Sheet in PETG 2050x1250 mm white

PETG is a glycol modified polyester that has made a name for itself where people used to reach for acrylic. The sheet format is impact resistant, bends cold without whitening and keeps its clarity even after thermoforming. It is a plastic that takes a fair amount of careless handling.

The density is 1.39 g/cm³. The sheet takes continuous use up to 115 degrees and handles cold down to minus 20. Water absorption is low, around 0.5 percent. The fire rating is UL 94 HB. The material is no stiffer than PMMA, but it is considerably tougher and does not crack when drilled or machined.

The sheet is optically clear in its natural version and has good light transmission. The surface is smooth straight from the rolling mill and stays free of optical defects in normal handling. In thermoforming the material keeps a good part of its clarity, which is rarely the case with acrylic. For signage, guards and covers that is a practical property.

In production and machine building PETG is used for protective covers, safety screens, windows in machine enclosures and as transparent dividers. In shop and signage work the sheet turns up in displays, product guards and shelf strips. Where food contact surfaces are needed PETG is approved under the ordinary food regulations, which makes it common in bakeries, slaughterhouses and meat cutting plants for splash protection, screens and product supports.

Chemical resistance is good against water, weak acids, weak bases, alcohols and fats. Strong acids, chlorinated solvents, acetone and certain esters should be avoided. PETG is also sensitive to long contact with cleaning agents containing ammonia.

Machining is one of the strongest sides of PETG. The sheet is cut with a fine-toothed blade, drilled with polished bits without cracking and CNC milled without rework. It can be bent cold over small radii without whitening at the bend, which acrylic always does. Thermoforming is done between 120 and 160 degrees and the material draws nicely without losing transparency. PETG is bonded with solvent adhesive or two-component adhesive. Rod and hot air welding work excellently with filler rod of the same material.

The sheets are supplied in panels from about 1 millimeter and up in several standard formats. For guarding that has to last over time PETG is a better choice than PMMA, since the impact toughness is higher and the material does not crack when drilled for fastening. For machine covers that have to take deeper temperature or flame and smoke requirements there are other grades to consider.

Choosing between PETG, acrylic and polycarbonate, impact toughness, scratch resistance and optics are the most important dividing lines. PETG sits in between: better toughness than acrylic, better scratch resistance and chemical resistance than polycarbonate, but not the most scratch resistant of the three.

Need help choosing between PETG, acrylic and polycarbonate for your application? Get in touch and we will sort it out.

In white and 2050x1250 mm the sheet becomes an even background for printed signs and trade fair builds.