Material guide
PCT, high-temperature polyester
PCT is polyester for anyone who needs a little more heat resistance than plain PET or PBT gives. Stiff and dimensionally stable, with a hard surface and good sliding properties. A specialty material for parts that have to hold their dimensions even when it gets hot.
What it is
PCT is a thermoplastic polyester in the same family as PET and PBT, but with a higher heat deflection temperature. The character is pure polyester: high stiffness, good dimensional stability and low moisture absorption. This is one of the more unusual materials we carry, so get in touch early if you are planning to use it.
Properties
Higher heat resistance than plain PET and PBT
Good dimensional stability, the dimensions hold even in moisture
Hard surface with good sliding properties
Takes up little moisture, which keeps the dimensions stable
Stiff and dimensionally stable under load
Common applications
PCT is chosen where an ordinary polyester does not quite reach on the heat side, but you still want the dimensional stability and the machinability of a polyester. It goes into mechanical and electrical parts in warmer environments, where the dimensions have to be right. Since the material is unusual to hold in stock, we recommend that you describe the application to us, and we will help you see whether PCT or a more readily available material suits you best.
Limitations
PCT is not a true high temperature plastic in the class of PEEK or the fluoroplastics; it is a polyester with extra heat margin. Like the other polyesters it is sensitive to hot water and steam over time (hydrolysis). Resistance to strong acids and bases is limited. The material is also exotic and carried in a narrow selection, so availability and lead time can vary. Bonding to the smooth surface is awkward, so plan for mechanical fastening.
Grades and variants
We carry PCT in its base version. Reinforced or filled grades may be available to order in, but since the material is unusual we verify availability case by case.
Base grades
- PCT, polyester with extra heat margin in its base version, for parts that have to hold their dimensions in warmer environments.
Machining
PCT is sawn, milled, drilled and turned like the other polyesters. The same warning applies here too: hot water and steam over time wear the material down.
Formats we can supply
We carry PCT as sheet and round rod. You can see formats and dimensions in the range, and for a material this unusual it pays to get in touch about availability. Do you want a piece cut to size? Enter the dimensions in VisualCutter and you will see the price right away.