FAQ

Of course, we cut our profiles to the desired length. The cutting costs depend on the type of profile.
By the way: Other drilling, turning and milling work on the profile can also be carried out on request, such as stepped holes, through holes and threads in various sizes as well as mitre cuts. Machining according to drawings is also possible. 

No. In order to be able to react immediately to repeat orders or similar, we do not have a minimum order value.

You can find the estimate ship date of your order on your order confirmation, which you have received from us by email. Please note: The ship date stated is the date on which the goods leave our premises - we use a next day delivery service.

If you have a complaint or any queries about your order, please do not hesitate to contact our sales team. Contact the sales team by emailing sales@minitec.co.uk or call us on 01256 365605. 

Sheet grade polycarbonate (aka Lexan or Makrolon) and acrylic sheet (aka Lucite) are two of the most frequently used see-through plastics in our solutions that require clear barriers. Each has benefits and drawbacks:

• Acrylic is the shinier of the two products.
• Polycarbonate is the stronger of the two materials.
• Acrylic is less expensive than Polycarbonate but easier to crack.
• Polycarbonate is more impact resistant than Acrylic but easier to scratch.
• But, BOTH are stronger and lighter than untempered glass;
  • Acrylic is 4x to 8x stronger than glass,
  • Polycarbonate is about 200x stronger.

Common Uses

Another way to show the differences is to list some of the common uses for each of these two materials.

Manufacturer-Approved Cleaning Procedures for Polycarbonate, Acrylic & APET.

The UV-resistant surface treatment on one side of the polycarbonate sheet significantly improves long-term weatherability, so periodic cleaning using proper procedures and compatible cleaners is recommended to prolong the service life.

For general cleaning, it is recommended that the following instructions and cleaning agents be used. These procedures and cleaners are also recommended for use on the untreated, interior surface of the polycarbonate sheet, and for acrylic and APET plastics.

Cleaning Procedures

1. Rinse polycarbonate sheet with lukewarm water.
2. Wash polycarbonate sheet with mild soap and lukewarm water.
3. Use a soft cloth or sponge and gently wash with an up and down motion in the same direction as the flutes, as shown in image.
4. Rinse the cloth or sponge and change the water often. DO NOT SCRUB or use brushes or squeegees. The coating on polycarbonate sheets is UV-resistant; IT IS NOT A MAR-RESISTANT COATING.
5. Repeat rinse and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spotting.

Some Important Don’ts

• DO NOT use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners on polycarbonate sheet products.
• Never scrape polycarbonate sheet products with squeegees, razor blades or other sharp instruments.
• Benzene, gasoline, acetone, or carbon tetrachloride should never be used on polycarbonate sheet products.
• DO NOT clean polycarbonate sheet products in hot sun or at elevated temperatures.

Minimising Hairline Scratches

Scratches and minor abrasions can be minimized by using a mild automobile polish. Four such products that tend to polish and fill scratches are Johnson Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 and #2 (Novus Inc., Minneapolis, MN), Mirror Glaze plastic polish(m.G.M10 – Mirror bright Polish Co., Pasadena, CA), and Plexus* (B.T.I. Chemical, Aguora, CA). It is suggested that a test be made on a sample with the product selected and that the polish manufacturer’s instructions be followed.

Because this material is highly mar and UV-resistant coating, avoid the use of abrasive cleaners and/or cleaning implements that may mar or gouge the coating.

Graffiti Removable

• Butyl Cellosolve works well for removal of paints, marking pen inks, lipstick, etc.
• Masking tape, adhesive tape, or lint removal tools work well for lifting off old weathered paints.
• To remove label stickers, etc. The use of kerosene or VM&P Naphtha is generally effective. When the solvent will not penetrate sticker material apply heat (hairdryer) to soften the adhesive and promote removal. GASOLINE SHOULD NEVER BE USED.

New Construction and renovations frequently require that the glazing and surrounding sash and wall finish be cleaned of any excess mortar, paint, sealant, primers, or other construction compounds. Only recommended cleaners should be used to clean.

Contact with harsh solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or muriatic acid can result in surface degradation and possible crazing.

Our bespoke MiniTec solutions require a range of supplementary products to fully enable a choice of comprehensive systems. One such component is a table-top, a seemingly innocuous part of the puzzle, but also one of the most important, which is why we tend to opt for a product called Trespa®.

What is Trespa?

Trespa is a flat panel based on thermosetting resins, homogeneously reinforced with wood fibres and manufactured under high pressure and temperature. Using special techniques, the panels have an integrated, decorative surface with melamine impregnated paper. The resultant properties make the product particularly suitable for a wide range of applications.

What makes Trespa so unique?

• Trespa is extremely wear-resistant and not adversely affected by moisture.
• High chemical resistance withstands cleaning with aggressive disinfectants with neither the properties nor the appearance of the panel being affected.
• A favourable combination of flexural strength and elasticity make Trespa impact resistant.
• The panel surface has a closed structure, dirt doesn’t cling, making it inherently clean and easy to maintain.
• The fire behaviour is excellent as it does not melt or drip and retains its stability for a long time.
• Standard tungsten carbide tipped tools for hardwood can be used for any kind of processing such as sawing, drilling, and routing.

Where can Trespa Base be used?

Trespa was specially designed to last in tough environments:

• Resistance to moisture makes this ideal for use in moisture-prone areas.
• Unaffected by aggressive cleaning agents and disinfectants. This is vital in areas such as operating theatres, laboratories, and pharmaceutical and food production environments.
• Easy-to-clean surface along with its exceptional scratch and impact resistance, low maintenance with good chemical resistance.
• Highly self-supporting due to its flexural rigidity. This property in combination with high scratch and wear resistance makes the material ideal for all kinds of furniture and fittings.
• Applications such as laboratory, office and educational furniture, reception desks, cabinets, tables and custom industrial workstations in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, electronic and food production environments.

Excellent Properties and Ideal for intensive use

As an extremely versatile material, with excellent properties, Trespa is ideal for use in all public and leisure building and for furniture subject to intensive use. It fulfils the requirements for HPL products as defined in BS EN 438-2/91. No edge banding is needed and it will not delaminate.

Resistant to wear

Tests in accordance with BS EN 438-2/91 – highly resistant to wear, making it ideal for installations where heavy use and frequent cleaning are expected.

Impact-resistant

Tests in accordance with BS EN 438-2/91, the dynamic ball indentation test, proved its day-to-day practical use. A solid, homogenous core with a hard surface based on melamine resins gives the panel exceptional impact resistance. e.g. as wall cladding public rooms and rooms susceptible to vandalism, or as bumper rails in hospital corridors.

Scratch-resistant

The special surface structure and durability provides excellent scratch resistance. Even in heavy-duty use, the panel retains its appearance for a very long time.

Simple to clean

The closed, non-porous surface of Trespa does not attract dirt. The panel can easily be cleaned either with normal cleaning agents or even with strong disinfectants because the material is chemically resistant. It’s also easy to clean graffiti, for which an organic solvent should be used – there’s no danger of affecting the colour.

Chemical resistance

Trespa has a high resistance to organic solvents such as acetone, toluene, xylene and similar substances. The panel is also resistant to disinfectants and cleaning chemicals as well as food juices and dyes, which affect neither the properties nor the appearance. However, where concentrated, strong acids are frequently used we recommend the extremely chemical resistant Trespa Toplab.

Moisture-resistance

Trespa is not adversely affected by moisture and is not susceptible to weathering, mould or rot. Thermosetting resins used for the surface and core make them impervious to moisture. The dimensional stability and workability are comparable to those of hardwood.

Safe fire behaviour

The surface of Trespa is, in accordance with BS EN 438-2/91, highly resistant when in contact with burning cigarettes. The material does not catch fire and flake off. The fire behaviour of both types of Trespa is comparable to that of hardwood. The panel material does not melt, drip or explode and retains its stability for a long period of time. Trespa is self-extinguishing and U.L classified and labelled.

Suitable for applications in the food industry

Trespa conforms with the requirements of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for direct contact with foods.

Anti-static

Trespa is designated as an anti-static material – in accordance with DIN 51 953 and DIN 53482. This makes the panel particularly suitable for applications in clean rooms, as computer furniture or in the optical industry.

Radiation

Trespa can be penetrated by X-rays, so it is often used in the medical treatment sector.

Trespa and the environment

Panel waste can be disposed of or used just like normal building or demolition waste. If it is burned in industrial furnaces (at a temperature of > 720 °C), no hazardous, corrosive gases are released. This is also a good method of recovering energy.