Lexan polycarbonate is the choice of many manufacturers when a tough, energy absorbing plastic is needed.
This material has over 250 times the impact strength of glass and withstands blows from rocks to hammers without shattering. Also, it does not burn like other plastics do during a fire. For these reasons and more, PTL uses Lexan for injection molded pushbutton parts and flush lenses.
Keeping an elevator clean is an important daily task for many customers, however this activity may harm the Lexan components if cleaners are not chosen properly. Cleaners that work well on the stainless steel surface may degrade the Lexan material. Manufacturers of Lexan have determined that most hydrocarbons, phenols, ketones and alkalis will result in failure or severe degradation of Lexan. Cleaners with these ingredients should not be used. The only industry recommended cleaning method is warm water and mild soap on a soft cloth.
1 . PTL uses mild soap and water on panels before shipping. This is the only method we can recommend.
2. If our recommendations cannot be followed there are several products specifically formulated to clean Lexan that can be found on the Internet. For example: GE recommends Johnson Wax Jonclean as a general-purpose cleaner that can be used on Lexan.
3. Chemical suppliers should be able to determine if their products are harmful to plastics.
4. With all cleaners, the product should never be sprayed directly on pushbuttons, spray a cloth first.
Keep elevator panels clean and serviceable for many years but choosing proper cleaning materials and training the cleaning staff.
For questions and concerns on this subject, please contact Rob Taylor, R&D manager, PTL Equipment. 1-800-736-2120 or email at robtaylor@ptlequipment.com