PET Sheet
PET(Polyethylene terephthalate) refers to a type of general-purpose thermoplastic.It offers excellent resistance to creep, high dimensional stability, and exceptional mechanical strength, debatably one of the suitable thermoplastic resin in the polyester family used in a wide range of applications.
Kusla supply customed PET sheets with different sizes.
PET Sheets Specification
| Thickness | Dimensions | TYPES AND COLORS |
|---|---|---|
| 0.250 in – 3 in | 12 in x 12 in – 24 in x 48 in | Natural |
Length, width, thickness, and diameter tolerances vary by size, manufacturer, brand, and grade.
Custom sizes and colors are available upon request.
Typical Properties Of PET
| UNITS | ASTM TEST | PET (SEMICRYSTALLINE) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | - | D792 | 1.38 |
| Tensile strength | psi | D638 | 11,500 |
| Flexural modulus | psi | D790 | 400,000 |
| Izod impact (notched) | ft-lbs/in of notch | D256 | 0.7 |
| Heat deflection temperature @ 264 psi | °F | D648 | 175 |
| Maximum continuous service temperature in air | °F | 230 | |
| Water absorption (immersion 24 hours) | % | D570 | 0.1 |
| Coefficient of linear thermal expansion | in/in/°Fx10-5 | D696 | 3.9 |
Values may vary according to the brand name. please ask kusla experts for more detailed information
Choose PET Sheet For Your Program
Holographic PET Sheet Colored PET Sheet Anti-static PET Sheet Translucent Plastic PET Sheet 
Printable PET Sheet 
PET Rigid Plastic Sheet 
pet plastic sheet 
PET Laser Printing Sheet 
PET film sheet
Frequently Asked Questions about PET sheets
PET sheet is a type of plastic sheet made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. PET sheet is produced by polycondensation of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, or by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol. PET sheet has many applications in the packaging industry, such as food containers, water cups, fruit trays, etc. It also has properties such as high strength, stiffness, impact resistance, chemical resistance, barrier properties, recyclability, and FDA compliance. PET sheet can be further classified into different types, such as A-PET, R-PET, G-PET, and PET micro-foam sheet.
PET sheet is produced by the following steps:
- Crystallization of raw materials: PET granules are heated and crystallized in a crystallization tower to increase their melting point and prevent sticking during drying.
- Drying: The crystallized PET granules are dried in a drying tower to remove moisture and improve their viscosity and fluidity.
- Extrusion plasticization: The dried PET granules are fed into an extruder, where they are melted and plasticized under high temperature and pressure.
- Extrusion molding: The molten PET is extruded through a die head to form a thin sheet of uniform thickness and width.
- Calendering and shaping: The extruded PET sheet is passed through a three-roll burnishing machine, where it is cooled, polished, and shaped into the desired size and shape.
- Rolling: The finished PET sheet is rolled up and cut according to the specifications.
PET sheet and PVC sheet are both types of plastic sheets that are used for various applications. However, they have some differences in their properties and characteristics. Some of the advantages of PET sheet over PVC sheet are:
- PET sheet has better processing and forming properties than PVC sheet, which requires a large amount of plasticizer and may release harmful substances under high temperature and grease environment.
- PET sheet has excellent recyclability and can be reused or incinerated without damaging the environment. PVC sheet is difficult to recycle and cannot be incinerated because it produces carcinogens and acid gases.
- PET sheet has good barrier properties to oxygen and water vapor, which makes it suitable for food packaging and other applications that require freshness and shelf life. PVC sheet has lower barrier properties and may affect the quality of the products.
- PET sheet is non-toxic and safe, very suitable for packaging food, as well as retail, electronics and other products. PVC sheet may contain harmful substances such as vinyl chloride monomer and phthalates, which may pose health risks to consumers.
- PET sheet is transparent and has high gloss and impact resistance. PVC sheet can be transparent or opaque, depending on the amount of calcium powder added, and has lower surface hardness and mechanical strength.
PET sheet has many applications in the packaging industry, such as:
- Food and beverage packaging: PET sheet is used to make bottles, jars, cups, trays, clamshells, blisters, and other containers for water, soft drinks, juices, cooking oil, salad dressing, peanut butter, jelly, etc. PET sheet is food-safe, transparent, lightweight, shatterproof, and recyclable.
- Cosmetic packaging: PET sheet is used to make jars, bottles, tubes, and other containers for cosmetics, personal care products, perfumes, etc. PET sheet is chemical-resistant, impact-resistant, and glossy.
- Electrical packaging: PET sheet is used to make trays, boxes, and other containers for electronic devices, components, batteries, etc. PET sheet is electrically insulating, dimensionally stable, and heat-resistant.
- Medical packaging: PET sheet is used to make trays, blisters, and other containers for medical devices, instruments, syringes, etc. PET sheet is sterilizable by gamma ray or ethylene oxide gas without affecting its properties.
- Industrial packaging: PET sheet is used to make trays, boxes, and other containers for tools, hardware, automotive parts, etc. PET sheet is strong, stiff, and wear-resistant.
PET sheet can be machined and fabricated by various methods, such as:
- CNC machining: PET sheet can be cut, drilled, milled, turned, and tapped by computer-controlled machines with high precision and accuracy. CNC machining can produce complex shapes and features on PET sheet with minimal waste and high efficiency.
- Thermoforming: PET sheet can be heated and formed into different shapes by using molds, vacuum, pressure, or mechanical force. Thermoforming can produce thin-walled and detailed parts with high clarity and gloss from PET sheet.
- Printing and laminating: PET sheet can be printed and laminated with various materials, such as paper, foil, or other plastics, to enhance its appearance, functionality, or protection. Printing and laminating can create colorful and attractive designs on PET sheet for packaging or labeling purposes.
- Welding and bonding: PET sheet can be welded or bonded with other materials, such as metal, wood, or other plastics, by using heat, ultrasonic, solvent, or adhesive methods. Welding and bonding can join PET sheet with different materials to create composite structures or assemblies.
Yes, PET sheet is both FDA compliant and recyclable. According to the FDA, PET sheet can be used for food contact applications, such as bottles, jars, trays, and containers. PET sheet is also approved for direct food contact by the FDA’s Letter of No Objection (LNO), which means that it meets the safety and purity standards for recycled plastics. PET sheet can be recycled by washing, re-melting, and extruding into new PET sheet or other products. PET sheet is one of the most recycled plastics in the world and has a low environmental impact.
The right thickness and size of PET sheet for your project depends on several factors, such as:
- The type and shape of the product you want to package or make with PET sheet
- The method and equipment you use to machine or fabricate PET sheet
- The performance and appearance requirements of your PET sheet product
- The cost and availability of PET sheet materials
Some general guidelines are:
- PET sheet thickness can range from 0.001" to 4.00", depending on the grade and application of PET sheet. Thinner PET sheet is more flexible and suitable for printing and laminating, while thicker PET sheet is more rigid and suitable for thermoforming and machining.
- PET sheet size can vary from 12" x 12" to 24" x 48", depending on the supplier and grade of PET sheet. Larger PET sheet sizes may be available by custom order or cutting from larger rolls.
- PET sheet thickness and size should be selected to match the specifications and capabilities of your machining or fabrication equipment. For example, CNC machining requires a minimum thickness of 0.01" for PET sheet, while thermoforming requires a minimum thickness of 0.18 mm for PET sheet.
- PET sheet thickness and size should also be selected to meet the functional and aesthetic needs of your product. For example, thicker PET sheet may provide better strength, stiffness, and impact resistance, while thinner PET sheet may provide better clarity, gloss, and barrier properties.
PET sheet should be stored and handled properly to prevent damage, contamination, and degradation. Some of the recommended practices are:
- Store PET sheet in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture.
- Keep PET sheet containers tightly closed to prevent dust, dirt, and moisture from entering.
- Use PET sheet in a first-in, first-out system to limit the storage time and ensure the quality of PET sheet.
- Handle PET sheet with care and avoid mechanical stress, abrasion, or impact that may cause cracks or scratches on PET sheet surface.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with PET sheet, especially when cutting, drilling, milling, or thermoforming PET sheet. PPE may include gloves, goggles, masks, and ear plugs.
- Dispose of PET sheet waste in an environmentally friendly way. PET sheet can be recycled or incinerated without producing harmful substances. Do not dump PET sheet waste into waterways or landfills.
PET sheet can be printed and laminated with various methods and materials, such as:
- Offset printing: PET sheet can be printed with offset printing machines using UV-curable inks. Offset printing can produce high-quality and colorful images on PET sheet for packaging or labeling purposes.
- Digital printing: PET sheet can be printed with digital printing machines using inkjet or laser technology. Digital printing can produce customized and variable data images on PET sheet for short-run or on-demand applications.
- Screen printing: PET sheet can be printed with screen printing machines using solvent-based or UV-curable inks. Screen printing can produce durable and vivid images on PET sheet for outdoor or industrial applications.
- Paper laminating: PET sheet can be laminated with paper materials, such as coated paper, kraft paper, or foil paper, to enhance its appearance, functionality, or protection. Paper laminating can create a natural or metallic look on PET sheet for packaging or decorative purposes.
- Plastic laminating: PET sheet can be laminated with other plastic materials, such as PE, PP, EVOH, or PA, to improve its barrier properties, mechanical strength, or heat resistance. Plastic laminating can create a multi-layer structure on PET sheet for food packaging or medical applications.
PET sheet production may encounter some common problems that affect the quality and performance of PET sheet. Some of the problems and solutions are:
- Pearlescence and haze: These are problems of opposite nature that cause a whitening of the PET sheet. Pearlescence is caused by excessive crystallization of PET due to high temperature or long residence time in the extruder. Haze is caused by insufficient crystallization of PET due to low temperature or short residence time in the extruder. The solution is to adjust the temperature and speed of the extruder and the cooling system to achieve a balance between crystallization and transparency.
- Insufficient top-load strength: This is a problem that affects the resistance of PET sheet to vertical pressure or deformation. Insufficient top-load strength is caused by low molecular weight or intrinsic viscosity of PET, low orientation or stretching ratio of PET sheet, or improper annealing process of PET sheet. The solution is to use high-quality PET raw materials, increase the stretching ratio and orientation degree of PET sheet, and optimize the annealing process of PET sheet.
- Insufficient base clearance or rocker bottom: These are problems that affect the stability and flatness of PET sheet. Insufficient base clearance is caused by insufficient stretching or cooling of PET sheet near the base, resulting in a concave base. Rocker bottom is caused by excessive stretching or cooling of PET sheet near the base, resulting in a convex base. The solution is to adjust the stretching and cooling parameters of PET sheet near the base, such as pre-blowing pressure, pre-blowing time, mold temperature, and cooling air flow.
- Drop-impact failure: This is a problem that affects the resistance of PET sheet to impact or cracking when dropped from a certain height. Drop-impact failure is caused by low molecular weight or intrinsic viscosity of PET, low orientation or stretching ratio of PET sheet, high residual stress or crystallinity of PET sheet, or improper annealing process of PET sheet. The solution is to use high-quality PET raw materials, increase the stretching ratio and orientation degree of PET sheet, reduce the residual stress and crystallinity of PET sheet, and optimize the annealing process of PET sheet.
The cost of PET sheet may vary depending on the thickness, size, grade, quality, and supplier of PET sheet. PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) sheets from KUSLA range from $3.99 to $54.99 per pack of 2 to 10 sheets, depending on the thickness and size of the sheets. The thickness can range from 0.02" to 0.04", and the size can range from 4" x 6" to 24" x 36".
PET sheet can be used for thermoforming and blister molding to create various shapes and containers for packaging or other applications. The general steps are:
- Heating: PET sheet is heated to a temperature range of 90-120°C, depending on the thickness and grade of PET sheet. The heating time and method should be controlled to avoid overheating or underheating of PET sheet, which may affect its crystallization and transparency.
- Forming: The heated PET sheet is formed into the desired shape by using a mold and applying vacuum, pressure, or mechanical force. The forming process should be fast and uniform to ensure the quality and consistency of PET sheet products.
- Cooling: The formed PET sheet is cooled down to room temperature by using air or water. The cooling rate and method should be adjusted to avoid thermal shock or stress cracking of PET sheet products.
- Trimming: The excess material around the formed PET sheet products is trimmed off by using cutting tools or machines. The trimming process should be smooth and precise to avoid rough edges or burrs on PET sheet products.
PET sheet is a type of engineering plastic that has some similarities and differences with other engineering plastics such as PEEK, nylon, and acetal. Some of the comparisons are:
- PEEK is a high-performance thermoplastic that has higher temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength than PET sheet. PEEK can withstand temperatures up to 480°F, while PET sheet can withstand temperatures up to 230°F. PEEK also has better resistance to acids, bases, and solvents than PET sheet. However, PEEK is much more expensive and difficult to process than PET sheet.
- Nylon is a thermoplastic that has higher impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and fatigue resistance than PET sheet. Nylon can absorb more shock and wear than PET sheet in applications such as gears, bearings, and bushings. Nylon also has better resistance to hydrocarbons and oils than PET sheet. However, nylon has lower stiffness, dimensional stability, and moisture resistance than PET sheet. Nylon can swell or shrink when exposed to water or humidity, while PET sheet can maintain its shape and size.
- Acetal is a thermoplastic that has higher creep resistance, lubricity, and machinability than PET sheet. Acetal can resist deformation under load better than PET sheet in applications such as snap-fits, hinges, and springs. Acetal also has lower friction and better sliding properties than PET sheet in applications such as gears, bearings, and bushings. Acetal is also easier to machine and fabricate than PET sheet. However, acetal has lower heat resistance, UV resistance, and transparency than PET sheet. Acetal can degrade or discolor when exposed to high temperatures or sunlight, while PET sheet can retain its properties and appearance.
A-PET, R-PET, and G-PET sheet are different types of PET sheet that have different characteristics and applications. Some of the differences are:
- A-PET stands for amorphous PET, which means that the PET molecules are randomly arranged and not crystallized. A-PET sheet has high transparency, gloss, impact resistance, and thermoformability. A-PET sheet is suitable for packaging applications that require clarity and strength, such as food containers, water cups, fruit trays, etc.
- R-PET stands for recycled PET, which means that the PET sheet is made from recycled PET bottles or other PET products. R-PET sheet has similar properties to A-PET sheet, but with lower cost and environmental impact. R-PET sheet is suitable for packaging applications that require sustainability and recyclability, such as food containers, water cups, fruit trays, etc.
- G-PET stands for glycol-modified PET, which means that the PET resin is modified with a component called cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) to prevent crystallization. G-PET sheet has higher transparency, gloss, impact resistance, and thermoformability than A-PET sheet. G-PET sheet is suitable for packaging applications that require high clarity and thickness, such as blister packs, clamshells, trays, etc.
The color and transparency of PET sheet can be customized by adding different pigments, dyes, or additives to the PET resin during the extrusion process. Some of the methods and materials are:
- Pigments: Pigments are solid particles that are dispersed in the PET resin to create opaque or translucent colors. Pigments can provide good color stability, lightfastness, and heat resistance to PET sheet. However, pigments may affect the clarity, gloss, and mechanical properties of PET sheet. Pigments can be organic or inorganic, such as titanium dioxide, carbon black, iron oxide, etc.
- Dyes: Dyes are soluble substances that are dissolved in the PET resin to create transparent or translucent colors. Dyes can provide bright and vivid colors to PET sheet. However, dyes may have poor color stability, lightfastness, and heat resistance. Dyes may also migrate or bleed out of PET sheet over time. Dyes can be synthetic or natural, such as azo dyes, anthraquinone dyes, phthalocyanine dyes, etc.
- Additives: Additives are substances that are added to the PET resin to modify its properties or performance. Additives can affect the color and transparency of PET sheet by enhancing or reducing its clarity, gloss, UV resistance, antistatic properties, etc. Additives can be functional or aesthetic, such as optical brighteners, UV absorbers, antistatic agents, pearlescent agents, etc.
Other PET Material
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PET Film
PET Film PET Film is a kind of comprehensive performance packaging film. Its transparency is good and glossy; With good air tightness and incense preservation; Medium moisture resistance, moisture permeability decreases at low temperatures. PET film has excellent mechanical properties, its strength and toughness are the best of all thermoplastics, tensile strength and impact strength...
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PET Sheet
PET Sheet PET(Polyethylene terephthalate) refers to a type of general-purpose thermoplastic.It offers excellent resistance to creep, high dimensional stability, and exceptional mechanical strength, debatably one of the suitable thermoplastic resin in the polyester family used in a wide range of applications. Kusla supply customed PET sheets with different sizes. Choose PET Sheet For Your Program Frequently...
