PET materials
PET (polyethylene terephthalate) applications and properties depend on grade, crystallinity and processing. When comparing engineering and other PET grades, check reinforcement, drying, molding method and dimensional stability.
PET handling and processing guide
This family-level guide is for preliminary screening, not a production recipe. Use the latest manufacturer instructions for the exact grade and equipment for drying, processing and safety settings; validate the process and part before production.
Storage
Keep sealed against moisture and separate engineering and packaging grades; record pellet form and packaging condition.
Drying
Select dehumidifying and any required crystallization treatment from the actual grade and processing sheet. Verify the moisture target; do not interchange settings across PET processes.
Equipment setup
Confirm dryer, crystallizer, barrel and mold are suitable for the grade. Trial within supplier limits and inspect crystallization, warpage, appearance and dimensions.
Typical applications
Candidate uses include engineering electrical parts, fibers and packaging; process suitability and contact approvals depend on the grade.
How to screen and compare grades
Start with the part’s operating temperature and exposure time, load, contact media, dimensional requirements and intended process. Compare specific manufacturers and grades: results with different test methods, specimen conditions, units or reinforcement are not automatically equivalent. A missing field means the information is unknown, not zero.
From data sheets to part validation
Use the database to build a shortlist, then request original data sheets, processing guidance and applicable certification from each manufacturer. Mold representative parts using the intended process and check dimensions, strength and function under the relevant combination of temperature, media and load; retain processing and lot records. Family-level guidance is not a guarantee for a particular grade.
Further reading: Ensinger — thermoplastic materials · ISO 1133-1 — melt flow testing
