PETG Material — Clear Thermoformable Plastic Sheet, Rod & Tube

PETG (glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate) is an amorphous, optically clear thermoplastic sheet used for point-of-purchase displays, machine guards, thermoformed packaging, and food-contact covers. Its combination of optical clarity, easy thermoforming at low temperatures, chemical resistance, and FDA compliance makes it the default clear plastic for applications where polycarbonate is too expensive and acrylic is too brittle. PETG is not the same material as bearing-grade PET (Ertalyte) — the glycol modification eliminates crystallinity and the engineering wear properties that define PET-P.

At a glance:

• Amorphous, glycol-modified PET — optically clear, not semi-crystalline like bearing-grade PET
• Excellent optical clarity: light transmission >90%; haze <5%
• Easy thermoforming at lower temperatures than acrylic (~300°F forming range)
• FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 compliant for food contact
• Impact resistance 2–4× higher than acrylic; does not craze or crack at corners
• Continuous use temperature: ~140°F (60°C) — lower than acrylic or polycarbonate
• Forms: sheet, rod, tube in standard sizes

What Is PETG and How Does It Differ from PET?

PETG is produced by substituting a portion of the ethylene glycol monomer in standard PET polymerization with cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM). This co-monomer disrupts the regularity of the polymer chain, preventing crystallization. The result is an amorphous (non-crystalline) polymer with:

• Optical transparency: Amorphous structure means no crystalline boundaries to scatter light. PETG transmits >90% of visible light with virtually no internal haze.
• Low forming temperature: Without a crystalline melting transition, PETG softens gradually over a wide temperature range (~140–180°F forming onset; full thermoform at ~280–320°F), making it far easier to thermoform than semi-crystalline plastics.
• Toughness: PETG absorbs impact energy through the amorphous rubbery phase, giving it 2–4× the impact resistance of general-purpose acrylic.

What PETG lacks relative to bearing-grade PET (Ertalyte): crystallinity, stiffness, wear resistance, and compressive strength. PETG is not a bearing material. Engineers who need a wear-resistant, precision-machined component must specify semi-crystalline PET-P (Ertalyte) — a completely different material.

PETG vs Acrylic vs Polycarbonate — The Three Clear Plastics

PETG's lack of brittleness is its defining advantage over acrylic. Where acrylic guards crack at screw holes and drilled edges, PETG flexes and absorbs the stress. Where polycarbonate's cost or UV yellowing are concerns in indoor applications, PETG delivers comparable clarity at lower cost with better chemical resistance. For an in-depth comparison, see PETG vs polycarbonate and PETG vs acrylic.

PETG Material Properties

PETG's properties reflect its amorphous nature: good optical and impact performance, moderate stiffness and temperature resistance.

Mechanical Properties (73°F)

Thermal Properties

Optical Properties

For the complete properties datasheet including chemical resistance, see PETG properties.

PETG Grades

Standard PETG for sheet, rod, and tube is a single-phase amorphous polymer — there are no glass-filled or carbon-filled grades in mainstream stock. Commercially, PETG is supplied by:

• Eastman Chemical: Eastman PETG copolyester (the original and most widely specified)
• SK Chemicals / Other producers: Equivalent amorphous PET copolyesters
• Natural PETG: Clear/water-clear; the standard
• Colored PETG: Sheet is available in tinted colors for sign and display use; properties are the same

Some suppliers use "PCTG" (polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate-glycol) for a related amorphous copolyester with slightly different composition. PCTG properties are very similar to PETG and it is often treated as equivalent in specification.

For grade detail, see PETG grades.

PETG Stock Shapes and Sizes

PETG Sheet

Sheet is the dominant PETG product form. Available in thicknesses from 0.030" to 0.500" (and thicker for some applications) in standard sheet sizes of 48" × 96" (most common), 24" × 48", and 36" × 48". Thin PETG sheet is flexible; thicker gauges (0.125" and above) are rigid.

For complete size data and thermoforming recommendations, see the PETG sheet page.

PETG Rod

Diameters from 0.250" to 6.0" in 4-ft lengths. Rod is used for machined display components, clear spacers, and optical component housings. Less commonly stocked than sheet — confirm availability. See the PETG rod page.

PETG Tube

Clear tube in standard sizes for display fixtures, lighting diffusers, and prototype enclosures. See the PETG tube page.

Applications

Point-of-purchase displays — PETG sheet is the preferred substrate for retail display graphics and product stands that require optical clarity, impact resistance, and easy fabrication (bending, printing, bonding).

Machine guards and safety shields — PETG provides better impact resistance than acrylic at comparable transparency, making it a common alternative for machine guarding where operators must see through the guard while it provides physical protection.

Thermoformed packaging and trays — PETG thermoforms at lower temperatures than polycarbonate or acrylic, with good draw depth and minimal wall thinning. FDA compliance makes it suitable for food-contact packaging trays, clamshells, and blister packs.

Sign and fabrication work — PETG bonds with standard adhesives (MEK, THF-based), laser cuts cleanly with minimal edge charring compared to polycarbonate, and prints directly with UV-cured inks without surface treatment.

Food-contact covers and housings — FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 compliance and chemical resistance to dilute acids and sanitizers make PETG suitable for food equipment covers, sight glasses, and inspection windows.

For detailed application guidance by industry, see PETG applications.

Machining PETG

PETG machines on standard CNC equipment with sharp carbide or HSS tooling. Key parameters:

• Turning: 300–500 SFM; positive-rake sharp carbide; minimal pressure to avoid surface crazing
• Milling: 200–350 SFM; 2–3 flute end mill; climb milling; air blast cooling
• Sawing/routing: Standard woodworking router bits at moderate speed; avoid generating heat that causes gummy chips

PETG is somewhat more gummy than acrylic during machining — sharp tools and adequate chip clearance prevent surface melting. Unlike PETG's parent PET-P (Ertalyte), amorphous PETG has lower modulus and softens more readily under cutting heat. See the PETG machining guide for full parameters.

Compliance

PETG (21 CFR 177.1630) is FDA-compliant for food contact. For food packaging and food-contact applications, confirm lot-specific compliance with the COC. Full compliance details including EU food-contact status: PETG FDA and food-grade compliance.

More related guides

Applications

• Machine Guards & Safety Shields
• POP Displays & Signage
• Thermoformed Packaging

Industries

• Food & Beverage
• Retail & Display

Compare to other materials

• PETG vs. Acrylic
• PETG vs. Polycarbonate
• PET vs. PETG

Frequently asked questions — PETG FAQ