X-Type Hollow Polycarbonate Sheet — Cross-Rib Structure for Heavy-Load Roofing and Glazing
Multiple-wall glazing material called X type hollow polycarbonate sheet is shaped like a "X" on the inside. Cross-rib sheets are different from regular twin-wall sheets because they have diagonal internal bracing that stops bending forces from multiple directions at the same time. This difference in structure directly leads to higher load-bearing capacity and greater span flexibility. This makes X-type sheets a good choice for public infrastructure, business gardens, and industrial roofs where normal hollow sheets are not enough.
What Makes the X-Type Structure Different?
Most sheets of hollow polycarbonate have straight ribs between two flat walls on the outside. With the X-type configuration, there are extra diagonal ribs inside each chamber. This makes a cross pattern that repeats across the whole cross-section of the sheet.
Because of this internal geometry, loads are spread out in two directions at the same time, instead of just one. When there is a lot of snow or strong winds for a long time, the sheet keeps its shape and doesn't sag. This means that the purlins can be spaced farther apart, and less metal supports are needed for each roof span.
The benefit to the structure is not vague: fewer support parts mean lower steel frame costs, which can be seen in big projects.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Details |
| Thickness |
10 mm – 16 mm (product range) |
| Structure |
X-shaped internal cross-ribs |
| Light Transmission |
65% – 80% |
| UV Protection Layer |
Co-extruded, 50–112 microns (single or double face) |
| Tensile Strength |
≥ 60 MPa |
| Fire Rating |
B1 Grade (GB 8624-2012), self-extinguishing |
| Minimum Bending Radius |
≥ 2,800 mm for 16 mm sheet |
| Yellowing Index Increase |
< 10% over 10-year warranty period |
| Certifications |
ISO 9001:2015, CE, RoHS, UDEM |
| Warranty |
10 years |
| MOQ |
Approximately 800–1,000 m² (specialized mold required) |
Note: U-value figures vary by thickness. Contact us with your thickness requirement for the corresponding thermal performance data.
Material and UV Protection
Each X type hollow polycarbonate sheet is made from plastic resin that is brand new. On the order, SABIC or BAYER plastic can be chosen for projects that need to be able to track the raw materials.
The UV layer is put on through co-extrusion, which means it is bonded to the sheet surface while it is being made instead of being added afterward. This means that the layer won't come off or peel over time. The layer thickness can be anywhere from 50 to 112 microns, and there is a double-face choice for placements that will be hit by UV light reflected from below.
Clear, bronze, grey, opal, lake blue, amber, dark blue, silver, orange, and yellow are some of the standard colours. You can ask for colours that don't exist already.
Where X-Type Sheets Are Commonly Used
Industrial Roofing and Skylights
Large buildings and companies have to deal with a lot of wind pressure and snow loads during the winter. The cross-rib structure doesn't bend in either the vertical or horizontal directions, so the roof stays flat over long distances without needing a thicker purlin plan.
Greenhouses and botanical gardens for business
When compared to direct-transmission panels, the internal X-structure spreads direct sunlight across the growing area, protecting the leaves from damage. This, along with the insulated air-chamber design, helps keep the temperature inside stable across large greenhouse bays.
Canopies for stadiums and public buildings
Materials that are good for both curved architectural shapes and fire safety needs are needed for places like transportation hubs, sports arenas and covered walkways. The X type hollow polycarbonate sheet is fire-safe according to B1 Grade standards and can be used for static load applications in public buildings that get a lot of use.
Covers for homes, carports, and pergolas
The range of thicknesses includes smaller systems for homes as well. Between 65% and 80% of light passes through, so closed areas stay bright. The insulation chamber structure also keeps heat from building up as much as solid sheet options.
Customization and Supply
Sinhai can handle both OEM and ODM orders. Processing services include CNC cutting, bending, special-shaped cutting, custom film finishing, and help with 3D design for both standard and custom shapes.
The company keeps more than 70 free moulds for cardboard PC shapes and knows how to change production to meet the needs of each project.
Customers in Central Asia can get goods delivered to places in the region in about 7 days from the Kashgar production base. In Tashkent and Dushanbe, local warehouses keep track of their stock. Shipping options include sea, truck and air freight, and we can help you clear customs at our own facility.
Quality Control and Industry Certifications
There are three steps of quality control: when the raw materials come in, while the production is going on, and before the goods are shipped. Impact resistance, light transmittance, flame retardancy, and weathering resistance are some of the indicators that are tested.
Some standards that have been approved are ISO 9001:2015, CE, RoHS, and UDEM. Baoding Sinhai Sunboard Manufacturing Co., Ltd. was one of the major groups that worked on the Chinese National Standard for Plastics—Polycarbonate Sheets, which came out on September 29, 2024, and went into effect on April 1, 2025.
FAQ
Q: What does "X-Type" mean in practical terms for a construction project?
A: The cross-rib design prevents the sheet from bending or buckling under load. In practice, this allows wider spacing between purlins and reduces the number of metal supports needed — which can lower overall steel frame costs for large-span roofing.
Q: Can X-Type sheets be cold-bent on site?
A: Yes. Because the sheet is stiffer than standard twin-wall, the minimum bending radius is larger. For a 16 mm product, maintain a bending radius of at least 2,800 mm to avoid internal stress.
Q: Does X-Type meet fire safety requirements for public buildings?
A: Sinhai X-type sheets include flame-retardant additives and meet B1 Grade requirements under GB 8624-2012. The material is self-extinguishing and does not propagate flame.
Q: Why is the MOQ higher for X-Type compared to standard sheets?
A: Producing product requires a dedicated mold and a longer line calibration process. The minimum run of approximately 800–1,000 m² reflects this setup requirement and keeps per-unit pricing reasonable for the buyer.
Q: What is the expected UV performance over time?
A: With the co-extruded UV protection layer (50–112 microns), the yellowing index increase remains below 10% over the 10-year warranty period under standard outdoor exposure conditions.
Q: What thickness should I specify for my project?
A: The available product range is 10–16 mm. The right thickness depends on span width, load requirements, and local climate. Send your project parameters to the contact below and we can provide a recommendation.
Contact Us
Do you have more questions about x type hollow polycarbonate sheet? Email us at [email protected] with your project specifications.