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Polyester (PET)

by | Apr 5, 2022 | Uncategorized

black-plastic-sheet

PET and PBT – Polyethylene Terephthalate

Superior wear resistant material


Thermoplastic Polyester, PET and PBT

PET and PBT are rigid thermoplastic, and have exceptional physical properties

PET and PBT materials are used frequently in a self lubricating bearing surface or  slide type applications. Resistant to most common chemicals.

Commonly replaces aluminum, Acetal/Delrin® and Nylon. Used frequently in Food and Dairy processing, material handling and automotive.

Other brand or trade names are: Tecapet®, Tecadur®, Ertalyte®, Ensitep®, Hydex®, Sustadur®, Celanx®, Duranex®, Urtaldur®, Valox®, Rynite®, and Hostadur®.

A new PBT material is available from Ensinger, called 4101 UD Blue. This material is one of the first “ultra detectable” plastic materials. This material is visually detectable by standard equipment, metal detectable and X-Ray detectable by standard equipment in food processing plants. Detectable plastics can help eliminate the massive recalls we have seen from food processing plants.

Other Plastic Materials

Why you should use Polyester:

  • Very stiff material- High strength
  • Superior wear resistance
  • 230 degrees F continuous use temperature
  • Very low moisture absorption
  • Improved UV resistance compared to, ABS, Acetal/Delrin® or Nylon
  • Easily machined and fabricated
  • PET is ITAR compliant, and PET is RoHS compliant

Polyester- PET Applications – Frequently used in:

  • Food Equipment and Dairy ProcessingNatural PET Rod turned to pulley
  • Wear and slide machined parts
  • Electronics Manufacturing and Fixtures
  • Pistons, Manifolds, Timing Screws, Scaper Blades
  • Food Processing forming dies

Materials Available in:

Sheet:
.375″ (3/8″) – 4.0″ in Natural (White) and Black in 24″ X 48″
Rod:
.375″ – 6.0″ diameter in Natural (White) and Black up to 120″ lengths

Typical Resin Properties for PET - PBT

PET Data Sheet

PBT Data Sheet

PET SDS

PBT SDS

These properties are for evaluation purposes only. This information is not to be construed as a warranty, guarantee or assurance that you may achieve the same results. Materials made from different resin types, manufacturing techniques and manufacturers will react differently. The information should be used to compare against other materials only, and each user should make his own tests to determine suitability. No warranty as to this materials suitability are either expressed nor implied.

Other Plastic Materials

Looking For Vacuum Forming (Formable) Plastics

Looking For Vacuum Forming (Formable) Plastics

by | Mar 4, 2013 | Choosing A Plastic Material, Made In The USA, Material Comparison, Mentor Nuggets

“What is a good material for vacuum forming?”

This is a popular question received from clients. This question has a rather long answer. Most Thermoplastic materials are thermo-formable, and thus vacuum forming compatible. Some of the most common and easier materials for forming are listed below.vacuum forming polycarbonate for food and chocolate molds

Common Vacuum Forming Materials:

Each plastic material has a variety of different properties, and they form at different temperatures. The Acrylic, PETG and Polycarbonate sheets are normally clear (can be special ordered in colors), however the Polycarbonate may have to be heat dried prior to the vacuum forming temperature phase (depending on thickness).
ABS and HIS both form very well, and are normally White or Black. The ABS normally has a fine texture called Hair Cell on the primary surface, the Styrene is smooth on two sides. On a special basis Styrene and ABS can be run in almost any thickness up to .375″ thick, and in almost any color (minimums apply) and in a huge range of custom run sheet sizes.
While many other materials may be available for special applications and with various improved properties, these are the most commonly available and used materials.
Some of the important factors in choosing a material for your vacuum forming project would be: clarity, strength of finished part, temperature, depth of draw, UV resistance, Flame Retardant Rating, thickness and size range.

Large parts can be produced using this process, for example – Hot Tubs and Pick Up Truck Bed Liners. Also vacuum forming is used to produce very small parts like chocolate molds and numerous packaging applications.Pouring White Chocolate into Polycarbonate Mold

Most vacuum forming started in their garage (or kitchen). A simple vacuum forming ‘machine’ can be produced at very low cost using 2 X 4 wood, peg board, and your shop vac. Obviously this is not the way the above hot tub was formed, but the process is rather simple and is much more an art than a science. We have seen several YouTube videos showing entry level – DIY style vacuum forming machines.  Most use the kitchen oven as the heat source and are used to make small chocolate molds, wax molds, hobby parts and more. Many materials can be used in this simple process, and we are happy to assist you with your basic questions of the vacuum forming process.
There are also a wide range of commercial thermoforming machines (see video) available, in almost unlimited range of sizes.

There is a wide array of materials that can be used, and they have different properties – no one material meets all your needs. Contact us for details on your vacuum forming requirements or with question.

 Topic: Vacuum Formable Plastic sheet