Estimate how far your PC panel can move before fixing it. Enter panel length and the expected sheet temperature range. The result is total length change, not the gap to leave at each edge or a fixing-hole diameter. Use the result to discuss the exact glazing or fastening detail with SinoPlastix and your project designer.
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PC movement calculator
Use a preliminary 0.065 mm per metre per °C from Brett Martin’s Marlon FS solid PC brochure (ISO 11359-2). This is a named external grade’s published coefficient, not a measured constant for every SinoPlastix sheet. Confirm the quoted grade’s coefficient and actual sheet temperatures before final detailing.
Formula: length (m) × 0.065 (mm/m/°C) × temperature change (°C). A 0.065 coefficient is prefilled for planning. Movement is calculated separately from the installation temperature toward each extreme. No automatic edge-gap or hole-size recommendation is made.
What the result means at the edges
For the default example, a 3,000 mm panel installed at 20°C and reaching 60°C gains 7.80 mm total length. At −10°C it shortens 5.85 mm from the installation length. The full change across the two extremes is 13.65 mm, but it is not a universal gap to place at each edge. Movement distribution depends on the fixed datum, frame, fastener slots, gasket compression and edge engagement.
Concept sketch only: gaps are not to scale and do not prescribe a dimension. If one end is fixed, nearly all longitudinal movement may need accommodating at the other; a central datum changes the allocation. Check the specified system detail and minimum edge engagement.
Quick checks before you send a drawing
| Question | Why it changes the detail | Send with the RFQ |
|---|---|---|
| Is temperature based on the sheet? | A dark or sunlit sheet can differ from ambient air. Installation temperature is the zero point for movement in each direction. | Expected minimum, installation and maximum sheet temperatures; colour and exposure. |
| Where is the movement datum? | A fixed end, centre fixing or floating edge distributes the same total movement differently. | Frame and fastening sketch showing fixed and sliding points. |
| Is there enough retention? | Clearance must coexist with edge engagement, watertightness and design loads. | Profile/washer/gasket dimensions and required wind or snow design values. |
For another manufacturer’s product-specific illustration, the POLYVANTIS LEXAN THERMOCLEAR installation guide describes approximately 3 mm per linear metre for a 50°C change and requires allowance in both panel directions. Its frame, engagement and clearance instructions belong to that named system; do not copy them as a universal SinoPlastix installation dimension.
Copy the movement brief into your inquiry
Enter what you know and copy the lines into the RFQ message. SinoPlastix can supply custom PC specifications and will quote the proposed sheet, actual price and production window for your drawing.
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Common questions
Is the calculator result the gap at each edge?
No. It is total panel length movement relative to installation temperature. Edge allocation depends on the fixing datum, profile and minimum engagement; request the exact system detail.
Does sheet thickness change the formula?
Length, temperature change and the quoted grade’s thermal expansion coefficient drive this planning calculation. Thickness can change stiffness and fixing design, so it still belongs in the drawing and quote.
Can I use ambient air temperature?
Use the expected sheet temperature range when available. Colour, solar exposure and installation conditions can make sheet temperature differ from air temperature; confirm the project assumptions with the designer.