Sheet in PET ZX 1000x1000 mm gray

PET ZX is an engineering plastic that is stress relieved during manufacture, which gives the sheet a stability you notice right away when machining. Machined parts keep their geometry when the stresses are released, and fine tolerances can be held without extra work afterwards.

The density is 1.45 g/cm³. The sheet takes continuous use up to 115 degrees and works down to minus 20. Water absorption is low, around 0.47 percent, so parts do not grow in a humid environment the way classic polyamide does. The fire rating is UL 94 HB.

Mechanically PET ZX is stiff and hard. The material slides well against steel and wears little, which makes it a reasonable choice where you want to replace POM in a sliding part but need better shape stability under varying humidity. The surface comes out smooth and fine when milled, and the material does not flake when drilled.

The sheet format is used a lot for slide plates, wear strips, guides and fixture parts in conveyors and packing machines. In the food industry PET ZX turns up in cutting boards for cutting tools, dosing parts and wear parts where cleaning happens daily. Workshops mill gears, cams and locking parts out of the sheet when POM moves too much through temperature changes.

The material handles weak and medium strength acids, bases and alcohol well. Strong acids, chlorinated solvents and phenol should be avoided. In contact with hot water for a long time PET hydrolyzes over time, so prolonged boiling exposure is not a good environment.

Machining is uncomplicated. The sheet is milled with sharp carbide tools and good chip clearance; high feed rates and moderate cutting speeds give the cleanest result. Sawing works with a fine tooth blade and good cooling. Bonding is possible with cyanoacrylate or two-component adhesive, but thread adhesive and epoxy hold better if the part has to carry load. Welding is not a first choice for PET ZX.

The sheets are supplied in standardized formats and thicknesses, from a few millimeters up to heavier dimensions. The color is naturally bone white and slightly translucent in thinner gauges. For structural parts it is recommended to lay out the direction in CAM so the machining follows the rolling direction of the sheet; that gives the best stability in cut-out parts.

Choosing between PET ZX and POM C, shape stability is the most common dividing line. POM C has lower friction but moves more with moisture. PET ZX holds tolerance better in environments where humidity varies over the year. For plain bearings with heavy loads or continuous water contact there are other grades that suit better, get in touch if you are unsure.

The 1000x1000 mm square in gray carries added dry lubricant and suits slide blocks and gears that have to run dry without oil.

Need help choosing the right thickness or judging whether PET ZX is the right grade for your part? Get in touch and we will go through the design together.