11 best manufacturers of cellular polycarbonate

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Cellular polycarbonate is the optimal building material for covering greenhouses, balconies, canopies, awnings, arbors. It is lightweight and bends easily to follow arched lines. The hollow structure with air inside slows down heat transfer. Sheets are cut with a jigsaw to the desired size. Light passes well through the translucent walls. To find this material, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the rating of the best manufacturers of cellular polycarbonate, which we compiled taking into account consumer feedback and the characteristics of the products.

Rating of the best manufacturers of cellular polycarbonate

Nomination	a place	manufacturer	rating
Rating of the best manufacturers of cellular polycarbonate	1	Polygal Plastics	5.0
	2	Brett Martin	4.9
	3	Bayer (TM Makrolon)	4.8
	4	Polyu italiana	4.7
	5	Lexan	4.6
	6	KRONOS	4.5
	7	Carboglass	4.4
	8	Sellex	4.3
	9	Novattro	4.2
	10	Ecovice	4.1
	11	Berolux	4.0

Polygal Plastics

Rating: 5.0

The first place in the ranking is occupied by the Israeli manufacturer Polygal. The company was engaged in the production of polypropylene for many years, but when the feedstock decreased due to the oil crisis, it was retrained for the production of cellular polycarbonate. Since 1973, the manufacturer has gained considerable experience and today is a world leader in the industry. The advantage of the brand is the application of a special coating of increased thickness (up to 50 microns) on cellular polycarbonate, which prevents destruction from solar attacks. At the same time, the light transmittance reaches 82%, which is practical for greenhouses and greenhouses. The catalog contains five types of cellular polycarbonate with a thickness of 3.2 to 20 mm.

We put the manufacturer in the rating because of the high quality of the products. The company has its own laboratory, where not only can they theoretically calculate the strength of a honeycomb plate or tensile strength, but simulate natural weather conditions (rain, wind, hail, temperature drops). This allows you to see the reaction of the material and make the necessary changes even before the mass release on sale.

Advantages

• protective layer from UV rays;
• a large selection of polycarbonate in thickness and color;
• many official dealers;
• serves at a temperature of -40 … + 120 degrees;
• light transmittance is 82%.

disadvantages

• there are fakes in Russia;
• high price;
• only two sizes: 2.1×6 and 2.1×12 m.

Brett Martin

Rating: 4.9

In the second position of the rating we have a brand from Northern Ireland. The company was founded in 1958 and today has offices in Europe and Great Britain. The manufacturer offers cellular polycarbonate, which is designed to operate at temperatures from -40 to 120 degrees. The official warranty for cellular material is 10 years, but judging by the reviews, it can last even longer. In the company's catalog, products are divided into three categories: general purpose honeycomb sheets, construction sheets, facade panels. The weight of the thinnest sheet 4 mm is 800 g / m². The thickest honeycomb panel of 50 mm weighs 4.3 kg / m².

Our experts have included the manufacturer in the rating due to the production of extra thick honeycomb sheets, which even the TOP-11 leader has no analogues. This is polycarbonate with a thickness of 35-50 mm, which can be used for finishing more serious metal structures, for example, with two floors. At the same time, the 50 mm Marlon Click Fix board is capable of bending in a cold state with a radius of 3.6 m, which expands the possibilities for creating a complex facade relief.

Advantages

• product service life up to 10 years (guarantee);
• polycarbonate is environmentally friendly;
• self-extinguishing plastic is used for production;
• the bending radius of some types of polycarbonate reaches 0.7 m;
• water absorption 20,000 kgf / cm².

disadvantages

• high price;
• the mass of some slabs is higher than usual, which must be taken into account when preparing the frame.

Bayer (TM Makrolon)

Rating: 4.8

The third in the ranking is a manufacturer from Germany. TM Makrolon brand belongs to the famous Bayer concern and is very popular in Europe. Cellular polycarbonate is produced at German and Italian factories. In terms of quality, the product belongs to the first class and meets the standards of strength and environmental friendliness. Consumers are offered honeycomb material with a cross-section of 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm, which affects the mass of 1 m², ranging from 0.8 to 1.7 kg. There are bronze and transparent options in colors. You can buy panels only in one size 2.1×0.6 m. Consumers in their reviews share that the manufacturer has a flexible system of discounts, starting with a purchase of 20 sheets or more.

We put the manufacturer in the rating, since polycarbonate from this brand is the most fire-resistant – the indicator is 570 degrees. When the honeycomb panels begin to melt, the emission of smoke is minimized, which allows the material to be used not only in greenhouses, but in residential structures (balconies, terraces).

Advantages

• production in Germany and Italy;
• controlled quality;
• favorable system of discounts as the order volume increases;
• 10-year warranty;
• increased strength.

disadvantages

• only one sheet size 2.1×6 m;
• two colors – transparent and bronze;
• no thick slabs – maximum section 10 mm.

Polyu italiana

Rating: 4.7

The fourth in the ranking is the Daulux brand, which belongs to the manufacturer Polyu Italiana, located in Switzerland. Cellular polycarbonate has a reduced thermal conductivity and reduces the cost of heating the greenhouse by 50%. Each sheet is equipped with a UV absorber coating, which prevents the destruction of the polycarbonate structure from sunlight. Buyers in reviews like the ease of identifying the side of protection indicated by marking or blue foil. The company gives a 10-year warranty for its products. The company offers transparent, milky, blue, green and bronze polycarbonate.

We put the manufacturer in the rating due to the resistance of cellular polycarbonate to higher temperatures of +125 degrees. This allows the use of building material in warm regions for the construction of greenhouses and gazebos located in open areas. At a temperature of 145-150 degrees, the sheets only reduce their hardness, but retain their shape.

Advantages

• 6 color options for different designs;
• bending radius from 0.75 m;
• thermal conductivity 0.21 W deg.C;
• impact strength 700 J / m.

disadvantages

• bending sheets of 30-35 mm is prohibited;
• the weight of some honeycomb panels is 3.8 kg / m²;
• high price;
• increased thermal expansion 6.7×10 1 / deg. C.

Lexan

Rating: 4.6

The fifth place in the rating belongs to the Austrian company Sabic. The manufacturer produces cellular polycarbonate under the Lexan brand. The company has existed for over 50 years and its products are used in the glazing of facades of railway stations, stadiums, airports and shopping centers around the world. Buyers are offered two lines of honeycomb building material: Oscar and Boprex. The builders in the reviews report that the panels from this manufacturer can withstand the snow load well, and the greenhouse can not be disassembled for the winter. This is due to the complex structure of the honeycomb, consisting of several bridges inside.

The manufacturer got into the rating because of a fundamentally different technology for integrating a protective UV coating. Unlike other brands that use extrusion, Lexan uses laminating (Thermoclear varnishing). This contributes to reliable protection and prevents clouding and a decrease in light transmittance by 5 times, compared to cellular polycarbonate from other companies.

Advantages

• there is an HP-connection profile for easy installation;
• high light transmission 85%;
• density 1.3 kg / m²;
• increased impact strength.

disadvantages

• only two sizes;
• high price;
• only one color.

KRONOS

Rating: 4.5

The sixth in the rating is given to a domestic manufacturer, whose plant has been operating in Omsk since 2016. Despite its youth, the company has already managed to confidently enter the construction market, offering cellular polycarbonate at an affordable price. At first the company produced only 'Standard' polycarbonate with a density of 0.7 kg / m², which ensured high strength of the walls of metal structures. And only recently the manufacturer opened a lightweight series with a reduced volume of raw materials 'Solaris' (0.52 kg / m²). For structures subject to increased loads, the company produces a special line of premium cellular polycarbonate with a density of 0.8 kg / m², which customers like in reviews.

In our opinion, the manufacturer deserves a place in the rating due to the release of especially durable polycarbonate that can withstand wind gusts up to 20 m / s. The 'Lux' line also has a 20-year warranty, which not all competitors from the rating can afford.

Advantages

• 10-20 years warranty;
• low thermal conductivity 3.6 W / mK;
• affordable cost;
• thickness 4-16 mm.

disadvantages

• operating temperature up to + 90º loses to other companies;
• each meter lengthens by 0.3% of thermal expansion;
• two color options;
• sells only thin sheets.

Carboglass

Rating: 4.4

The seventh notch of the rating is represented by the domestic producers 'Karboglass', which started their activity in 2006. Now the production of cellular polycarbonate is carried out at four plants in Krasnoyarsk and Golitsyno. For the manufacture of products, an extrusion line of the Italian company Omipa is used. Pellets from Kafrit, Styrol, Covestro are purchased as raw materials. For a reliable and sealed installation of polycarbonate, the company provides corner, wall and ridge profiles, which allows you to buy everything in one place and is liked by consumers in reviews.

The company is listed by our experts in the rating due to the production of modular polycarbonate with a high light transmittance of 86%, which is only slightly inferior to glass. This is beneficial for the growth of plants in greenhouses. Also in the manufacturer's catalog there is a reinforced ruler, which, in addition to a square honeycomb, contains a diagonal bridge that increases the strength of the structure.

Advantages

• 3-7 layers of flexible film over plastic;
• service life up to 20 years;
• acceptable price;
• large selection of colors;
• good flexibility.

disadvantages

• mass density does not correspond to the declared one;
• there is no markup on the sheets;
• there are no markings on honeycomb panels, so it is difficult to verify originality.

Sellex

Rating: 4.3

The eighth in our ranking is the Polyalt company, which produces Sellex polycarbonate. The buyer is offered several lines of cellular material: Premium, Inside, Solaris, Standart, Matador with a section of 3.3-16 mm, which is optimal for household needs and small building structures. A protective coating against sunlight is applied to all products and the layer thickness is at least 30 microns. Polycarbonate is produced in two sizes 2.1×6 and 2.1×12 m, which allows you to immediately cover an area from 12 to 25 m². Craftsmen and ordinary consumers in the reviews like that polycarbonate bends easily, and the shape of a greenhouse or a visor can be made almost semicircular. Despite the thin honeycomb walls, the panels provide a sound insulation of 17-20 dBA, which is practical for covering balconies or porches.

We believe that the manufacturer should be in the rating due to the release of honeycomb material in 12 colors. In addition to the typical ones, there are red, turquoise, silver, yellow, cherry. This expands the possibilities for the design of a porch, balcony or canopy, so that the structure is combined with the overall design of the facade.

Advantages

• 200 times stronger than glass;
• suitable for a temperature range of -40 … + 120 degrees;
• obligatory protective layer against UV rays;
• light transmittance 85%;
• resistance to short-term exposure to chemicals.

disadvantages

• sharp edges from the factory;
• the guarantee actually implies a discount on a new sheet if the old one has deteriorated;
• changes in linear dimensions up to 2.5%.

Novattro

Rating: 4.2

The ninth position in the rating was awarded to the domestic manufacturer SoftPlast, which produces cellular polycarbonate under the Novattro brand. The company has existed since 2007 and is constantly trying to improve the quality of its products. According to the structure of cellular polycarbonate, there are three types: classic (square honeycomb), reinforced (with two bridges), and extra-strong (there are 12 additional partitions in a large cell). There are 150 dealers in the CIS, which allows you to buy goods with a minimum margin. Users in reviews praise the products for reducing condensation inside the honeycomb, which helps to maintain transparency. In terms of thickness, the company offers options from 4 to 32 mm.

The manufacturer was added to the rating of the best due to the release of Actual polycarbonate with a bio-layer. This is a personal development of the innovation department. Bio coating is activated when exposed to sunlight and provides 18% more luminous flux transmission than products without it. This helps to increase the content of vitamin C in green mass by 15% and vitamin A by 66% (proven by research).

Advantages

• panels with locks that simplify the connection of sheets to each other;
• the product is certified by the NIISH by the Russian Agricultural Academy;
• service life up to 20 years;
• condensation protection;
• 14 year warranty.

disadvantages

• only two sheet sizes;
• linear change in dimensions upon heating up to 2.3%.

Ecovice

Rating: 4.1

Another domestic manufacturer, offering three lines of cellular polycarbonate, entered the top ten. In the company's catalog you can find the series: Gross-PC, Ecovice and EuroTek. The latter type is specially designed for greenhouses and greenhouses. There are four options for the section of the panels, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm. Water absorption of polycarbonate by weight is no more than 0.4%. Despite the simple structure, the elasticity of the sheets is not less than 2000 MPa. Even the thinnest slab from this manufacturer can withstand a bending load of 8.5 kg. The tensile strength will be 35 MPa. Numerous reviews indicate that this is the best polycarbonate in terms of price-quality ratio, which users choose for installing greenhouses and canopies.

Our experts liked the manufacturer for the presence of black cellular polycarbonate, which is almost never found in other companies. This material is less dirty, no traces of dried condensation are visible in it, and it is suitable for decorating a visor or space under a railing with an interesting design.

Advantages

• there are 11 color options;
• affordable price;
• does not emit a smell of chemistry;
• there is no crumbling when cutting;
• resistant to hail.

disadvantages

• thickness 4-10 mm;
• only the classic structure of square cells;
• light transmittance lags behind competitors and is 70%;
• designed for operating temperatures up to -20 degrees;
• change in size with thermal expansion up to 5%.

Berolux

Rating: 4.0

The rating of the best manufacturers is completed by the Yug-Oil-Plast plant located in Cherkessk. The company produces cellular polycarbonate under the Berolux brand and supplies it to Russia and other CIS countries. In terms of density, most types of products weigh 1.4 kg per square meter, which is slightly inferior to the reference brands with their 1.7 kg / m². But the masters in the reviews share that the sheets of 10 mm thick are quite tough and can withstand the weight of a person when installing the roof. They do not break or puncture, leaving depressions on the roof. All slabs have a 40 micron protective coating from the sun's rays. The manufacturer uses pure granulate as raw material without polymer recycling, which affects the transparency of the walls.

Our experts included the manufacturer in the rating due to the optimal price and quality of products. This is a good alternative to expensive European brands. Another feature of the company are bright saturated colors. For example, green polycarbonate looks like an emerald green, which looks advantageous compared to the pale options of competitors.

Advantages

• various colors;
• 10 years warranty, and the real service life is 10-20 years;
• withstands frosts down to -40 degrees;
• self-extinguishing properties;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• in the parties comes across a different tone;
• there is no strict compliance in size;
• uneven honeycomb structure.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.