PET (polyethylenetarapthalate) is an engineering thermoplastic polyester that provides excellent strength and stiffness. It has slightly higher chemical resistance than that of the acetal family of thermoplastics. It too is easily machined with conventional metal working equipment and can be held to very close tolerances with experience. Both sheet and rod are available in many thicknesses and diameters. Rod stock comes ground to diameter to accommodate through spindle turning. Standard colors are black and (opaque) milk white, while custom colors are available as custom runs.

PET (Thermoplastic Polyester) is non hygroscopic and is FDA compliant. It absorbs minimal amounts of moisture and can be cleaned easily. As a result, it finds applications in high moisture, food handling, medical and marine components.

Although it has many benefits as an unfilled material, PET can be filled with solid lubricants to enhance its bearing and wear properties. Materials such as PTFE Teflon and is available in some standard sizes.

Specification Test Value Units
Specific Gravity, 73°F D792 1.41 -
Tensile Strength @ Yield, 73°F D638 12,400 psi
Tensile Modulus of Elasticity, 73°F D638 460,000 psi
Tensile Elongation (at break), 73°F D638 20 %
Flexural Strength, 73°F D790 18,000 psi
Flexural Modulus of Elasticity D790 490,000 psi
Shear Strength, 73°F D732 8,000 psi
Compressive Strength - Ultimate   10,000 psi
Compressive Strength at 2% Deformation D695 12,000 psi
Compressive Strength at 10% Deformation D695 15,000 psi
Deformation Under Load     %
Compressive Modulus of Elasticity, 73°F D695 420,000  
Compressive Strength ⊥ to Laminate (Modulus)     psi
Compressive Strength ⊥ to Laminate (Yield)   10,000 psi
Compressive Strength ⊥ to Laminate (Ultimate)   10,000 psi
Hardness, Durometer (Shore "D" scale) D2240 D87  
Hardness, Rockwell (Scale as noted) D785 M93(R125) Rockwell M
Izod Impact, Notched @ 73°F D256 Type A 0.5 ft.lbs/in. of notch
Coefficient of Friction (Dry vs Steel) Static PTM 55007 0.25  
Coefficient of Friction (Dry vs Steel) Dynamic PTM 55007 0.20  
Maximum Static Bearing Load (P) PTM 55007 10,000 psi
Maximum Unlubricated No Load Bearing Velocity (V) PTM 55007 15 ft/minute
Maximum Limiting PV (Unlubricated) PTM 55007 2,800 psi x ft/min.
Wear Factor "K" x 10-10 PTM 55010 60 Cubic in.-min/ft.lbs.hr
Sand Wheel Wear/Abrasion Test   50 UHMW=100
Minimum Mating Surface Hardness   20 Rockwell (Brinnell)
Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion E-831 (TMA) 3.3 in/in/°F x 10-5
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion // to Laminates E-831 (TMA) 3.3 in/in/°F x 10-5
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion I to Laminates E-831 (TMA) 3.3 in/in/°F x 10-5
Softening Point   240 °F
Heat Deflection Temperature 264 psi D648 240 °F
Embrittlement Temperature     °F Min.
Continuous Service Temperature in Air   210 °F Max.
Short Term Service Temperature   210 °F Max.
Tg-Glass Transition (Amorphous) D3418   °F
Melting Point (Crystalline) Peak D3418 491 °F
Thermal Conductivity F433 2.0 BTU-in/(hr/ft2°F)
Dielectric Strength Short Term D149 385 Volts/mil
Volume Resistivity D257 >1013 ohm/cm
Surface Resistivity D257   ohm/cm
Dielectric Constant, 106 Hz D150  3.4  
Dissipation Factor, 106 Hz D150  .02  
Flammability @ 3.1mm(1/8 in.) UL94 UL94 HB  
Arc Resistance     seconds
Water Absorption, Immersion 24 Hours D570 (2) 0.07 %
Water Absorption, Immersion Saturation D570 (2) 0.9 %
Machinability Rating   1 1=easy, 10=difficult
Rod Diameter Availability (Off the Shelf) .250 6.0 inches
Sheet Thickness Availability (Off the Shelf) .250 3.0 inches