Daniel Dam Barrett
Sales coordinator
Do you have any questions about plastics? We are to help.
Tel. +45 9837 1988
induflex@induflex.dk
Polyester (PET)
What is PET?
PET is a thermoplastic synthetic material which is often called polyester. PET has the chemical name polyethylene terephthalate and is also known as APET. PET is a clear material with high light transmission of 89 %.
PET can either be supplied as an amorphous thermoplastic (APET) or as a part-crystalline thermoplastic (CPET). On this page, we will describe amorphous PET. For part-crystalline PET (PET-P), see here.
PET is known under the brand name Axpet®.
In what shapes and dimensions can PET be supplied?
PET can be supplied in sheets of various dimensions and thicknesses – see more in our product range.
Processing PET
Induflex machines, laser cuts and cuts PET blanks, each method dependant on the type of task or item we are dealing with.
PET lends itself to printing or batch printing and it can also undergo cold or heat bending.
PET can be cold bent if its thickness is under 2 mm. The material has high impact strength, which is compromised only at temperatures below - 20 ⁰C.
Characteristics of PET
PET has good hardness, and it is also a shock-resistant material that can be used at temperatures from - 40 ⁰C to 140 ⁰C. It is also UV-resistant and resistant to most chemical substances at room temperature. It is susceptible to notching and hydrolysis.
Read more about the characteristics of PET in this data sheet.
What can one use PET for?
PET is suited to the production of such things as:
- Display stands
- Protection for posters
- Signs
- Guards and screens
- Visors.
The strength and rigidity of the material means that it can withstand intense pressure and impacts. It has good heat stability and barrier properties.
The many properties of PET mean that it can in some cases be FCM-approved for use with foodstuffs, for example in food wrappings.
PET is easy to recycle, which may be an advantage where it is made into clear plastic advertising campaign materials or visors, for example.
Alternatives to PET?
As a general rule of thumb, one can say that PET is cheaper than PETG, PC (polycarbonate) or acrylic (PMMA).
PETG is of the same chemical composition as PET but has added glycol, making it softer and more bendable than PET. PETG also exhibits good impact resistance and thermoforming characteristics.
In this table you will find density, light transmission and scratch resistance of the clear materials:
| Properties | Density | Light transmission | Scratch resistance |
| PMMA Extruded | 1.19 g/cm3 | 92 % | Good |
| PMMA Cast | 1.19 g/cm3 | 92 % | Very good |
| PC UV | 1.2 g/cm3 | 87 - 91 % | Good |
| PETG | 1.27 g/cm3 | 88 % | OK |
| PET | 1.34 g/cm3 | 89 % | OK |
PET from Induflex
We always carry PET in our warehouse in the form of sheets of various thickness. See the current stock and dimensions in our product range.
We can cut your products from PET by laser or blade within five days.
Would you like to know more?
Are you interested in hearing more about PET and its many uses? Or do you have specific requirements for a particular solution?
