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What is PET?

PET is a thermoplastic material of the polyester type. PET, which has the chemical designation polyethylenterephthalate, is also known as APET. It is an amorphous thermoplastic and is a transparent material with high light transmission.

 

PET is also available in a semi-crystalline thermoplastic form, PET-P, which you can read more about here.

 

PET is known under the brand name Axpet®.

Clear PET plastic sheets on a white background

Properties and advantages

 

APET is a transparent plastic type with excellent optical properties and a light transmission of approximately 89 percent. The material has a good service temperature range from -40°C to 130°C. Additionally, it has low gas permeability, low moisture absorption, and is UV-resistant.

 

PET exhibits good hardness and is also a relatively impact-resistant material with good strength and stiffness. This makes it capable of withstanding pressure and resisting impacts without cracking or breaking, making it a good substitute for glass.

 

Furthermore, APET is resistant to most acids and bases, including alcohols, diluted acids, and diluted alkalis. It is also thermally stable and possesses good barrier properties.

Sheets of clear PET on a black background

Is the material approved for food-contact?

As standard, PET is approved as a food contact material (FCM).

 

Therefore, products made from this type of plastic can be used for packaging or machine parts in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

 

All our FCM-approved materials are fully traceable, ensuring safety for you and your customers while meeting all standards and requirements.

Is the material approved for food-contact?

As standard, PET is approved as a food contact material (FCM).

 

Therefore, products made from this type of plastic can be used for packaging or machine parts in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

 

All our FCM-approved materials are fully traceable, ensuring safety for you and your customers while meeting all standards and requirements.

Three thin sheets of clear PET plastic on a white background

What is PET used for?

The broad properties of PET allow it to be used for a wide range of products in various industries. The transparent plastic is used for:

 

  • Safety and machine guards
  • Covers
  • Facade panels
  • Mill blades
  • Roofs
  • Display glass and windows
  • Boxes and trays
  • Displays and signs

 

And much more.

To technical parts from Induflex in clear plastic

Machining of PET

When it comes to plastic processing of PET, sheets made from the material can be processed using various methods, such as CNC milling, laser cutting, or die-cutting on our cutting plotters.

 

Additionally, the material can also be heat bent.

Learn more about our competencies
PET sheets in the laser

Alternative
materials
to APET

As a rule of thumb, PET can be considered a cheaper alternative to materials such as PETG, PC (polycarbonate), or acrylic (PMMA).

 

PETG has the same chemical composition as PET but includes an addition of glycol, making it softer and more flexible than PET. PETG also offers better impact resistance and thermoforming properties.

 

Polycarbonate can be used if greater strength against impact and shock is required.

 

Acrylic is also an option if visual aesthetics are important, as it is more scratch-resistant, offers better light transmission, and is available in various colors.

 

Alternative
materials
to APET

As a rule of thumb, PET can be considered a cheaper alternative to materials such as PETG, PC (polycarbonate), or acrylic (PMMA).

 

PETG has the same chemical composition as PET but includes an addition of glycol, making it softer and more flexible than PET. PETG also offers better impact resistance and thermoforming properties.

 

Polycarbonate can be used if greater strength against impact and shock is required.

 

Acrylic is also an option if visual aesthetics are important, as it is more scratch-resistant, offers better light transmission, and is available in various colors.

 

Carved parts in black acrylic cut out on a cutting plotter
Have any questions?
At Induflex, we are specialists in plastics. We are ready to help you identify your needs, ensuring you get the right material for your project. Contact us today for personalized advice on your project!
Spørgsmål og svar

  • We have a large stock of plastic materials, allowing us to meet requests for standard materials within 8-14 working days, depending on the complexity of your project.

     

    If your project requires more specialized plastics, such as PET with additives, we operate within a month.

     

    We only collaborate with European suppliers, ensuring we can quickly order materials to meet your needs.

  • At Induflex, we can achieve even very tight tolerances in plastic.

     

    When you order a plastic part from us, it adheres to the Danish Standard ISO 2768-1 (medium) by default. We measure the tolerances at room temperature, around 21 °C.

     

    Of course, we can agree on different tolerances if you wish.

  • Like many other thermoplastics, PET is notch-sensitive. Therefore, constructions should be designed without sharp internal corners.

     

    If a design combines notch effects with internal stresses, it doesn't take much for the PET to crack during processing, transportation, or initial use.

     

    Additionally, it is also hydrolysis-sensitive.

  • By sending us a STEP file or PDF with your drawings, we can quickly help determine if PET is the right choice for your project.

     

    We can also identify the most suitable processing method for your components.

Technical Plastics
for various tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials

Technical Plastics
for various tasks

At Induflex, we specialize exclusively in plastics. However, plastic is not just plastic. There are many different types of technical plastic materials, each with its unique properties.

 

Explore our materials and get closer to finding the right one for your project.

Learn more about our materials
Crane picking up plastic sheets in Induflex's automatic sheet storage

Have any questions? Fill out the form, and we will get in touch with you.

Induflex is always ready to guide you on the use of technical plastics.