PETG Rod — Clear Round Stock for Machined Display Parts
PETG rod is clear amorphous copolyester rod stock used for machined display components, clear spacers, light pipes, lens blanks, and prototype housings where optical clarity combined with impact resistance and FDA compliance is needed. PETG rod is less commonly stocked than PETG sheet — sheet dominates the display and fabrication market. Confirm availability of specific diameters before specifying.
At a glance:
- Diameters: 0.250" – 6.0" in 4-ft lengths (availability varies by diameter)
- Optically clear, amorphous glycol-modified PET — not bearing-grade PET-P
- Impact resistance significantly better than acrylic rod
- FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 compliant
- Machines on standard CNC lathe with sharp positive-rake carbide
Available Sizes
| Nominal Diameter | OD Tolerance | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 0.250" | ±0.010" | To order |
| 0.500" | ±0.010" | Stock |
| 0.750" | ±0.010" | Stock |
| 1.0" | ±0.015" | Stock |
| 1.5" | ±0.015" | Stock |
| 2.0" | ±0.020" | To order |
| 3.0" | ±0.020" | To order |
Confirm specific diameters with Ready Plastics — PETG rod inventory varies by supplier and stocking level. For high-volume or specialty diameter requirements, order lead time may apply.
Typical Applications for PETG Rod
- Display components: Knobs, standoffs, pillars, and risers for retail displays where clear round stock is required
- Light pipes and optical guides: PETG's high transmission (>90%) and amorphous clarity make it suitable for simple light-pipe applications
- Spacers and bushings: Where optical clarity and light impact resistance are needed, PETG rod spacers are FDA-compliant and chemically inert to most process fluids
- Prototype housings: CNC-turned clear housings for sensors, lenses, and small device enclosures
Note: PETG rod is not a bearing material. For precision bearings and wear applications, specify PET-P rod (Ertalyte) — a completely different material with engineered wear properties.
Machining PETG Rod
PETG turns on a CNC lathe with sharp carbide tooling:
- Turning (finishing): 400–500 SFM; 0.003–0.006 IPR feed; positive-rake, sharp C-2 carbide
- Boring: 300–450 SFM; carbide boring bar; air blast for chip clearing
- Tolerances: ±0.002" on turned diameters; bore to ±0.003" without difficulty
PETG machines more gummily than acrylic — dull tools smear chips onto the surface. Keep tools sharp and use air blast to clear chips. Surface finish Ra <32 µin achievable with sharp tooling and proper feeds.
Full machining parameters in the PETG machining guide.
Inquire about PETG rod availability and sizes
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Frequently asked questions — PETG FAQ