Instructions / Assembly

2
Transportation, Handling and Storage
Palram recommends the following practices regarding the transportation, handling and
storage of Suntuf panels:
1. Transport and store Suntuf panels horizontally, on flat, sturdy pallets, equal or longer than
the longest panels. Short panels should be stacked on top of longer ones. The panels
should be secured and fastened to the pallet during transportation.
2. Store Suntuf panels in a cool and shaded place, out of direct sunlight. Avoid covering
the stack of panels with dark or heat-absorbing materials or objects, to prevent solar
heat buildup.
3. When necessary to store panels outdoors, cover the stack with a white opaque
polyethylene sheet, corrugated cardboard or other materials that do not absorb or
conduct heat. Verify that the entire stack is covered.
4. Suntuf panels are tough, requiring no special care. Nevertheless, Palram recommends some cautionary steps:
§§ Avoid stepping or driving on the panel while the panel is on the ground
§§ Avoid folding panels during handling and installation
§§ To prevent scratching, do not drag the panels on the ground or scrape them against structural elements or other rough objects
Chemical Resistance and Fire Hazard Comments
1. Suntuf panels are resistant to a variety of chemicals and exhibit limited resistance to a second group of chemicals. A third group of
chemical may attack and damage the panel. Degree and severity of damage depends on chemical type and duration of exposure.
To assess the nature of anticipated chemical resistance, consult Palram Americas Technical Support Department.
2. Choose only sealants and adhesives that are compatible with Suntuf polycarbonate sheets.
Visit www.PalramAmericas.com/Sealants for an up-to-date list of approved sealants.
3. Suntuf panels will melt down at approximately 400˚F, generating openings for smoke release in the event of fire.
Sawing, Cutting and Drilling
1. Suntuf panels can be cut or sawed by manual or power tools. A bench / table
circular saw is best for straight long cuts. For better results, cut a few panels
together. Portable circular saws are suitable for on-site straight cuts. Fine toothed
blades recommended for cutting plastics (particularly polycarbonate) should be
used. Consult the blade manufacturer for suitability. Cutting should be done with
blades mounted in reverse direction, spinning at high speeds, and material fed
at a slow rate. Panels should be clamped during sawing to avoid vibration. Avoid
intersecting cuts. If an intersecting cut must be made, drill a hole at the intersection
point and cut the panel up to the hole. A jigsaw may be used for cutting a limited length of irregular or curved lines. Hand tools
such as handsaw, metal shears or hand-held cutting knives can be used for localized, limited work.
2. Drilling is done using a power drill with regular high-speed steel bits intended for metal, rotating at
about 1,000 RPM. Better results with Suntuf are achieved using bits ground to shallower tip angle
than for metal. Clamp the drilled panel down to avoid vibrations or movement during operation.
3. Keep all cutting and drilling areas clean. Blow away saw dust and drilling debris with compressed air.
Cutting the sheet.
Figure 13