Ready Plastics

PETG Tube — Clear Plastic Tube Sizes and Applications

PETG tube is clear, impact-resistant amorphous copolyester tube used for display fixtures, light diffuser cylinders, sight glasses, and prototype enclosures where optical clarity and toughness matter more than temperature resistance. PETG tube provides better impact resistance than acrylic tube, making it preferred for handled display components and equipment sight windows in ambient-temperature service.

At a glance:

  • OD range: ~0.500" to 6.0" with various ID/wall combinations
  • Optically clear — light transmission >90%
  • Impact resistance 3–4× higher than acrylic tube
  • FDA 21 CFR 177.1630 for food-contact tube applications
  • Temperature limit: ~140°F (60°C)
  • Confirm specific OD/ID availability with Ready Plastics

Applications for PETG Tube

Display Fixtures

Clear PETG tube is used in retail display stands, product risers, and merchandise cylinders where a clear round enclosure is needed. The impact resistance means PETG tubes on store shelves resist cracking when knocked over — a common failure mode for acrylic display tubes.

Lighting Diffusers

PETG tube diffuses light while transmitting the majority of visible light (>90%), making it suitable for LED diffuser cylinders, task lighting guards, and display illumination. Frosted-surface PETG tube is available from some suppliers for even diffusion.

Sight Glasses and Flow Windows

In ambient-temperature process equipment and laboratory apparatus, PETG tube provides a clear window with better impact resistance than glass or acrylic. The tube bore acts as a sight glass for liquid level or flow visualization. FDA compliance makes PETG suitable for food-processing sight glasses in cold or ambient conditions.

Limit: PETG sight glasses are not suitable above 140°F (60°C). For hot-process sight glasses, use borosilicate glass, polysulfone, or PEEK.

Available Sizes

PETG tube is available in standard OD/ID combinations; stocking varies by supplier. Common sizes:

OD (nominal)Wall (typical)Notes
1.0"0.125"Stock
1.5"0.125"Stock
2.0"0.125"–0.187"Stock
3.0"0.187"To order
4.0"0.250"To order

OD tolerance: ±0.015" to ±0.030". Wall tolerance: ±0.015". Confirm availability of specific sizes with Ready Plastics before specifying.

Machining and Cutting PETG Tube

  • Cutting to length: Table saw with fine-tooth blade; score-and-snap for thin wall
  • Turning: Same parameters as PETG rod — 400–500 SFM, sharp positive-rake carbide
  • Drilling: Standard parabolic flute bits; back up bore with mandrel for thin-wall pieces

For thin-wall PETG tube (wall < 0.100"), support the bore during turning operations to prevent collapse under chuck pressure. Use a mandrel or expanding arbor.

Inquire about PETG tube OD/ID availability

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More related guides

Applications

Compare to other materials

Frequently asked questions — PETG FAQ

Other PETG Reference Guides

PETG SpecificationsPETG plastic specifications: sheet thicknesses, size tolerances, applicable standards for display and guard sheet, thermoforming characteristics, and regulatory compliance.PETG RodPETG rod stock: clear amorphous PET copolyester rod for machined spacers, display components, and optical housings. Size range, tolerances, and machining notes.Machining PETG PlasticHow to machine, rout, cut, and fabricate PETG plastic: speeds, feeds, tooling, bonding, forming, and finishing for sheet and rod. Avoid common gummy-chip problems.PETG SheetPETG sheet sizes, thicknesses, and tolerances for displays, machine guards, thermoforming, and food packaging. Stock sizes 48×96", 24×48", 0.030"–0.500" thick.PETG PropertiesPETG plastic properties datasheet: tensile strength, optical clarity, heat deflection temperature, impact resistance, chemical resistance, and thermoforming characteristics.PETG FDA Food-Grade CompliancePETG FDA food-contact compliance: 21 CFR 177.1630, food packaging suitability, EU food contact regulations, and PETG for food-zone covers, trays, and displays.PETG ComparisonsPETG vs acrylic, polycarbonate, and bearing-grade PET: property comparison tables and decision guide for displays, guards, packaging, and clear plastic applications.PETG GradesPETG grades for sheet and rod: Eastman PETG copolyester, PCTG, UV-stabilized, tinted, and anti-static options. Grade selection guide for display, guard, and packaging use.PETG Plastic FAQCommon questions about PETG: difference from PET and acrylic, food safety, thermoforming temps, bonding, UV resistance, and whether PETG is FDA approved.PETG ApplicationsWhere PETG plastic is used: POP displays, signage, machine guards, food packaging, thermoformed trays, and medical device covers. Application selection guide.