Product Spotlight: Everything You Need to Know About PETG Plastic Film
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, or better known as PETG, is a thermoplastic polyester that delivers a wide range of characteristics. It is an adaptation of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), with the addition of glycol (G) that is added at a molecular level to offer different chemical properties.
PETG plastic film has a myriad of attributes that make it a suitable choice for a variety of applications in an array of industries. Its superb chemical resistance and formability make it easy to manufacture. While similar to PET, it is not only stronger and more durable, but has greater impact resistance and is better suited for higher temperatures.
In addition to these characteristics, PETG is also well suited for conversion techniques such as sheeting, slitting, and guillotining.
How it's used
Because of its versatility, PETG plastic film is used in a wide variety of markets, including Graphics/Print, Packaging, and Medical Device/Diagnostic Strips. Besides being resistant to both heat and low temperatures, abrasion and solvents, PETG is ideal for applications that require flexibility and shock resistance
PETG is commonly used in packaging (medical, food/beverage, and retail), advertising displays, and electronic insulators. It is also ideal for protective parts, food and beverage containers & packaging, manufacturing, and more.
Additionally, PETG is becoming a favored choice for the 3D printing industry. On top of the benefits already stated and besides the added glycol preventing problems otherwise associated with PET, 3D printing prefers PETG plastic film because it provides good layer adhesion, minimal deformation, and an absence of odor while printing.
Applications
Food and Beverage
Due to its superior chemical resistance and ability to be easily thermoformed, along with being FDA approved, PETG is a favored plastic film for items such as food storage containers, clamshells, and other food and beverage packaging applications.
Medical
The rigid structure of PETG allows for it to survive the harsh sterilization processes that are seen in medical packaging and medical device applications.
POP and Displays
PETG is often used for retail displays and is ideal for signage because of its ability to be colored.
Properties
PETG is defined as a copolymer because it combines the properties of PET and glycol. The leading properties of PETG plastic film include hardness, chemical & impact resistance, transparency and ductility. It can also be easily extruded with thermal stability.
PETG is one of the most preferred plastic film materials in the industry due to the following additional qualities:
- Formable
- Easy to fabricate
- Environmentally friendly
- Heat-bendable
- Thermoformable
- Excellent impact strength/abrasion resistance
- Great thermal/dimensional stability
- Low shrinkage
- No stress
- Exceptional transparency
- Good chemical resistance
- Printable
- UV resistant
- Weatherable
- Lasercut
- Diecut
Advantages
Disadvantages
Why PETG Plastic Film is the Right Choice
Strong
PETG’s strength and impact resistance makes it an ideal product for glazing and high-strength display applications.
Cost Effective
PETG film is an alternative that is practical without losing quality.
Food-Safe
PETG is FDA compliant, making it safe to use for packaging and other applications in the food and beverage industry.
Recyclable
PETG is fully recyclable, helping with waste reduction and any potential negative impact(s) to the environment.
Easily Formable
PETG is both vacuum and thermo formable and can withstand high pressures without cracking.
Easily Colored
PETG is naturally transparent but can easily be colored/blended to create different appearances.
Non-Toxic and Odorless Emissions
PETG is non-toxic and odorless, making it perfect and safe to use in almost any environment.
Brittle When Store Incorrectly
PETG is known to absorb water if it is not store in a dry environment, making it more prone to become brittle.
Environmental Issues
PETG has potential to have negative environmental impacts if not disposed properly, like all plastics.
How it's made
Since PETG plastic film is an adaptation of PET, it is important to understand the origins of polyester plastic first.
In 1941, British scientists John Whinfield and James Dickson created polyethylene terephthalate (polyester) by combining phthalic acid polymers with glycol-based synthetic fibers. By using the process of esterification to heat glycols with terephthalic acid, long-chain molecules of PET is created; it becomes a functional substrate when it is turned into fibers with high melting points and low dissolvability.
At first, PET plastic film became most popular within the Textile industry. By 1952, it was being used as a substrate for food packaging.
While it is one of the most widely used plastic film substrates in the performance plastics industry today, a disadvantage to be aware of is its ability to be susceptible to crystalizing in high temperatures. Once it reaches a certain temperature, PET tends to become opaque and weakens its structure.
The creation of PETG is beneficial due to its ability to stop the crystallization of PET by replacing the ethylene glycol molecules with a larger monomer, Cyclohexanedimethanol. With this change in the molecular chain, PETG molecules don’t collect together as easily (as PET). By lowering the melting points, this hinders crystallization, thus increasing heat resistance.
With this benefit, PETG is an ideal substrate for thermoforming, 3D printing, and other applications that may require high temperatures.
Conclusion
Next time a project requires a plastic film that is versatile, durable, and resistant to harsh environments, consider PETG plastic film. Not only do its properties outshine many of those of comparable materials, but it is also a cost-effective choice that maintains its quality.
If you’re looking for a plastic film distributor that can provide all of these benefits, look no further than PolymerFilms. Our organization is exclusively a plastic film distributor that serves clients in a wide array of industries, from medical devices and printed electronics to sign and display applications. Our large inventory allows us to provide solutions that cater to our clients’ specific needs, and our knowledgeable team is always happy to provide guidance and expertise. We even have access to in-house conversion equipment, which allows us to convert film products to suit the specific needs of each application. Our five distribution centers are spread throughout North America to ensure fast quotes and turnaround times, along with friendly and personalized service. Visit our website to request a free consultation and see what type of difference a quality plastic film manufacturer can make!