Sheet in PET ZX 2000x1000 mm gray

PET ZX is an engineering plastic that is stress relieved during manufacturing, which gives the sheet a stability you notice right away when machining it. Machined parts hold their geometry when the stresses are released, and tight tolerances can be held without rework.

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 damp surroundings the way classic nylon does. The fire rating is UL 94 HB.

Mechanically, PET ZX is stiff and hard. The material glides well against steel and wears slowly, which makes it a sensible choice where you want to replace POM in a sliding part but need better dimensional stability when the humidity varies. The surface comes out smooth and clean when milled, and the material does not chip when drilled.

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

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

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

The sheets are supplied in standard formats and thicknesses from a few millimeters up to heavier dimensions. The color is naturally off-white and slightly semi-transparent in thinner gauges. For structural parts we recommend laying out the direction in CAM so the machining follows the rolling direction of the sheet; that gives the best stability on cut parts.

Choosing between PET ZX and POM C, dimensional stability is the most common dividing line. POM C has lower friction but moves more with moisture. PET ZX holds tolerance better where the 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.

Need help picking 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.

At 2000x1000 mm there is room for several precision plain bearings out of the same gray sheet with built-in dry lubricant.