PET Sheet and Rod | Polyethylene Terephthalate

Common Properties

Common Brand Names Ertalyte®, Semitron PET-P, Sustadur PET
Typical Thickness Size (in) 0.08-4 in
Typical Lengths (in) 12-120 in
Typical Widths (in) 12-40 in
Friendly Names PET, PET-P
Common Profiles Sheet, Rod
Typical Rod Diameter 0.375-7 in
Typical Rod Length 12-120 in

Physical Properties

Density 1.39g/cm³
Water Absorption 0.07%
Moisture Absorption at Equilibrium 0.3%
Linear Mold Shrinkage 0.4%
Melt Flow 9g/10 min @ 250°C

Electrical Properties

Dielectric Strength 400V/mil
Dielectric Constant 3.3
Dissipation Factor 0.007
Volume Resistivity 1×10¹⁵ohm-cm
Surface Resistivity 1×10¹⁴ohms/square
Arc Resistance 130s
Breakdown Voltage 17kV/mm

Mechanical Properties

Hardness, Rockwell R 115
Tensile Strength, Ultimate 70MPa
Tensile Strength, Yield 62MPa
Elongation at Break 20%
Elongation at Yield 6%
Modulus of Elasticity 400,000psi
Flexural Yield Strength 15000psi
Flexural Modulus 500000psi
Compressive Yield Strength 13000psi
Bearing Yield Strength 15000psi
Shear Strength 48MPa
Izod Impact, Notched 0.5ft-lb/in
Izod Impact, Unnotched 3ft-lb/in
Gardner Impact 5ft-lb
Falling Dart Impact 10ft-lb
Instrumented Impact Total Energy 10ft-lb

Thermal Properties

CTE, Linear (Flow Direction) 3.9 × 10⁻⁵in/in-°F
CTE, Linear (Transverse to Flow) 5.0 × 10⁻⁵in/in-°F
Deflection Temperature at 0.46 MPa (66 psi) 160°F
Deflection Temperature at 1.8 MPa (264 psi) 120°F
Vicat Softening Point 190°F
Flammability (UL 94) HB
Max Continuous Operating Temperature 200°F
Minimum Operating Temperature –40°F
Thermal Conductivity 0.15W/m-K

Regulations

RoHS Compliant
REACH Compliant
FDA

Get a Quote for PET at Piedmont Plastics

Polyethylene terephthalate, also known as PET plastic is an engineering thermoplastic known for its excellent dimensional stability, strength, and low moisture absorption. Available in both sheet and rod form, PET delivers exceptional wear resistance and machinability, making it an ideal choice for precision parts in demanding industrial environments.

With its naturally low coefficient of friction and resistance to chemicals and abrasion, PET performs exceptionally well in applications that require tight tolerances and long-term durability. Piedmont Plastics offers PET materials that are easily machined, FDA-compliant for food contact, and well suited for both dry and lubricated environments.

Contact your local Piedmont Plastics branch to request a quote or learn more about how PET can improve the performance and service life of your components.

Key Features of Polyethylene Terephthalate

PET provides a strong combination of mechanical and thermal properties for precision engineering and wear applications. Its excellent dimensional stability and low moisture absorption make it a preferred alternative to materials like acetal or nylon in high-precision parts.

Key performance characteristics include:

High mechanical strength and rigidity
Excellent dimensional stability under load
Low moisture absorption for consistent performance
Good wear resistance and low friction coefficient
FDA-compliant for food contact applications
Easy to machine with tight tolerances
Resistance to oils, greases, and common solvents
Performs well in dry or lubricated operating conditions

Benefits and Advantages

PET materials offer long-lasting reliability and efficiency in industrial environments. Their combination of stiffness, wear resistance, and moisture stability provides consistent performance, even in high-humidity or high-load applications.

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Common Applications

PET sheet and rod are commonly used in industrial, mechanical, and food-processing or packaging environments where stability and wear resistance are critical.

Typical applications include:

Gears and Bearings: Smooth, low-friction operation under heavy load
Precision Mechanical Components: Tight-tolerance parts with minimal expansion
Food Processing Equipment: FDA-approved surfaces for safe contact
Conveyor Components: Reliable, wear-resistant guides and supports
Electrical Insulation Parts: Good dielectric properties with low moisture uptake
Pump and Valve Parts: Chemical resistance for long-term durability

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about polyethylene terephthalate sheet and rod, including how the material performs in different environments and how it compares to other engineering plastics. These answers can help you determine whether PET is the right choice for your application.

Many PET grades are formulated to meet food contact standards, making them well suited for use in food processing and handling equipment. However, users should always verify with the manufacturer or supplier that the specific material grade purchased complies with the applicable regulations and requirements for their intended application.

PET offers lower moisture absorption and better dimensional stability than nylon, with higher stiffness and wear performance similar to or better than acetal.

PET typically operates continuously up to approximately 210°F (100°C) and maintains its mechanical properties well under load. However, actual performance can vary by grade and application, so it’s important to confirm the recommended operating temperature with the manufacturer or material supplier.

Why Buy from Piedmont Plastics?

At Piedmont Plastics, we combine technical expertise with local inventory to deliver reliable material solutions tailored to your needs.

Nationwide network of branches: Providing fast local delivery and expert support.
Custom cutting and fabrication services: Ready to machine PET sheet and rod to your specifications.
Deep industry expertise: Trusted by engineers and fabricators across diverse industries.
Wide product selection: Your one-stop shop for performance plastics and complementary materials.