Sheet in PETG Life 400x400 mm transparent

Sheet in PETG Life in a transparent version is used where you need a clear, impact resistant and formable plastic in one single material. The sheet is made from glycol modified polyester and combines good optical clarity with far higher toughness than both acrylic and ordinary polystyrene. You can saw, mill and bend it without it crazing, and hot forming works without the material going milky.

PETG has a density around 1.39 g/cm³ and a continuous service temperature up to about 115°C. Water absorption is low, around 0.5%, which keeps the dimensions stable in damp surroundings. The fire rating is HB. The material resists most common cleaning agents, weak acids and bases, but reacts with strong solvents such as acetone and MEK, which is worth keeping in mind when bonding and cleaning.

The sheet is rewarding to work with. Cold bending gives an even radius with no white stress marks. Hot forming needs a fairly low temperature compared with acrylic, and the material flows nicely in the mold. If you cut on CNC the sheet keeps the edge sharp, and if you polish it the cut goes transparent again. Bonding is usually done with cyanoacrylate or special curing PETG adhesive; solvent bonding calls for care.

The uses spread wide. In shop and trade fair settings the sheet goes into signs, displays, brochure holders and shelf guards. In industry it is used for machine guards, sheet screens and enclosures where the operator needs to see into the machine. In electronics it becomes lids on circuit board housings and inspection windows. The sheet takes daily handling and small knocks without cracking, which makes it interesting where acrylic used to break too often.

The sheet comes in a number of standard thicknesses and can be cut or milled to size at our place. We can also machine the edges and drill holes for mounting. The thickness is normally governed by the size of the span and the force the sheet has to take, rather than by looks; a thicker sheet gives a stiffer construction but takes marginally away from the clarity.

For food or medical applications it is important to check which specific grade of PETG Life is required and to ask for a certificate for the batch in question. In these areas the regulations govern the choice, not just the mechanics.

Not sure whether PETG Life is the right choice against something like PC or PMMA in your design? Get in touch with a short description of the use, and we will go through the alternatives together.