What is PETG?
PETG stands for glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate - an amorphous copolyester that combines thermoplastic processability with high clarity and good impact strength. As sheet stock, PETG is available in several surface finishes: clear, opal (light-diffusing), satin (matte) and embossed; a UV-stabilised grade additionally protects against yellowing outdoors.
The material achieves light transmission of up to 90% (clear grade) and remains impact resistant even at low temperatures. It is physiologically safe, food-safe in the clear grade and FDA-compliant, and forms, cold-bends, bonds and welds very well.
Typical applications include retail displays and shopfitting, illuminated signage, exhibition stands, backlit ceiling panels, machine guarding, and individually thermoformed orthopaedic components.
Technical Data
| Property | Value | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General Properties | ||
| Density | 1.27 (opal: 1.28) g / cm³ | DIN EN ISO 1183 |
| Shore hardness D (15 s) | 78 | DIN EN ISO 868 |
| Light transmission | 90 (opal: 25) % | |
| Fire behaviour (1-8 mm clear / 3-8 mm opal) | B1, flame retardant | DIN 4102 |
| Physiological safety | confirmed | BfR |
| Food contact conformity (EU), clear grade | confirmed | |
| FDA conformity | confirmed | FDA |
| Mechanical Properties | ||
| Yield stress | 52 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Yield strain | 4.5 % | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Tensile modulus | 1900 MPa | DIN EN ISO 527 |
| Notched impact strength | 10 (opal: 7) kJ / m² | DIN EN ISO 179 |
| Thermal Properties | ||
| Service temperature range | -40 °C to +65 °C | |
| Coefficient of linear expansion | 0.7 · 10-4 / K | ISO 11359-2 |
| Electrical Properties | ||
| Dielectric strength | 16 kV / mm | DIN IEC 60243-1 |
| Surface resistivity | 1014 Ω | DIN IEC 60093 |
PETG in detail
1What is PETG?+
PETG is a glycol-modified copolyester combining thermoplastic processability with high clarity, good impact strength and flame retardancy (B1). It is available in clear, opal, satin and embossed grades.
2How does Liedtke process PETG?+
We saw, mill, drill, punch and cut PETG to precise dimensions from your drawing, and offer thermoforming, cold bending, bonding and laser cutting on request.
3When should I choose PETG?+
PETG pays off whenever clarity, good impact strength and thermoformability are required, for example:
- Retail displays, showcases and shopfitting with high clarity
- Light boxes and illuminated signs with even light diffusion in opal or satin grades
- Back-lit ceiling panels, for example for exhibition stands
- Viewing windows and protective guarding in mechanical and plant engineering with good impact strength and flame retardancy (B1)
- Individually thermoformed components in orthopaedics
4What determines the price of a PETG cut piece?+
The price depends mainly on sheet thickness, surface finish, sheet size, machining effort and quantity. We are happy to provide a binding quote based on your drawing or measurements.
5When is PETG not the right choice?+
PETG is suitable for continuous use only up to around +65°C and is sensitive to aggressive solvents. For higher temperature requirements or heavy chemical exposure, another clear material such as PC is the better choice.
6Advantages and disadvantages of PETG+
An honest assessment:
- Advantage: High transparency and good optical quality
- Advantage: Readily thermoformable and cold-bendable
- Advantage: Flame retardant (B1 acc. to DIN 4102)
- Advantage: Physiologically safe, food-safe and FDA-compliant
- Advantage: Wide processing range including bonding, welding and laser cutting
- Disadvantage: Limited service temperature range up to approx. +65°C
- Disadvantage: Sensitive to aggressive solvents
- Disadvantage: More prone to scratching than coated specialty products
Typical properties
- Available transparent to opaque
- High light transmission up to 90%
- Flame retardant (B1)
- Physiologically safe
- Food-safe and FDA-compliant
- Service temperature -40 °C to +65 °C
- Readily thermoformable and cold-bendable
- Weldable
Typical industries
- Retail displays and shopfitting
- Illuminated signage
- Exhibition and trade-show construction
- Ceiling panels
- Machine guarding and enclosures
- Orthopaedics
- Construction and design
Downloads for PETG
Related Materials
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A drawing or measurements are enough. We calculate a concrete price and give you an honest recommendation on whether PETG is the optimal choice for your application or whether an alternative would make more sense.
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