Sheet in APET 3050x2050 mm transparent

A Sheet in APET is an amorphous polyester material in thicker gauges than film. It gives a combination of good clarity, impact toughness and thermoformability that has taken over many uses where PVC used to be standard.

APET has a density of 1.39 g/cm³ and handles continuous use up to 115 °C. The lowest working temperature is minus 20 °C, which means the sheet takes cold transports and cold indoor spaces without turning brittle. The fire rating is HB according to UL 94. Water absorption is around 0.5 percent, low enough for the dimensions to hold in normal environments. Impact toughness is good at room temperature and the material stays clear even in thick sections; light transmission is in the 85 to 90 percent range depending on thickness.

In practice the sheet is used for see-through inserts in machine covers, guard screens at checkout counters and product displays, signs with print or milled graphics, and thermoformed covers and vacuum-formed parts. For signs and displays the amorphous structure is an advantage: the surface takes both screen and digital print with good adhesion, and the sheet can then be bent or formed without the print layer cracking straight away. APET contains no chlorine, which makes the material easier to sort and recycle than PVC.

Machining follows the same logic as other polyesters. Sawing works with a fine-toothed carbide blade and moderate feed; milling with tight chip pockets to keep the heat down. Drilling wants sharp twist drills and a cool tool. The sheet can be cold bent in thinner grades, but for sharp radii or thicker material it is heated first. In thermoforming, an even softening across a wide temperature window gives repeatable deep draws, which is worth a lot in series production.

Bonding is best done with two-component acrylic or polyurethane adhesive, or with dichloromethane for invisible joints in clear constructions. Bolted joints work with countersunk holes and washers that spread the load. Keep in mind that APET is not UV stabilized in the base version; for permanent outdoor use, PETG UV or PMMA are better choices.

For food contact there are APET grades approved to EU 10/2011, common in sample packaging and capsules. Do you need help choosing between APET, PETG and polycarbonate for a given application, or are you looking for a thickness that is not in the standard list? Write or call and we will go through the options.

The large 3050x2050 mm format in transparent lets whole exhibition walls and big sign faces be cut from a single sheet.