
Durable. Virtually unbreakable. Affordable. Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly referred to as PETG or PET-G, is a thermoplastic polyester with remarkable chemical resistance, durability and excellent manufacturing moldability. Because of its low molding temperature, PETG can be easily vacuum and pressure molded as well as heat bent. This makes it very popular for consumer and commercial applications involving 3D printing or other thermoforming manufacturing techniques. In addition, PETG is well suited for manufacturing techniques such as die cutting, routing and bending.
Benefits of PETG Plastics
Compared to acrylic or polycarbonate, PETG is strong and cost effective. Its unique properties make it the preferred choice for impact resistant glass and high strength display units. PETG is suitable for digital printing, for product materials, displays and signage.
In general, PETG is a food-safe plastic commonly used in food containers and liquid beverage bottles. Like acrylic and many other thermoplastics, PETG is fully recyclable.
PETG can be both thermoformed and vacuum-formed and can withstand significant pressure without cracking. Although PETG is naturally clear, it can easily change color during processing. It can be molded into various shapes and extruded into sheets.
PETG is far more resistant to damage than acrylic and can even match the impact resistance of polycarbonate. However, PETG is easy to manufacture, making it an easy material to use for practitioners and professional manufacturers alike.
PETG Applications
Due to its ease of thermoforming and chemical resistance, PETG has a variety of uses. It is commonly used in disposable and reusable drinking bottles, cooking oil containers and FDA-compliant food storage containers. However, PETG is also found throughout the medical field. Its rigid structure allows it to withstand harsh sterilization processes, making it the perfect material for medical implants as well as pharmaceutical and medical device packaging.
PETG is an excellent material for use in modern 3D printers and is quickly becoming a community favorite as it becomes more readily available. Using the right print settings, PETG filament prints easily, has excellent layer adhesion, and prints without odor. It also has very low shrinkage properties and can print larger prints than materials such as PLA or ABS. At the same time, it is very strong and has excellent chemical resistance. This allows it to print objects that can withstand high temperatures, food-safe applications and special effects.
Digging deeper, PETG plastic is often the material of choice for point-of-sale booths and other retail displays. Because of the ease of creating a variety of shapes and colors, companies often use PETG materials to create eye-catching signage that attracts customers. Plus, the added benefit of easy printing helps make custom, intricate images an affordable option.
What’s the difference between PET and PETG?
Although these compounds may look similar, they are fundamentally different materials at the molecular level. PET is the result of combining two monomers. PETG may involve these same monomers, but also includes ethylene glycol, giving it different chemical properties than PET.
PETG is less fragile and more flexible than its PET counterparts, making it ideal for use in bottles. It also has better shock resistance and is more suitable for higher temperatures.
