Thermoplastic polyester PET, which should not be confused with normal thermoplastic polyester, is distinguished by its impact resistance (comparable to polycarbonate). As a partially crystallised plastic it will not break even after being bent a million times. PET is extremely resistant to fatigue and functions excellently as a joint which will not whiten at the bending point - a 0.5 mm thick sheet will tear after being bent a 100 times to 180° in both directions).
PET is absolutely colourless and has very high light transmission. The sheets are not really suitable for long term use outdoors because they will yellow under the influence of UV.
Polyester sheets from PET-G are food compatible as per FDA and BGA regulations.
Treatment: Thin PET films can be cut with a blade. Scoring and breaking of PET, on the other hand, is not done so easily because of its toughness. When sawing the film sheets on a circular saw, you should place a thicker sheet under them in order to cut smooth edges. Metal carbide tipped saw blades cut best with a cutter angle from 5 to 15° and a cutting speed from 1000 to 3000 m/min. We recommend plastic drilling bits for drilling but new metal drilling bits can also be used - the cutting angle should lie between 0 and 5°. Attention: do NOT use any oily emulsion or cutting oil!
The really special attribute of PET is its ability to be bent “cold”. It can be bent in any angle you want without breaking at the bending point or showing any colouration (crazing). A good bending edge can be attained when the material on one side of the bending point is affixed top and bottom and then, with the help of a steel straight edge or something similar, the material is bent lengthwise along the described edge. In the case of thicknesses of 1.5 and 2.0 mm, it is recommended that the material be bent with the help of a folding maching. The best temperature for heat shaping the PET-G lies between 120 and 160°. You should try to allow for a long cooling off period after the hot shaping so that the material can hold its form without any stress being put on it. PET reacts extremely well to deep drawing as well.
Because of its impact resistance, PET can also be nailed or riveted. Fastenings made with screws come out extremely well but note that counter sunk screws should not be used.
PET-G can be glued to itself by using Acetone or Dichloromethane; Uhu hard creates a thoroughly satisfactory bond but even better are Ruderer plastic glue, contact adhesives like Pattex transparent, cyanoacrylate adhesive (super glue) and reaction adhesives like Acrifix. Transparent, acrylate-based double-sided adhesive tapes and transfer adhesive tapes also provide a good means for joining work.