PET - Polyethylene terephthalate 

TECAPET / TECADUR PET Ensinger Plastics

PET material (chemically known as polyethylene terephthalate) is a polyester with a relatively high density and is manufactured by Ensinger in standard stock shapes for machining. PET is available either as an amorphous or semi crystalline thermoplastic. The characteristics of the amorphous type of PET polymer are high transparency, but lower mechanical properties such as tensile strength, as well as substantially lower sliding characteristics. However, Ensinger does not manufacture the PET material which ends up mostly in bottles or packaging. The typical properties of the semi crystalline terephthalate that Ensinger does manufacture are hardness, rigidity, strength, outstanding sliding behavior and low wear (compared to POM in damp or dry environments). This material has long been referred to as PET-P plastic, but this is an outdated form of reference for PET material today.

Due to its good creep strength, low moisture absorption and outstanding dimensional stability, PET plastic material is extremely well suited for applications where complex parts and the highest requirements regarding dimensional accuracy and surface quality are needed. The thermal properties of PET support a good temperature stability as well as dimensional stability.

PET material properties and specifications

PET material offers:

  • High strength
  • High rigidity and hardness
  • Very low moisture absorption
  • Good creep resistance
  • Low sliding friction and sliding wear
  • Resistant to hydrolysis (up to +70 °C)
  • Not suitable for contact with media containing >50% alcohol
  • Good chemical resistance against acids
  • Good adhesion and welding ability

 

Manufactured PET Materials

The Ensinger trade name for PET modifications is TECAPET or TECADUR PET. Ensinger supplies the following modifications in Polyester:

  • TECAPET - PET modified for improved machining
  • TECAPET TF- PET modified with PTFE for better wear properties
  • TECADUR PET - unmodified PET grade

Ensinger supplies PET in form of:

  • PET plastic rod
  • PET plastic sheets

TECAPET black

TECAPET black is a black pigmented PET. On top of the excellent properties of a TECAPET, our TECAPET black offers improved UV protection for external use applications due to the black pigment...

TECAPET white

TECAPET white is formulated to provide improved toughness, and enhanced machinability. The material also offers excellent sliding and wear properties as well as a low coefficient of friction…

Typical PET applications

Electronic industry: Cases, covers, switches, insulation panes and coil bodies
Automotive industry: Cases, screen wiper arms and door handles
Medical industry: Functional parts in drug dosing systems
Mechanical engineering: Gears and sliding elements
Food industry: Guidance, slide bar, stop units, rollers and grabbers