PLASTICS FOR DATA CENTERS

The global expansion of cloud infrastructure, AI workloads, and hyperscale computing is redefining the material standards for mission-critical environments. Modern data centers require high-performance materials that meet both functional demands and regulatory requirements; lightweight yet strong, transparent yet secure, and compliant with the most rigorous fire and environmental regulations.


Frequently Asked Questions About Plastics for Data Centers

Should data center enclosures use polycarbonate or acrylic?

Polycarbonate is generally preferred where high impact resistance or a specific fire-rated polycarbonate grade is required. Acrylic may be appropriate where optical clarity and surface characteristics are the higher priority. PLASKOLITE manufactures both TUFFAK® polycarbonate and OPTIX® acrylic.

Which PLASKOLITE plastic sheet meets FM 4910?

FLAMETEC® Cleanroom PVC-C is the PLASKOLITE sheet product designed to meet FM 4910, the fire-performance standard used in cleanrooms and other high-sensitivity spaces. FM 4910 is more stringent than a general flame rating because it addresses flame propagation, smoke, and heat release together. The PLASKOLITE FM 4910 Compliance Guide identifies which materials qualify.

What UL 94 V-0 rated polycarbonate does PLASKOLITE make for data center enclosures?

TUFFAK® FI is PLASKOLITE’s UL 94 V-0 rated polycarbonate sheet. It meets UL 94 V-0 at 0.060 inch and UL 94 5V-A at 0.125 inch. It is specified for server enclosures, equipment panels, and applications where a flame-inhibiting sheet is positioned close to powered hardware.

Does PLASKOLITE offer anti-static sheet for data center equipment panels?

Yes. PLASKOLITE’s data center portfolio includes ESD polycarbonate and acrylic sheet with a surface resistivity of 106 to 109 ohms per square for cleanroom panels, access doors, equipment guards, and process windows. Anti-static plastic sheet can also help reduce the electrostatic attraction of dust and airborne particles to interior panels.

Which PLASKOLITE sheet grade works best for data center aisle containment walls and ceilings?

POLYGAL® TwinWall and MultiWall polycarbonate solutions can be used for data center aisle containment walls and ceiling panels. Their hollow-cell structure provides insulation while separating conditioned air without adding unnecessary weight to the overhead installation. Where operators need to see equipment through a closed panel, monolithic sheet provides the same containment function with full clarity.


Fire, Smoke, and Static Requirements for Data Center Plastics

PLASKOLITE offers material options for data center applications with specific flame, smoke, electrical, and performance requirements. Review common ratings and potential applications below, and consult the appropriate technical documentation to confirm that a specific grade meets your project requirements. 

Product availability varies by region. Consult PLASKOLITE’s technical team to confirm the appropriate grade, thickness, and compliance requirements for your application.

Performance Ratings for Data Center Applications

Rating Application - Where It Is Used PLASKOLITE Grade or Option
ASTM E84 Class A Aisle containment doors, ceiling tiles, plenum walls and dividers, HVAC shielding, rack doors, and overhead panels Polycarbonate and PVC options. Consult the PLASKOLITE technical team to confirm the applicable grade.
Class A interior finish
(IBC 803, via NFPA 286)
Interior wall and ceiling panels, transparent partitions, and interior glazing TUFFAK CA
UL 94 V-0 (.060") and 5V-A (.125") Electrical equipment housings, switchgear covers, equipment partitions, cabinet glazing, and lighting covers TUFFAK FI
FM 4910 Cleanroom systems, cabinet liners, control panels, process equipment, and chemical-delivery enclosures FLAMETEC Cleanroom PVC-C
ESD / anti-static
(106–109 ohms/sq)
Cleanroom panels, access doors, equipment guards, process windows, and static-sensitive equipment enclosures ESD polycarbonate and acrylic options

Plastics for Data Centers

FIRE PERFORMANCE

Flame retardant polycarbonate for enclosures

IMPACT RESISTANT

High-performance plastics protect equipment

LIGHTWEIGHT

Low weight simplifies overhead panel installation

DIMENSIONALLY STABLE

Stable panels support aisle containment systems

Popular Products

POLYGAL Standard Grade sheets are available in double and triple-layered styles, and are m...

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    POLYGAL Polyblock is Multi Wall 8 mm Polycarbonate sheets with 0% light transmission for u...

      POLYGAL Polymatte Diffused offers 99% light diffusion with 77% light transmission making i...

        POLYGAL Selectogal (RFX) controls the penetration of heat and the transmission of natural ...

          TUFFAK CA is an optical grade transparent polycarbonate sheet designed to meet Intern...

            FLAMETEC® CLEANROOM PVC-C sheet material is designed to meet FM 4910. It provides outs...

              TUFFAK GP-V polycarbonate sheet is a polished surface, UV stabilized, transparent polycarb...

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                TUFFAK LF polycarbonate sheet is a flame inhibiting UV stable low flammability product. I...

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                  TUFFAK Lumen XT-V is a translucent polycarbonate sheet with a textured surface on one side...

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                    TUFFAK FI polycarbonate sheet meets UL 94 V-0 at .060" and UL 94 5V-A at .125" thicknesses...

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                      Monolayer VERSEK Utility ABS is a durable plastic that withstands wear and tear without cr...

                        PLASKOLITE’s co-extruded multilayer VERSEK PRIME Capped Utility ABS sheets are ideal...

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                          VYCOM CORRTEC Hitec HDPE is a versatile material for use in a wide variety of applications...

                            VYCOM CORRTEC Corzan CPVC sheet is heat and chemical-resistant. Its excellent corrosion re...

                              VYCOM CORRTEC Vintec I PVC is a normal impact, highly corrosion-resistant PVC sheet. Its e...

                                VYCOM CORRTEC Vintec II is a high-impact, corrosion-resistant PVC sheet. Its excellen...


                                  Data Center Infrastructure Highlight:

                                  Trench and Conduit Applications

                                  High-voltage electrical cables laid in a trench for data center infrastructure

                                  Reliable cable routing is essential to data center power distribution, network connectivity, and ongoing maintenance. PLASKOLITE thermoplastic materials can be fabricated for conduit channels, spacers, cable trays, ducting, routing components, and utility enclosures used throughout trench and conduit systems. These lightweight material options help organize and protect critical electrical and communications pathways while simplifying handling and installation.

                                  HDPE provides moisture, chemical, and impact resistance for conduit channels, spacers, and utility enclosures. Polypropylene offers chemical resistance for cable trays, ducting, and other routing components. Material selection should account for the installation environment, physical loads, temperature exposure, flame-performance requirements, and applicable electrical and building codes.

                                  Common Applications

                                  • Conduit channels and spacers
                                  • Ducting and protective covers
                                  • Utility and junction enclosures
                                  • Trench dividers and pathways
                                  • Equipment access areas
                                  • Cable trays and routing components

                                  CUSTOM CAPABILITIES

                                  Discuss plastics for data centers and custom multi-material options for your application.