PETG is a clear transparent sheet made from thermoplastic polyester. It is one of the most respected and trusted plastic sheets around. It offers extreme clarity and light transmission in combination with a high gloss surface finish. PETG sheets have very good impact resistance, even at low temperatures, and are approved for food contact applications. PETG sheet has outstanding thermoforming properties, combining low energy consumption, short production cycles, extreme draw ratios and good mould reproduction without the need for pre-drying. PETG is easy to screen print, and offers ease of fabrication. PETG sheets are easy to print, making it ideal for advertising and signage industry. It is a versatile material and can be used for a number of different applications including glazing, sign making, displays, protective screens thanks to its impact resistance e.g. motorcycle screens. UV resistant grades of PETG are available for outdoor applications requiring protection against weathering effects.
PETG can also be fabricated using a number of techniques such as vacuum forming, hot and cold line bending, drilling and milling. PETG sheet is available cut to size.
PETG Sheet Characteristics:
PETG is widely used for:
PETG | |
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Colours | Can be coloured depending on costs and production runs. |
Costs | An affordable material, PETG costs greatly depend on the application of the material. |
Production Issues | Cannot be polished, it can also yellow around the edges if improper lasers are used. Proper laser use results in shiny edges. Also, bonding requires proper agents. |
Scratches | PETG is softer than acrylic and can be scratched easier. |
Stability | PETG is strong and does not break easily. A stable material suited for long term use. Also more forgiving that acrylic. |
Cleaning | PETG can be cleaned in much the same way as acrylic. Alcohol-based cleaners are not advised, cracking will become more evident. |
Which Looks Better For POS | PETG is strong but more prone to scratching and in heavy traffic areas. Has a slight tint. |
Strength | PETG is 5 to 7 times stronger than acrylic and resists better to impact damage and drops. |
Food | Food grade is possible. Manufacturing process needs to be considered. |
Lifetime / Durability | PETG is considered difficult (but not impossible) to break under normal circumstances. Also remains less brittle for longer than acrylic. |
Environmental | PETG is recyclable (as long as it's not printed on) and biodegrades. |
Drawbacks | When compared to acrylic it is more prone to scratching and cannot be polished. |
TYPICAL PROPERTIES OF GLYCOL MODIFIED POLYESTER TEREPHTHALATE (PETG) | |
Property | Values |
PHYSICAL | |
Specific gravity (g/cm3 ) | 1.27 |
MECHANICAL | |
Tenselle strength (psi) | 3,800 |
Elongation at break (%) | |
At.120° thickness | 54 |
At.080° thickness | 210 |
Flexural strenght (Mpa) | 77 |
Flexural Modulus (Mpa) | 3.12*105 |
Unnotched impact (J/m) | No break |
Notched impact (J/m) | 88 |
Hardness,Rockwell R | 106 |
THERMAL | |
Deflection tempreture (°F) | |
At 66 psi | 158 |
Vicat softening point (°F) | 185 |
Glass transition temperature (°F) | 178 |
Coefficient of linear thermal expansion (mm/mm-°C) |
5.1*10-5 |
Flammability | |
At . 125° thickness | 94 V-2 |
At . 045° thickness | 94 HB |
Oxygen index (%) | 24 |
ELECTRICAL | |
Dlelectric strength (kV/mm) | 16.1 |
Dlelectric constant | |
At 1 kHz | 2.6 |
Dissipation factor | |
At 1kHz | 0.005 |
Volume resistivity (ohm-cm) | 1015 |