Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly abbreviated as PET, is a versatile thermoplastic material widely utilized in various applications, including

  • gears
  • covers
  • bearings
  • bobbins
  • plates
  • rods
  • tubes
  • windows
  • protective components
  • machine covers
  • wheels
  • rolls.

Key properties of PET plastic

  • Excellent wear resistance.
  • High dimensional stability.
  • Low moisture absorption.
  • Well-suited for applications where POM falls short in wear resistance.
  • Maintains tight tolerances.
  • Suitable for food-approved applications with an Ra value of 0.8 during processing.

The different PET-plastics

Polyethylene Terephthalate, commonly abbreviated as PET, shares properties akin to POM (Polyoxymethylene). We offer PET in various forms, including plates, rods, and tubes, providing versatile solutions for a multitude of applications.

PET comes in two primary variations:

  1. Semi-Crystalline PET (PET-P)
    a. available with or without lubricant
    b. boasts excellent wear resistance.
  2. Amorphous PET (PET-G)
    a. transparent in nature
    b. although it exhibits slightly poorer mechanical properties, it excels as a preferred choice for applications like windows, protection, machine covers, and more.

 

There is also a third variation which is PET + lubricant (PET TX). This type

  • features lower friction properties
  • is ideal for wheels with lower surface pressure, sliding strips, shoes, etc
  • is slightly greyish in color.

Polyethylene terephthalate chemical resistance

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) has moderate chemical resistance. It is resistant to

  • water
  • alcohols
  • oils
  • greases
  • dilute acids
  • bases
  • aliphatic hydrocarbons.

The plastic is less resistant to

  • strong mineral acids
  • strong bases
  • aromatic hydrocarbons
  • some organic solvents.

Consider the specific chemical environment when choosing PET for an application.

The limitations of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic

  • Limited temperature resistance (low melting point).
  • Moderate chemical resistance (vulnerable to strong acids and bases).
  • Moisture absorption can affect mechanical properties.
  • Brittle at low temperatures.
  • Susceptible to UV degradation.
  • Recycling can be challenging due to contaminants.
  • Limited color options.
  • Not suitable for high-friction applications.
  • Flammable and produces toxic gasses when burned.

For additional information or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact us. PET plastic offers a wide range of possibilities for your engineering and construction needs.

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