Sheet in PETG 2000x1000 mm transparent

Transparent PETG is one of the practical choices when you want to see through the plastic without risking that a sharp edge or a missed blow ruins the whole part. The material is optically clear, impact resistant and lets itself be handled both cold and hot without fading.

The density is 1.39 g/cm³. The sheet takes continuous operation up to 115 degrees and works down to minus 20. Water absorption is low, around 0.5 percent. The fire rating is UL 94 HB. Impact toughness is high even at low temperatures, which makes the material reliable in unheated spaces and cold stores.

The optical quality is close to acrylic in light transmission, but PETG has a toughness acrylic does not come near. The surface gives no yellow tint in normal use and takes UV radiation reasonably well indoors. For outdoor applications we still recommend protection or a grade with UV stabilizer, since long direct sun breaks down all unstabilized polyesters over time.

There are many uses for a transparent PETG sheet. In machine building it goes into protective covers, safety screens and windows in process enclosures. In shop and signage work the material turns up in product guards, displays, price information holders and dividers. In food production the sheet is fitted as splash guards and product screens, since it takes regular cleaning.

Machining is straightforward and predictable. The sheet is cut with a fine-toothed blade and drilled without cracking, even close to the edges. In CNC milling, sharp single or double flute tools give a smooth surface and good edge quality without melting. Bending is done cold at small radii, or hot at 110 to 140 degrees for larger angles. Thermoforming works between 120 and 160 degrees and keeps the transparency well. Bonding is done with solvent adhesive or two-component adhesive. Hot air welding works excellently if you are building up larger covers.

Chemical resistance is good against water, alcohols, weak acids, bases and fats. Chlorinated solvents, acetone, certain esters and ammonia based cleaning agents attack the material and should be avoided. For machine environments with cutting fluids it makes sense to check the fluid spec against the material data sheet.

The sheets come in a wide range of standard formats and thicknesses from about 1 millimeter and up. For guards that are going to be bent or thermoformed there are practical reasons to pick a slightly heavier gauge than the purely static minimum, since the transparency is kept better in thicker sheets after bending.

Choosing between transparent PETG and acrylic, you weigh impact toughness against scratch resistance: PETG wins on impact, acrylic on scratch resistance. Choosing between PETG and polycarbonate, you weigh chemical resistance and optics against extremely high demands on impact and temperature. PETG is often the most practical middle choice in everyday guarding applications.

Need to talk through bend radii, thickness or protection class against a specific scenario? Get in touch and we will help each other find the right one.