Polycarbonate is one of the most popular plastic film options for a variety of different businesses and organizations. This isn’t an accident – this plastic material offers a ton of benefits and attributes that can be applied across industries such as plastic film for buses or transportation.
One of the areas where polycarbonate film has become a mainstay is transportation. From fleet vehicle producers to mass transit systems, this industry requires materials that are able to stand up against flying debris, constant foot traffic from passengers and luggage, and basic wear and tear. Polycarbonate film serves all these needs incredibly well thanks to its extreme strength and durability, along with many other high performance properties.
Read on for more about how polycarbonate is the perfect plastic film for buses, RVs, trains, and a huge array of other transport applications.
Suitable Applications for Polycarbonate in Transportation
Polycarbonate is one of the most versatile plastic materials available today. And that versatility translates well to the transportation field. Because of its wide array of high performance properties, polycarbonate can serve as plastic film for buses, RVs, trains, and even airplanes. And it can serve many purposes within each of these different types of vehicles.
In airplanes and other aerospace applications, polycarbonate is most commonly used in interior applications like bulkheads, bins, compartments, and dashboard components. It’s strong enough to avoid breakage when hit with luggage or other large, heavy items. Additionally, materials used in airplane interiors and other aerospace applications often need to meet rigorous industry standards for flame resistance and low toxicity, since these are important qualities for keeping passengers and operators safe during air travel. And polycarbonate is well suited to meet these important industry testing standards.
When it comes to plastic film for buses, RVs, and other large land vehicles, polycarbonate is also a popular choice due to its strength, clarity, and low weight. Since it is significantly lighter than metal and other materials that have been used for interior components in the past, it allows engines to work more efficiently since they don’t have to transport as much weight. This can save fleet managers and operators money on fuel, as well as vehicle maintenance and repairs.
The applications for polycarbonate plastic film in buses and other mass transit vehicles often mirror those within the aerospace industry. The material is often used as protective coverings for interior components like bulkheads, dashboards, and luggage compartments. These areas are often exposed to impact from suitcases and passenger belongings, as well as general daily use from operators. So polycarbonate film can make these areas significantly more durable, negating the need to constantly replace fleet parts or repair damage.
Attributes of Polycarbonate in Buses, Trains, and Airplanes
The one quality that polycarbonate is most known for, regardless of the industry in question, is its impact resistance. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable when struck with moving objects, even those that are sharp, heavy, or traveling at a high rate of speed. In fact, the material can be about 250 times more impact resistant than glass. And it is also stronger than most other plastics. This is because it can absorb the energy from impact more efficiently than other materials. While no material is truly unbreakable, polycarbonate does not shatter like glass. So even if it does break due to extreme stress or impact, it should not result in dangerous shards that create safety hazards for operators or passengers.
So when it comes to choosing plastic film for buses, trains, planes, or any other mass transit vehicles, polycarbonate is a powerful choice for adding strength and protection to the components listed above. It can prevent major damage to components if they’re hit by flying debris or constantly bumped by luggage or passengers. This ultimately reduces the need to repair or replace these components constantly. And it allows the interior space of these vehicles to remain in quality condition, helping transportation providers maintain a positive brand reputation with the travelers they serve.
However, polycarbonate also offers many other high performance properties aside from its impact strength. For example, it offers durability in a variety of environments; it can even be used outdoors or in transportation applications where it may be exposed to sunlight, since it’s resistant to degradation from UV rays. It also provides thermal insulation, which can be useful when installed near parts of a vehicle that produce heat, like the engine or exhaust.
Polycarbonate can also offer great light transmission in clear film materials, perfect for areas where visibility is essential, like operator protection. However, it’s easy to fabricate and produce in other finishes. You can get it in a variety of colors, grades, sizes and finishes to suit the needs of a huge array of interior transportation components. So whether you’re looking for plastic film for RVs, fleet vehicles, or mass transit systems like buses and trains, there are plenty of qualities and benefits that make polycarbonate a top choice within the transportation field.
If you’re looking for plastic film for RVs, buses, or any other transportation applications, contact PolymerFilms to discuss your needs and find the polycarbonate products that most closely align. In addition to polycarbonate, we carry a huge array of high-performance plastics in various grades, colors, finishes, and textures to suit nearly every potential application. We have local distribution centers spread throughout the country to provide fast, personalized service. Our teams have extensive experience serving transportation firms, so we can provide knowledgeable guidance as you select products and customization services. Visit our website to find your local facility and find the ideal plastic film solutions for your transportation needs.