PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

Materials / PETG

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)

Tough, clear thermoplastic in sheets for displays, machine guards, and food-contact applications.

10x acrylic

Impact strength

90% light

Optical clarity

1-10mm

Sheet thickness

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a clear engineering plastic that bridges the gap between acrylic and polycarbonate. It carries impact strength close to polycarbonate, optical clarity close to acrylic, and is the easiest of the three to thermoform, vacuum form and laser cut. PETG is widely used for retail displays, machine guards in food-handling environments, point-of-sale signage and protective screens that need to take real-world knocks.

Sizes and formats we stock

PETG sheet is stocked in 1mm, 1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm in standard 2050 x 1250mm and 3050 x 2050mm sizes. Both clear and tinted grades are available. PETG is supplied with protective masking on both faces, which we leave on through fabrication to protect the surface.

Colours and grades

Clear is the standard, and is the most widely used grade for retail and POS work. Frosted, opal and lightly tinted grades are stocked for diffused signage and architectural panels. UV-stabilised grades are available for outdoor signage, although for permanent outdoor exposure acrylic remains the better pick because PETG can haze slightly over years of full sun.

PETG compared to acrylic and polycarbonate

Compared to acrylic, PETG is several times more impact-resistant and forms more easily, which is why it has replaced acrylic in many food-handling and high-traffic applications. Compared to polycarbonate, PETG is cheaper, easier to cut and form, and does not need pre-drying. Polycarbonate still wins on raw impact strength and on temperature range, so it is the right call for machine guards and ballistic glazing. For everyday display and protective screens, PETG is often the best balance.

Why P&M Plastics for PETG fabrication

We laser cut, CNC route, line-bend and thermoform PETG every week for retail clients and food-industry fabricators across South East Queensland. PETG cuts cleanly on the laser, bonds with solvent cement and accepts mechanical fasteners. Our team knows the right approach for each grade and finish.

Key Properties

Density 1.27 g/cm3
Tensile strength 50 to 55 MPa
Impact strength roughly 10 x acrylic, near polycarbonate
Operating range -40°C to +65°C continuous
Optical transmission 90% (clear, 3mm)
FDA food-grade and FDA-compliant grades available
Does not require pre-drying before forming
Good resistance to dilute acids, alkalis and most household chemicals
Not resistant to strong solvents, esters or ketones

Common Applications

Retail displays and shelf wobbler signageFood-industry guards and machine windowsProtective screens and hygiene barriersIlluminated signage and light boxesPoint-of-sale stands and holdersMedical packaging and pharmaceutical traysThermoformed packaging blistersVacuum-formed shop fittings

Project Gallery

How We Fabricate PETG

We fabricate PETG with CO2 laser cutting (clean edge, no flame polishing required), CNC routing for engineering tolerances, line bending on heated wire benders, thermoforming and vacuum forming. PETG bonds with PETG-rated solvent cements (Plastic-Weld, Acrifix 1S) for invisible joints, and it accepts mechanical fasteners without cracking. Unlike polycarbonate it does not need pre-drying before forming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PETG and acrylic? +

PETG carries roughly 10 times the impact resistance of acrylic at the same thickness, which is why it is the standard pick for high-traffic public screens and food-industry guards. Acrylic polishes to a better edge, lasts longer outdoors, and is stiffer. For high-impact or food-industry work, choose PETG; for premium display and signage, choose acrylic.

Is PETG food-grade? +

Yes. Food-grade PETG certified to FDA 21 CFR 177.1315 is widely used for food packaging trays, medical packaging and food-handling machine guards. Specify food-grade at quote time so we draw from the right stock.

Can PETG be used outdoors? +

PETG is more UV-resistant than polycarbonate but less so than acrylic. UV-stabilised grades are available for outdoor signage and last several years before any noticeable hazing. For long-term permanent outdoor exposure (5+ years), acrylic remains the better pick.

Can PETG be thermoformed? +

Yes, and it forms more easily than polycarbonate. PETG thermoforms at around 110 to 130°C, does not need pre-drying, and holds detail well. This is why it is the standard sheet for vacuum-formed packaging blisters and shop fitting parts.

Can PETG be glued? +

Yes. PETG bonds with PETG-rated solvent cements such as Plastic-Weld or Acrifix 1S for clear structural joints. Generic acrylic cements (Tensol 12) will work on PETG but often leave a slight haze. For mechanical fasteners, PETG drills and taps without cracking, unlike acrylic which can chip.

Will PETG scratch easily? +

PETG sits between acrylic and polycarbonate for scratch resistance. It is more scratch-resistant than polycarbonate but less so than acrylic. For high-cleaning environments such as food guards we leave the masking on as long as practical and recommend a microfibre wipe-down rather than abrasive cleaning.

How does PETG compare on price? +

PETG sits between acrylic and polycarbonate on price. For most everyday display and protective screen work, it is the best balance of impact strength, clarity, ease of fabrication and cost.

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