The Difference PETG Vs. Acrylic

PETG’s full form is Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol. It is a versatile and widely used thermoplastic polymer. PETG is popular for its exceptional balance of strength, clarity, and ease of fabrication. On the other hand, Acrylic is a thermoplastic homopolymer. Its short form is PMMA. This material is widely used for enhanced weather resistance, chemical resistance, and appealing look.

Understanding the context of PETG vs. Acrylic assists professionals in material selection, evaluating product performance, and overall project success. The knowledge of the differences between these two materials allows the opportunity to get cost-effective solutions that embrace durability, design flexibility, etc.

PETG: Everything You Need to Know

In 1941, two British scientists named John Whinfield and James Dickson invented Polyethylene Terephthalate. Later on, after several kinds of research on this material, PET was glycosylated, producing Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, i.e., PETG.

PETG, the improved version of PET, is produced by the mixing of ethylene glycol and cyclohexane dimethanol. In this case, a two-page metal polycondensation process is involved. In the process, ethylene glycol and cyclohexane dimethanol are melted and blended. Then a bit of water is added to get the PETG. This stops PETG from forming crystals, which is different from PET.

Common Characteristics of PETG

The following are the core characteristics of PETG.

PETG offers greater thermal stability with a thermal expansion coefficient of 66.8.
It displays resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, and solvents.
This construction material is easily fabricable and can be thermoformed, vacuum-formed, and fabricated using common techniques.
It provides excellent impact resistance with a tensile strength of 9.57 KSI.
PETG has relatively low moisture absorption.
It is also known for its excellent optical clarity and transparency.

Common Applications of PETG

Below are the most common applications of PETG

PETG is rated as food-safe material, and it is used to manufacture food containers and bottles.
This construction material is widely used for creating models, prototypes, and architectural mock-ups.
The natural transparent and easy-coloring options make it highly suitable for finishing works.
It is used for architectural glazing works like skylights, windows, and protective barriers.
PETG is applied in 3D printing jobs.
Advertising displays and electric insulators contain PETG.
Due to its impact resistance and clarity, PETG is used to manufacture protective items such as face shields, machine guards, etc.

Advantages of PETG

Here, we list the competitive benefits of using PETG.

Easy to print on.
It provides an extensive amount of layer adhesion.
It makes the final product fatigue resistant.
PETG is food-safe material; it is FDA-approved construction material.
It is also recyclable, supporting the concept of environmental sustainability.
PETG can be produced in a variety of colors that triggers design flexibility.

Disadvantages of PETG

Below are the issues with this construction material.

PETG is highly sensitive to Oozing.
It makes the post-work tough. For example, blaming takes time.
Due to absorbing moisture, PETG becomes brittle.
Though it is recyclable, this material is not biodegradable. It does not decompose easily.

Acrylic: Everything You Need to Know

Acrylic plastic was developed in the year of 1901 by a German chemist named Otto Röhm. Röhm innovated the process of polymerization methyl methacrylate producing Polymethyl Methacrylate, i.e., Acrylic. However, its commercial production started in 1933 in the name of “Plexiglas” In the USA, Plexiglas was patented in the 1930s by E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Company.

In general, a bulk polymerization process is used to produce Acrylic. In this process, methyl methacrylate and catalysts like organic peroxide are placed in a mold. Then, the mold is sealed to impose controlled heating. Due to the in-mold chemical reaction, Acrylic is formed.

Common Characteristics of Acrylic

The following are the base properties of Acrylic.

Acrylic is an easy fabrication material; it can be thermoformed effortlessly.
It comes with a lower moisture absorption rate.
PMMA is equipped with enhanced weather and chemical-resistant properties.
The elongation range of Acrylic is medium: more than 90% high elasticity recovery.
It also provides adequate resistance to U.V. exposure.
Acrylic is transparent, providing noticeable optical clarity.
It is lightweight.

Common Applications of Acrylic

Here we list the most popular applications of this material.

Outdoor and indoor furniture are made of Acrylic.
In the construction industry, it is used to produce windows, skylights, decorative dividers, etc.
In the automotive sector, Acrylic is used in headlights, taillights, and interior components.
Acrylic is also used for various medical equipment manufacturing like cuvettes, laboratory equipment, etc.
It is used for cosmetic packaging, jewelry displays, and other retail packaging solutions.
Acrylic is a favored item for artists and designers to create paintings, sculptures, and decorative elements.

Advantages of Acrylic

The following are the competitive advantages of using Acrylic.

It is a great alternative to traditional glass.
Acrylic provides top-notch finishing works.
Easy to carry, transport, and fabricate.
This material is eco-friendly.
It provides thermal insulation.

Disadvantages of Acrylic

The issues with Acrylic are listed below.

Its heat-resistant capacity is degraded.
It can accommodate scratches easily.
Acrylic cannot withstand the direct encounter of flame.

Comparison Between PETG Vs. Acrylic

Type	PETG	Acrylic
Short description	PETG’s full form is Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol. It is a thermoplastic polymer.	Acrylic is known as Polymethyl Methacrylate. It is a thermoplastic homopolymer.
What ingredients used to make this	Ethylene glycol and cyclohexane dimethanol	Methyl methacrylate, catalyst
Applications	PETG is used for 3D printing, windows, ad displays, food packaging, beverage bottles, etc.	Acrylic is used in producing furniture, canopies, lenses, LCD displays, paints, etc.
Characteristics	It offers enhanced thermal stability and easy fabricability. It is recyclable.	Impact, weather, and UV resistance. Lightweight. Easy to process.
Trade Name	Spectar, etc.	Crylux, Hesalite, Plexiglas, etc.
Price	Per M. Ton PETG price ranges from $725 to $890. However, the price varies significantly depending on brand, quality, etc.	Per Ton price is $900 to $1,200.

Final Words

Although PEGT and Acrylic are transparent plastics, they offer different performances and are used in different applications.

UVTECO is a leading supplier of PETG and Acrylic material, sheets, rods, and tubes in China. We know more information about PETG, acrylic, and machining solutions. If you are looking for a trustworthy for your project, contact us now!