PETG Sheets Explained: Properties, Uses and Thicknesses
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) is a tough, lightweight, transparent plastic sheet that resists impact far better than acrylic and forms easily without cracking. It is food-safe, simple to cut and bend, and used for machine guards, retail displays, protective screens, signage and packaging.
At Plastic Sheets Direct, PETG is our best-selling material category, and 1mm clear PETG is our single most-ordered product. This guide explains what PETG is, how it performs against the numbers, where it works best, and which thickness to choose for the job.
What is PETG?
PETG is a clear thermoplastic from the polyester family. It is the same base polymer as the PET used in drinks bottles, with glycol added during manufacture. That glycol modification stops the material becoming brittle and cloudy when heated and worked, which makes PETG sheet easy to cut, bend and thermoform.
The result is a sheet that stays clear, takes knocks without shattering, and holds up in daily handling. It sits between acrylic and polycarbonate on most measures: tougher and more flexible than acrylic, and cheaper and easier to cut than polycarbonate.
PETG properties and specifications
The figures below are typical values for standard clear PETG sheet. Use them as a guide and check the datasheet for the exact grade you order.
| Property | Typical PETG value | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Light transmission | ~90% | Crystal clear, close to glass and acrylic |
| Impact resistance | High (bends before it breaks) | Won’t shatter like glass or crack like acrylic |
| Density | ~1.27 g/cm³ | A 1mm sheet weighs about 1.27 kg per m²; roughly half the weight of glass |
| Max continuous service temp | ~65°C | Fine indoors and for most guards; not for high heat |
| Forming | Cold-bends for gentle curves; thermoforms at low heat | Easy to shape without specialist kit |
| Food contact | Food-safe grades available | Suitable for trays, guards and food-area screens |
| UV / outdoor life | Limited in standard grade | Best kept indoors unless you specify a UV-stable grade |
Is PETG stronger than acrylic?
Yes, in the way that matters most day to day. PETG absorbs impact by flexing, so it takes knocks and drops without shattering. Acrylic is stiffer and clearer but more brittle, and a sharp blow can crack it. If a panel gets handled, moved or is at risk of impact, PETG is the safer choice. If you want maximum rigidity and optical clarity for a fixed panel, acrylic still has a place.
PETG vs acrylic vs polycarbonate
These three sheets cover most clear-plastic jobs. The short version: acrylic is the clearest and most rigid, polycarbonate is the toughest and most heat-resistant, and PETG sits in the middle as the easy all-rounder.
| PETG | Acrylic | Polycarbonate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | High | Moderate | Very high |
| Clarity | Very good (~90%) | Excellent (~92%) | Good (~88%) |
| Ease of cutting | Easy | Easy but can chip | Harder, gummy |
| Heat resistance | Up to ~65°C | Up to ~80°C | Up to ~115°C |
| Outdoor / UV | Limited | Excellent | Good (UV grades) |
| Cost | Low to mid | Low to mid | Higher |
For a full breakdown, see our guide on PETG vs acrylic and our three-way comparison of acrylic, polycarbonate and PETG.
What are PETG sheets used for?
PETG earns its place wherever you need clarity and toughness without the price or weight of glass. The most common uses we supply for are:
- Machine guards and safety screens — it flexes rather than shatters, so it holds up around moving parts.
- Retail and POS displays — clear, light and easy to shape into stands and holders.
- Protective screens and visors — thin PETG is the standard choice for face shields and counter screens.
- Signage and print faces — takes print well and stays clear.
- Food-area screens and trays — food-safe grades suit kitchens and serveries.
- Packaging and thermoformed parts — forms cleanly at low heat.
- Model making and prototyping — cuts with a knife at thin gauges.
PETG thickness guide
Thickness drives both rigidity and cost. As a rule, thin PETG is for covers, faces and light guards, while thicker sheet is for panels that need to stand up on their own or take load. Span and support matter as much as thickness, so a large unsupported panel needs a thicker sheet than a small framed one.
| Thickness | Best for |
|---|---|
| 0.5–1mm | Face shields, protective covers, print laminates, packaging, model making |
| 1.5–2mm | POS displays, sign faces, light machine guards, counter screens |
| 3mm | Glazing panels, standing guards, sturdier displays |
| 4–6mm | Heavier glazing, structural guards, larger unsupported panels |
Our thickness range runs from 0.5mm upwards. If you are unsure, our acrylic and plastic sheet thickness guide walks through span and support in detail.
Can PETG be used outdoors?
Standard PETG can be used outdoors for short-term jobs, but it is not the best long-term outdoor material. Without UV stabilisation it can yellow and lose strength over months of direct sun. For permanent outdoor use, acrylic weathers better and UV-grade polycarbonate is tougher. Ask us for a UV-stable grade if the panel has to live outside.
How to cut and bend PETG
PETG is one of the easier sheets to work. Thin sheet up to about 1mm can be scored and snapped or cut with strong scissors. Thicker sheet cuts cleanly on a jigsaw, circular saw or router with the right blade, and lasers well. It cold-bends around a former for gentle curves, and a line bender or low oven heat gives you crisp folds. Keep the protective film on while you work to avoid scratches.
Prefer to skip the cutting? We supply PETG cut to size to your exact measurements, so the sheet arrives ready to fit.
Frequently asked questions
Is PETG the same as PET?
They share a base polymer, but PETG has glycol added so it stays clear and workable when heated. PET is used for bottles and fibres; PETG is the sheet material used for guards, displays and glazing.
Is PETG food safe?
Food-safe PETG grades are available and are widely used for trays, guards and food-area screens. Confirm the specific grade if the sheet will be in direct food contact.
Does PETG scratch easily?
PETG has moderate scratch resistance, similar to acrylic. Keep the protective film on during fabrication and clean it with a soft cloth and mild soapy water rather than abrasive cleaners.
What thickness of PETG do I need?
For covers, faces and shields, 0.5–1mm is enough. For displays and light guards, choose 1.5–2mm. For glazing and standing panels, go to 3mm or more, and increase thickness for larger unsupported spans.
Can you bend PETG without heat?
Yes. PETG cold-bends around a former for gentle curves. For sharp, accurate folds, warm the bend line with a line bender or low oven heat.
Order PETG cut to size
We have supplied cut-to-size plastic sheet since 2001, with PETG cut to your exact measurements and delivered across the UK. Browse the PETG range or send us your sizes for a quote.