 55 40 47 13 53 47 0.54
1.5 45 50 48 41 11 46 54 0.52
2.0 39 54 42 45 13 52 48 0.41
3.0 28 58 36 48 14 57 43 0.35
4.0 19 59 24 61 15 69 31 0.31
5.0 14 60 21 72 17 71 29 0.26
6.0 11 61 13 77 21 77 23 0.23
All
50 24 48 24 28 48 52 0.64
All
50 45 46 38 16 46 54 0.51
Obligatory Standard / Testing Method
ASTM
E424-71
% STt %
SR
t
SC
Definitions
Visible Light Radiation: The range of the light spectrum wavelength from 400 to 700 nm.
% Light Transmission (%LT): Percentage of incident visible light passing through a light transmitting object
.
% Light Reflection (%LR): Percentage of incident visible light striking an object, reflecting back as is.
% Light Absorption (%LA): Percentage of incident visible light striking an object and absorbed by it.
%LT + %LR + %LA = 100%
Solar Radiation: The solar spectrum ranging from 300 to 2400 nm. Includes UV, visible, NIR &
FIR radiation.
% Solar Transmission (%ST): Percentage of complete range of incident solar radiation passing directly
through a light transmitting object.
% Solar Reflection (%SR) Percentage of incident solar radiation striking an object, reflecting back as is.
% Solar Absorption (%SA): Percentage of incident solar radiation that strikes an object and is absorbed by
it.
%ST + %SR + %SA = 100%
Total Solar Transmission (%ST
Total Solar Reflection (%SRt): Percentage of incident solar radiation reflected by an object, including solar
%STt + %SRt = 100%
Shading Coefficient (SC): The ratio of total solar radiation transmitted by a given material to that
): Percentage of incident solar radiation transmitted by an object, including the
t
direct solar transmission plus a part of the solar absorption reradiated inward.
reflectance plus a part of the solar absorption, reradiated outward.
transmitted by a regular clear glass, with 87% LT.
It can be approximately calculated by: SC = 1.15 x ( %ST + 0.27.%SA ) / 100
%ST + 0.27 x %SA = %STt
SC = 1.15 x STt/100
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
7. PALSUN® Thermal-Insulation Properties:
PALSUN is not an insulating material, but still offers lower thermal conductivity and better insulation than
comparable glass. When considering thermal efficiency and energy lose in winter (heating) or summer
(air-conditioning) PALSUN may contribute substantially in lowering total heating & cooling cost & energy
cutback for single glazing systems.
Table 5. PALSUN Vs. Glass Heat Insulation Comparison:
lazing thickness PALSUN Glass
mm in. K Value
3.0
5.0
6.0
9.5
12.0
Notes:
1. Where PALSUN is mentioned it holds for PALGARD too. Its properties are identical to PALSUN.
2. PALSUN K-value shows significant drop (better insulation) as thickness grows. Compared to glass 12mm
PALSUN glazing offers better insulation by more than 20% than its glass counterpart.
3.In between values to be calculated by interpolation.
8. PALSUN® Acoustic Properties
1
/8
13
/64
¼
3
/8
½
5.49 5.87
5.21 5.80
5.09 5.77
4.69 5.68
4.35 5.58
:
Though less than half the weight of an equivalent glass pane, PALSUN glazing offers quite close sound
insulation properties along with much higher impact strength.
These combined properties make PALSUN glazing an excellent candidate for see-through sound barriers:
lightweight, easy to maintain or replace if necessary, highly transparent and vandal-proof.
PALGARD, with identical inherent basic properties and more, portrays even better advantages for
choosing it for the job(see page 7).
Following table portrays the acoustic performance of PALSUN glazing compared to glass:
Table 6. PALSUN Vs. Glass Sound Insulation Comparison:
lazing
hickness
mm in. dB dB
4
5
6
8
10
12
Notes:
1. Sound insulation/noise reduction values refer to single layered solid glazing pane of the depicted thickness for both
materials.
2. The somewhat higher acoustic reduction value of comparable glass results from its higher specific weight/density
(more than twice than that of polycarbonate).
5
/32 24 30
13
¼
5
/16 28 32
25
½
PALSUN Glazing
Sound Reduction
/64 25 30
26 31
/64 30 33
31 34
Glass Pane Sound
Reduction
10
PALSUN® PALGARD™
doors use)
Glazing Guide
9. Durability under Environmental & Climatic Conditions:
The UV segment of the Solar radiation is destructive and harmful to most plastics & polymers.
The extent of crazing, deterioration of external surface & final disintegration depends on type of polymer
and duration of exposure.
Further damage and accelerated deterioration might be caused by environmental aspects such as ice,
water & humidity, extreme temperature changes, strong winds with dust and sand particles, air &
chemical pollution etc. Amount of damage depend on location, height (above sea level and relative to
near surroundings) climate conditions, air pollution level & nature etc.
A typical & easily recognizable sign of deterioration is substantial yellowing followed by significant
transparency loss, surface roughness & shallow crazing. Such deterioration also indicated a serious drop
in strength and impact resistance.
PALSUN and PALGARD of all types are UV shielded by an integral co-extruded UV protective layer, on one
(external) or both sides (for outdoors applications), providing long-term safeguard against UV
deterioration. Both sheets are inherently resistant to extreme weather condition s most environmental
circumstances. PALGARD has a few more enhanced attributes as mentioned in page 7.
QUV Laboratory tests (accelerated UV exposure) made according to ASTM E-58 (88) US Standards show
that after 2,000 h of accelerated exposure, equal to 20 years of normal exposure to intensive solar
radiation at hot & sunny climates, there was an almost negligible reduction in light transmission and
minimal decrease in physical properties.
All the above assure product longevity and years of service. PALSUN and PALGARD will keep their look,
strength & optical quality for many years of service, under extreme conditions and intensive exposure to
direct sunlight with the minimal reduction of physical properties.
Following graphs show influence of said QUV tests on unprotected polycarbonate sheet Vs PALSUN.
Graph 3. Change in % Light Transmission
as a Result of QUV Exposure Hours
(PALTUF
in
-flat solid polycarbonate sheet for
Graph 4. Change in Yellowness Index
as a Result of QUV Exposure Hours
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PALSUN® PALGARD™
Glazing Guide
10. Flammability:
General Comment: As a thermoplastic, regular PALSUN eventually melts and burns under the intense
heat of a blazing fire. However, PALSUN does not propagate flame. It solidifies and self-extinguishes as
soon as the direct flame is taken away.
Regular PALGARD behavior is the same, though when silica coated on both sides the coats help to retard
the glazing from catching fire for a few more minutes, as silica is inert to fire.
PALSUN® FR: Flame retardant additives make the sheets virtually non-combustible. When the flame
licks the glazing it only gets scorched and eventually melts, solidifying quickly when the direct heat
source is removed.
Drippings do not ignite other combustible materials, as they actually do not burn.
Smoke and heat extraction: In an actual full-scale combustion, when PALSUN overhead glazing (as in
skylights) is exposed to intense heat it will soften at 150° -160°C and eventually produce apertures in the
glazing, enabling heat and smoke to escape, thus reducing temperatures inside the structure and
extracting the asphyxiating smoke. It helps cooling the interior and facilitates firemen duty in
extinguishing the fire.
Flammability Classifications: PALSUN & PALSUN FR, same as parallel PALGARD, are classified as appears
in the following table, based on tests executed by certified independent testing laboratories.
Table 8: PALSUN® Fire Classifications listed according to the relevant codes or standards
PALSUN® Type Standard Country Description Classification
DIN 4102 Germany - B-1
Regular PALSUN
PALGARD
PALSUN FR
PALGARD FR
Note: *Classification depends on
BS 476/7 UK Clear Class 1Y
NSP 92501, 4
CSE RF 2/75/A CSE RF 3/77 Italy - Class 1
UL-94 USA - V-0, V-1, V-2*
NSP 92501, 4 France Clear M-1
UL-94 Clear/Opaque V-0
ASTM D-2863-87
AU 1530.3-1982
France
USA
Australia All
Clear M-1, M-2 (depend on thkns)
Clear/Opaque LO.I. = 30
Ignitability Index = 9
Spread of Flame Index = 8
Heat Evolved Index = 10
Smoke Developed Index = 8
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