PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified)

PETG: The Strong, Clear, and Versatile Plastic for Custom Plastic Fabrication

As we move forward to 2025 and beyond, companies and manufacturers in every sector are seeking materials that will provide value in strength, transparency, and sustainability. 

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is experiencing a rapid rise in popularity and use as one of the most versatile and adaptable plastics, best found in today's market, with applications ranging from medical devices to product packaging, retail displays, and safeguards from COVID-19 spray particulate.

Welch Plastics is a custom plastic manufacturer based in Las Vegas that specializes in plastic fabrication using high-quality PETG sheet materials and advanced processes, including laser compatibilization, CNC machining, and injection molding. If you are considering PETG, or you're learning about PETG for the first time, this article will tell you everything you need to know.

WHAT IS PETG?

PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a thermoplastic polyester that combines optical-quality clarity, toughness, and excellent formability. PETG is a glycol-modified version of PET (the material most commonly found in water bottles), and provides improved impact-resistant material properties while delivering compatibility into the entire processing stream without diminishing transparency, clarity, or strength.

What PETG is known for:

• Clear like acrylic
• Tough like polycarbonate
• Easier to fabricate than both
• More affordable than both

It is also food-safe, recyclable, and approved for medical use - it will check every box you have! 

Key Properties of PETG

Property	Performance
Impact Strength	High (Stronger than acrylic)
Optical Clarity	Excellent (~90% light transmission)
Thermoformability	Excellent – Low temperature forming
Chemical Resistance	High (Resistant to alcohols & mild solvents)
Food Safe / FDA Compliant	Yes
Recyclability	100% recyclable
Printability	Supports UV, screen, and 3D printing

PETG against Acrylic and Polycarbonate

When widening your selection of clear plastics and comparing PETG against all other plastic forms, PETG usually outperforms the competition:

Specification	PETG	Acrylic (PMMA)	Polycarbonate (PC)
Impact Resistance	High	Medium	Very High
Optical Clarity	~90%	~92%	~88%
Ease of Fabrication	Excellent	Medium	Nepotism
Cost	Moderate rates	Moderate rates	Expensive
Scratch Resistance	Medium	High	Low
Food Safe	Yes	Some Grades	Some Grades

PETG provides the best of both worlds and clarity, and strength for an affordable price. Therefore, it has earned the trust of plastic manufacturers and fabricators in 2025.

Why Protected PETG is a Favorite for Custom Plastic Fabrication

At Welch Plastics, we choose PETG when a client needs:

• Strong, shatter-proof plastic;
• Visually pleasing clarity;
• Materials suitable for food or medical purposes;
• Low volume and/or custom shapes;
• Rapid turnaround and economical production

Its versatility makes it suitable for more than just to name a few, including injection molding, vacuum forming, and CNC.

Common Uses for PETG

PETG is used across a wide array of industries due to its ability to withstand impact and weather, non-toxic properties, and its crystal-clear translucency.

🔹Retail & Point-of-Purchase Displays

• Signage and brochure holders, product showcases, donation boxes, and display containers.

🔹Protective Barriers

• Sneeze guards and shields for retail cash registers, machine enclosures, and desk dividers.

🔹Medical & Healthcare Equipment

• Sterile trays and covers, enclosures for diagnostic equipment, and packaging for pharmaceuticals.

🔹Food Packaging

• Clamshell containers, lids and dispensers, FDA-approved food trays, and storage.

🔹Industrial Manufacturing

• Enclosures for and guards for machines, thermoformed parts, and housings.

🔹Signage & Graphics

• Interior and exterior signage, panels that can be printed onto and provide UV resistant graphics.

🔹3D Printing & Prototyping

• Low-warp and durable prints, prototypes for engineers, and food-safe tools.

PETG Sheets from Welch Plastics

Welch Plastics is a full-service plastic manufacturer in Las Vegas, providing sheet fabrication services with a robust inventory of PETG sheets:

Standard Sizes:

• Thicknesses: 0.020" to 0.500" (0.5mm to 12.7mm)
• Sheet Sizes: 48" x 96" (custom cuts available)

Available Textures/Finishes:

• Clear,
• glossy, 
• matte, 
• anti-glare, 
• textured,

Colors:

• Clear, 
• translucent tints, 
• opaque (custom colors available by order).

Fire Rating:

• UL 94 V-0 as well as ASTM flame retardant grades.

Do you need parts laser-cut, thermoformed, or machined to specification? Welch Plastics can help you bring your PETG-based project from a concept to the delivery of your products. 

PETG Fabrication Capabilities

We offer a full range of manufacturing services customized to your project:

✅ Laser cutting – Clean, polished edges and tight tolerances

✅ CNC routing – High-speed machining for precision parts

✅ Vacuum forming – Complex shapes at low tooling requirements

✅ Heat bending & bonding – Great for boxes, covers, and custom forms

✅ UV & screen printing - Durable display and high-resolution graphics

Whether a one-off prototype or you need to run a production run, rest assured that we have the tools, talent, and technology to assist you from start to finish.

PETG for 3D Printing

As of 2025, PETG is hands-down one of the most extensively used 3D printing filaments because of:

• Low warping and high durability
• Transparency and chemical resistance
• An FDA-compliant and food-safe formulation

The majority of 3D printed PETG applications include:

• Prototypes for enclosure and housing
• Medical tools and trays
• Custom kitchen gadgets, etc.

Welch Plastics sells PETG filament as well as print-on-demand 3D printing services with small to mid-size production runs.

Is PETG the Right Plastic for Your Next Project?

Consider PETG if you need:

• Clear visibility + good impact resistance
• A food-safe and medical-safe plastic
• A plastic that is easily cut, bent, thermoformed, and fabricated
• A recyclable and environmentally friendly plastic
• Custom shapes, or parts in low to mid volume runs
• Plastic components that can be branded, printed, etc.

Not sure if PETG is right for your project? Welch Plastics will assess your needs and help you decide between PETG, acrylic, polycarbonate, or another plastic material based on the function, budget, and application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is PETG stronger than acrylic?

Yes. PETG has greater impact resistance and flexibility than acrylic, making it a more durable solution in high-impact applications.

• Can PETG be used outdoors?

Yes; However, clear PETG with UV exposure may yellow over time unless a UV-stabilized grade of PETG is used.

• Is PETG food-safe?

Yes - Most grades are FDA compliant and BPA-free - and are great for food and beverage containers!

• Is PETG recyclable?

Yes. PETG is 100% recyclable and is typically processed with standard PET plastics.

• What’s the difference between PET and PETG?

PETG is a PET modified with glycol that is used to improve clarity and impact resistance,and flexibility.

How to Order PETG Sheets or have Custom Fabrication from Welch Plastics

Welch Plastics, as a trusted plastic manufacturer in Las Vegas, is your full-service partner for PETG sheets, fabrication, and custom plastic manufacturing. We can design, cut, form, and manufacture parts, components, etc. for retail, industrial, medical, packaging, etc. that meet your specs - on-time and on-budget.

🔹 Fast turnaround

🔹 Competitive pricing

🔹 Custom fabrication specialists

🔹 Locally made in the Las Vegas area

Get a Free Quote Today

Are you looking for PETG plastics solutions? Call Welch Plastics and let us show you why we are a top name in custom plastic fabrication and plastic manufacturing.