PET (Ertalyte) Specifications — ASTM D7292, Sizes & Tolerances
Bearing-grade PET-P (Ertalyte) stock shapes are produced per ASTM D7292, the standard specification for extruded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) rod, bar, and plate. This page summarizes the applicable standard, minimum property requirements, typical stock size ranges, dimensional tolerances, and the test methods used to qualify the material.
At a glance:
- Governing standard: ASTM D7292 — PET extruded rod, bar, plate
- Minimum tensile strength (ASTM D7292): 9,000 psi (62 MPa)
- Minimum flexural modulus: 500,000 psi (3,450 MPa)
- Rod sizes: 0.500" – 6.0" diameter in 4-ft lengths
- Sheet/plate sizes: 0.250" – 4.0" thick; up to 24" × 48" standard sheet
- FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 lot documentation available on request
ASTM D7292 — The Governing Standard
ASTM D7292 covers extruded shapes of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polycondensate (PET-P) intended for machined parts. It specifies:
- Minimum mechanical property requirements (tensile strength, flexural modulus)
- Sampling and testing frequency requirements
- Dimensional tolerance conventions for rod and plate
- Marking requirements for identification
Minimum Property Requirements per ASTM D7292
Ertalyte natural typically exceeds these minimums: actual tensile strength 11,600 psi, flexural modulus 600,000 psi. The ASTM minimums represent the floor, not the design target.
Applicable Test Methods
| Property | Test Method |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength, modulus, elongation | ASTM D638 (Type I specimen) |
| Flexural strength and modulus | ASTM D790 (3-point bend) |
| Compressive strength | ASTM D695 |
| Izod impact, notched | ASTM D256 |
| Hardness (Rockwell M) | ASTM D785 |
| Heat deflection temperature | ASTM D648 |
| Water absorption | ASTM D570 |
| Density / specific gravity | ASTM D792 |
| Flammability | ASTM D635 (horizontal burn, UL 94 HB) |
| Chemical resistance | ASTM D543 |
Test specimens are cut from production rod or plate stock. Properties are reported at 73°F (23°C) unless otherwise noted. Lot-specific test reports are available upon request.
Stock Shape Sizes and Dimensional Tolerances
Rod (Ertalyte and Ertalyte TX)
| Diameter Range | OD Tolerance | Standard Length |
|---|---|---|
| 0.500" – 0.750" | ±0.010" | 4 ft |
| 0.750" – 1.500" | ±0.015" | 4 ft |
| 1.500" – 3.0" | ±0.020" | 4 ft |
| 3.0" – 5.0" | ±0.030" | 4 ft |
| 5.0" – 6.0" | ±0.040" | 4 ft |
Rod is extruded circular cross-section. For tighter OD tolerances (±0.005" or better), finish turning to final dimension — Ertalyte machines to ±0.001–0.002" on a CNC lathe.
Sheet / Plate
| Thickness Range | Thickness Tolerance | Standard Sheet Size |
|---|---|---|
| 0.250" – 0.500" | ±0.020" | 24" × 48" |
| 0.500" – 1.0" | ±0.030" | 24" × 48" |
| 1.0" – 2.0" | ±0.040" | 24" × 48" |
| 2.0" – 4.0" | ±0.060" | 24" × 48" |
Sheet widths and lengths are nominal; actual can vary ±0.25" on sheet dimensions from standard stock. For tight flatness requirements, specify flatness tolerance — Ertalyte sheet as-extruded is generally flat within 0.010" per foot but confirm for thinner gauges.
Tube
Tube is available in standard OD/ID combinations with OD tolerances of ±0.015" (small sizes) to ±0.040" (larger). Wall tolerance is ±0.015" in small sizes. Custom ID/OD combinations can be produced to order.
Material Identification and Marking
Per ASTM D7292 and manufacturer practice, Ertalyte rod and plate are marked at regular intervals with:
- Material trade name (Ertalyte / Ertalyte TX)
- Grade designation (natural / TX)
- Manufacturer name (Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials or equivalent)
- Lot number for traceability
Certificates of conformance (COC) confirming ASTM D7292 compliance and FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 status are available from FedMat for food-zone procurement requirements.
Dimensional Standards and Engineering Drawing Notation
When specifying Ertalyte parts on engineering drawings, the following notations are standard:
- Material: "PET-P per ASTM D7292, Ertalyte natural (or TX), Mitsubishi/Quadrant or approved equivalent"
- For food contact: add "FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 compliance required; COC required"
- Color: "Natural off-white (Ertalyte) or opaque white (Ertalyte TX)"
- Tolerances on machined features: per ISO 286 or ASME Y14.5 as applicable; PET-P holds ±0.001" on turned diameters and ±0.002" on milled features without difficulty
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