Machinery Guards in Plastic: PC, PMMA or PETG?
When it comes to machinery guards in plastic there are several alternatives to choose from. We offer a wide range of transparent plastics that can be used for machinery guards such as PC, PMMA and PETG. But which material is best for your project? In this article we will compare these three materials and discuss their properties and applications.
PC - The Highest Impact Resistance
PC or polycarbonate is a very impact resistant material often used for machinery guards. It has a high impact rating and can withstand heavy blows without breaking. PC is also relatively inexpensive and easy to process which makes it a popular choice for many applications. However PC also has some drawbacks such as a low scratch resistance and a tendency to become yellowish over time.
A question many people ask is: How much impact resistance do I really need? If you need a material that can withstand very heavy blows then PC is a good choice. But if you only need a material that can withstand light blows then maybe PMMA or PETG is a better choice.
PMMA - The Highest Clarity
PMMA or polymethyl methacrylate is a material known for its high clarity and optical quality. It is often used for applications where visibility is important such as display windows and lighting tubes. PMMA is also relatively easy to process and can be formed into complex shapes. However PMMA also has a low impact rating and can be sensitive to scratches and cracks.
An important question to ask when choosing PMMA is: How important is clarity to me? If you need a material that is extremely clear and optically pure then PMMA is a good choice. But if you can accept a lower clarity then maybe PC or PETG is a better choice.
PETG - The Best Chemical Resistance
PETG or polyethylene terephthalate glycol is a material known for its high chemical resistance. It is often used for applications where the material is exposed to chemicals and cleaning agents such as in laboratory environments and process industries. PETG is also relatively easy to process and can be formed into complex shapes. However PETG also has a low impact rating and can be sensitive to UV light.
A question many people ask is: How important is chemical resistance to me? If you need a material that can withstand strong chemicals then PETG is a good choice. But if you only need a material that can withstand light chemicals then maybe PC or PMMA is a better choice.
Thickness Recommendations
When it comes to thickness for machinery guards it is important to choose the right thickness for your material. If you choose a thickness that is too thin the material can be too weak and can break when subjected to blows or impacts. If you choose a thickness that is too thick the material can be too heavy and can be difficult to process.
We recommend the following thickness recommendations for our materials: 3-5 mm for PC 2-4 mm for PMMA and 2-3 mm for PETG. However it is important to note that these are general recommendations and that the best thickness for your project may vary depending on your specific needs.
Safety Standards
When it comes to machinery guards it is important to follow safety standards to ensure that your material meets the requirements for your application. We follow all relevant safety standards for our materials including CE marking and RoHS compliance.
A question many people ask is: How can I ensure that my material meets safety standards? If you are unsure about which safety standards apply to your application you can always contact us for advice and guidance.
Finally the choice of material for machinery guards depends on many factors including impact resistance clarity chemical resistance and thickness. We hope this article has helped you understand the different properties and applications of PC PMMA and PETG. If you have more questions or need help choosing the right material for your project you can always contact us for more information.
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