Lightblocks

Material Catalog · Material by MasterFormat · Help

Contents 1 Material analysis 1.1 History 1.2 Emerging uses/ trends 1.3 Finish and aesthetic qualities 1.4 Surface forms / shapes 1.5 Cost/ Ordering analysis 2 Material properties 2.1 Primary structural use 2.2 Material performance 2.3 Dimensional and opening restriction 2.4 Manufacturing process and assembly 3 Environmental impact 3.1 LEED 4 Life Safety & Rating Standards 4.1 Flammability rating 5 References 5.1 Student contributions 6 See also 6.1 Similar materials 7 External links 7.1 Leading manufacturers

Material analysis

MasterFormat Number: 06 60 00

History

• Created in 1999 by artist and inventor Mary Boone Wellington as a medium for public art
• Initial purpose of Lightblocks is to communicate color and define space.
• Lightblocks are a lightweight, translucent substitute for glass
• Lightblocks are a light transmitting medium that are supremely adaptable
• Lightblocks are made from arcylic, polycarbonate or any polymer that is appropriate for use. Acrylic sheets are light, clear and weather well. Polycarbonate is more flecible and impact resistance than acrylic and it has a Class 1 fire rating which makes it more suitable for fire code restrictions.

Emerging uses/ trends

• walls, partitions and room dividers
• doors, ceilings, walls and floors
• tables and countertops
• furniture and displays
• signage
• lighting
• artwork

Finish and aesthetic qualities

• Lightblock panels have both a matte side and a glossy side, the matte side is intended to face outward
• Lightblocks with both sides matte are considered double-sided, while Lightblocks considered single-sided are usually backed with a thicker opaque or clear backing material.
• Lightblocks come in a variety of colors and can have custom coloring
• Custom graphics can be applied as well as can be screen printed and engraved
• Edges can be beveled or shaped

Surface forms / shapes

• Lightblocks come in a standard rectalinear shape
• Single-sided lightblocks can be curved to a shape using a track system
• Many of the Lightblock products can be thermoformed (drape formed) into curves
• Some Lightblocks can be bent at an angle along a straight line

Cost/ Ordering analysis

• Depends on size, color, edge detail, custom detail
• Lead time on the project is 4-6 weeks but can vary depending on type of order

Material properties

Primary structural use

• non-structural material
• Tensile Strength: Acrylic 10,000 psi, Polycarbonate 9,000 psi
• Compressive Strength: Acrylic 17,000 psi, Polycarbonate 12,500 psi
• Flexural Strength: Acrylic 17,000 psi, Polycarbonate 13,500 psi

Material performance

• All panels have a clear sealer coast which allows for an increased tolerance to chemical solvents and cleaners
• Scratches can be smoothed out
• Expands and contracts with heat, cold and moisture
• The manufacturer suggests using the following products to clean dirt or other marks: Fantastik, Formula 409 or 20/20 Plasti-Cleaner.

Dimensional and opening restriction

• available in standard gauges of 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 3.8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1 1/2", 2 " with a thickness tolerance of 10%-15%
• Most thicknesses are available in a minimum of 48" x 96" sheet size and also come in 48"x120", 60"x96", 72"x96"
• Custom thicknesses and sheet sizes are available

Manufacturing process and assembly

• Lightblocks are a thermoplastic material: acrylic, polycarbonate or any clear polymer (will advise which polymer is appropriate for your use)
• Lightblocks panels can be installed using bolts, standoffs and machine screws
• Lightblocks can be supported by rigid frames on all four sides or installed in a top channel that securely clamps the material along its entire width. They may NOT rest on a bottom chanel.

Environmental impact

• All thermoplastic materials are recylced back into other useful Lightblocks products as part of their re-purposing practice. A recycled materials authorization number is assigned to all Lightblocks products.
• Lightblocks uses no solvents therefore there are no VOC's emitted during production

LEED

• Lightblocks specifiers can earn LEED points

We need your help! The information regarding LEED qualifications for this material is still needed. Sign in and click the edit link above to add specific LEED credit and point qualifications to this material.

Life Safety & Rating Standards

Flammability rating

• Smoke Density ASTM D-2843: Acrylic 4-10%, Polycarbonate 65%
• Horizontal Burn ASTM D-635: Acrylic 1.0-1.2 in./min, Polycarbonate <1 in.
• Self Ignition Temp ASTM D-1929: Acrylic 850-950 F, Polycarbonate 1070 F
• Flammability Class UL 94: Acrylic 94HB, Polycarbonate V2<0.236"/ V0> 0.236"

References

Student contributions

• Blair Dubak, Spring 2008
• Emily Murphy, Spring 2010

See also

Similar materials

• 3form Website
• resin
• acrylic

External links

Leading manufacturers

Lightblocks Website