What is the standard sheet size?

In our High Molecular Weight Acrylic based product we manufacture 2 sheet sizes:
51" (129.5 cm) x 100" (254 cm) x .125 ( 1/8" - 3mm)
51" (129.5 cm) x 100" (254 cm) x .060 (1/16" - 1.6mm)

In our Polycarbonate Based Material we manufacture:
Sheets: 48" (121.9 cm) x 96" (243.8 cm) x .040 (1mm)
Sheets: 48" (121.9 cm) x 96" (243.8 cm) x .020 (0.5mm)

What are the Standard Finishes?

Our standard finish is a High Gloss, however, we can also manufacture a Matte Finish

How hard is the surface of a Nuvacor sheet?

In our Standard Acrylic Sheet the surface hardness is approx. 60% as hard as glass.
We do make a Hard Coated Sheet intended for use primarily on Horizontal Surfaces which is approx. 98% as hard as glass.
Please Refer to our Technical Brochure for additional information and Comparative Test Results.

How Hard is the Back of a Nuvacor sheet? Can it be easily damaged?

The backside of our sheets are coated with a proprietary back coat which is extremely hard and virtually impossible to damage without vandalizing the back of the sheet.  It easily holds up to the rigors of shipping and handling and fabrication.

What are the recommended adhesives?

We prefer the use of a Solvent Based Contact Cement. It is important however to make sure that when using a Solvent Based Contact Cement the Solvents are allowed to 'flash-off' before joining the Nuvacor to the subsurface as is recommended by the Contact Cement Manufacturer. You can also use a Water-Based Contact Cement.

For applications like wall paneling or shower panels we recommend the use of a good grade construction adhesive or a silicone.

Please refer to the Fabrication Manual for more specific detail.

Are there any differences between the Acrylic Based Sheets and the Polycarbonate Based Sheets?

Beyond the size and thickness of the sheets, there are some important differences that should be considered depending on end usage application.

Below are the main characteristics of the two products:

ACRYLIC BASED MATERIAL:
Harder Surface even in the Vertical Grade Material
If surface is scratched it can be polished. It is 'Thicker' and looks 'Richer'
.060 (1.6mm) can be cold formed (bent) around a 16" radius, and if not carefully done can crack with expansion contraction where there is extreme fluctuation of temperature.

The surface can comfortable be cleaned with a product like Windex® and a good quality Paper Towel without the fear of causing surface scratches.

POLYCARBONATE BASED MATERIAL:
Softer Surface. Surface will scratch more easily. Can slo be poilished but with more difficulty.
Impossible to break or crack
.020 (0.5mm) thickness can be easily formed around very tight radius's without fear of cracking or damaging the surface.

Substrate must be perfectly clean to avoid any issues related to 'telegraphing' of subsurface dirt particles.
Machined parts especially where radius's or cutouts have been performed on a fabricated piece will hold up better under extreme climactic conditions, especially exposure to extreme cold temperatures.

How do you join panels side to side? Do you have to have to use a special joint detail?

There is no need for special joint details where two panels meet. In the .125 (1/8" - 3mm) and .060 (1/16" - 1.6mm) thick sheets we suggest that a slight 'bevel' (chamfer) is machined and sanded, or simply sanded at the meeting edges and polished clear, then set tight, side to side.

How are panels used in showers or wet installations sealed at meeting edges or corners?

In showers or other wet installations sheets are set onto the wall after having applied beads of construction adhesive onto the wall and trowelled them to an even thickness. At the wall corners, flat meeting edges if there are any and at the base where the sheets meets the shower pan, or tub deck a bead of clear/transparent silicone is set.

The panels are then placed on the wall making sure that they are square. Once all panels have fully set usually 15 to 30 minutes, you place a bead of clear silicone at the meeting edges and corners. That will seal the joints from sheet to sheet.

How are sheets shipped?

In quantities up to 10 sheets we ship 5 sheets per 'Flat Pack': Flat Packs are made using wooden rails on the outside edges and using a double weight heavy duty cardboard on both face sides.

Quantities greater than 10 sheets are shipped on Pallets or Skids. Up to 80 sheets can be shipped on 1 Skid.

How much do sheets weigh?

The weight of each sheet is approx:
.125 (1/8" - 3mm) 28 lbs (12.7 Kg)
.060 (1/16" - 1.6mm) 16 lbs (7.25 Kg)
.040 (1mm) 12 lbs (5.4 Kg)
.020 (0.5mm) 5.5 lbs (2.5 Kg)

Who pays for shipping?

Sheets are shipped F.O.B. our Pennsylvania Manufacturing Facility. For large quantity orders we do make some allowances for freight.