Signage Acrylic Selection
Plaskolite offers sign-grade acrylic sheet in a variety of thickneses, sizes and impact resistance. Plaskolite customer service and the Plaskolite signage fabrication guide will help determine proper ordering and selection.
Sheet Thickness
Determining proper sheet thickness is based on the long dimension of the sign and the specified maximum wind load in pounds per square feet (PSF) (See Fig. 23). The sign is required to meet a specified wind load determined by building codes of your area.
| Uniform Load | Approximate Wind Velocity |
|---|---|
| 20 PSF | 75 MPH |
| 30 PSF | 90 MPH |
| 40 PSF | 100 MPH |
| 50 PSF | 130 MPH |
Sheet Size
Contraction and expansion allowances must be taken into consideration when fabricating signs for outdoor applications. Plaskolite’s sign grade acrylic must be allowed to move freely within a sign’s channels to prevent bowing or dislodging. The coefficient of linear expansion is 0.00004-°F, or .000072-°C
Calculate expansion by taking: Measurement between channels (inches) X (maximum sign temperature* (°F) - room temperature (°F)) X 0.00004.
Calculate contraction by taking: Measurement between channels (inches) X (room temperature (°F) - minimum temperature (°F)) X 0.00004.
A simple calculation is to allow 1/16" per linear foot for expansion and contraction.
Note: * Maximum sign temperature must remain below acrylic deflection temperature.
Impact Resistance
Plaskolite's sign grade acrylic sheet can be obtained with a choice of impact resistance. From OPTIX SG, a general purpose acrylic, to DURAPLEX SG10 that incorporates the most modifier, Plaskolite acrylic sheet can meet the requirements to minimize potential breakage.