Tried cutting on Polycarbonate, broke my needle..

[SueDenim]

Some great information here guys - many thanks to all

I'm currently following a lead that, in Europe at least, a Bayer product known as "Bayloy 10" is the one we are all searching for.
Here's link to the data sheet: http://www.sheet.bayerpolymers.com/index.php/fuseaction/download/lrn_file/mf0039_e_130321.pdf

From Todd and Chris' explanations, the standard Bayloy 10 (black) with a 'glossy/glossy' finish seems to fit the bill.
I'm waiting on a sample to be delivered and will give it the razor blade test when it arrives.
Results to follow...

In the meantime, has anyone cut using this polycarb material before?

[David34]

Im happy to send a Souri black blank to anyone who wants to do the test.

I took a Clear bLANK disc into a plastic company here and they said look at the blank from the edge, if its blue'ish its PC, if its Clear its PVC (or vice versa - sorry it was a while ago now)

Can someone confirm this so I can at least get some clear blanks locally?

I did get some cut in PC, but it stuffed my needle and took an edge off the bevel. So I'm assuming the clear is PVC.

I would like to get coloured blanks from China, but they need to know what materials.

Appreciate everyones answers here you're all great !

[Fuzzbox]

Old thread but still relevant. Anyone follow up with the tests? Looking to avoid postage fees as well. Thanks

[jjwharris]

I had some swarf from a souri blank tested a few years ago at a university lab - they said it was PET, not PETG, but then I spoke to a plastic manufacturer and they said there wasn't a whole lot of differencc.

[Fuzzbox]

Cool, Thanks! Polyester is Pet and the g is added glycol. I'm thinking of getting art film which I can get as pet or PVC from grafix brand to make diamond cut flexis.
Anyone know of a cheap way to sandwich black or colors inside? All thick plastic is expensive above film thickness.

[farmersplow]

There are relevant differences between PET and PET-G.
I have found a good explanation in this regard from the world of 3D printing:

It is a common misconception that the main difference between PET and PETG is the physical addition of a glycol additive to PET. While glycol is indeed a common plastic additive with a plasticizing effect, this is not quite the case with PETG.
" Glycol " is a generic term for a class of structures that have hydroxyl groups (-OH, oxygen and hydrogen) at two ends. There are many different chemical structures that can all be considered glycols. Different glycols have different properties.
So it is not that PETG contains significantly more or less glycol than PET, it just contains a different type of glycol.
(For details, see here: https://all3dp.com/2/pet-vs-petg-differences-simply-explained/ )

If I had a choice for cutting or making blanks, I would prefer PET-G rather than PET. (I would never use PVC).
Both PET and PET-G are only available crystal clear without color as far as I know. Colored or black sheets can therefore only be produced by inserting a colored film between two layers of PET-G (PET) - (similar to the windshield on cars).

[David34]

It is PETG. I can confirm this. Now to find a supplier of black close to Australia.

[David34]

any updates on suppliers anyone?

[spinnertownblanks]

any updates on suppliers anyone?

We will have black PETG in stock from around April 14th. Currently we have white and transparent, black is on route to us soon.

[David34]

any updates on suppliers anyone?

We will have black PETG in stock from around April 14th. Currently we have white and transparent, black is on route to us soon.

Sweet!! Hopefully not too much from the UK to Australia?...

[spinnertownblanks]

any updates on suppliers anyone?

We will have black PETG in stock from around April 14th. Currently we have white and transparent, black is on route to us soon.

Sweet!! Hopefully not too much from the UK to Australia?...

Unfortunately shipping is pretty pricey to Australia! Have a gander on our site, make a mock check out and see what you reckon. We've checked all options and this is as cheap as we can find it

[whitricketts]

We have been looking for PET G suppliers in the US for ANYTHING other than clear, but even 3A is saying their US outfit doesn't stock anything but clear (but does stock black and other colors in the UK). I'm fascinated by this gap in the US. There's got to be enough demand to warrant distribution.

[spinnertownblanks]

Hey!

This is due to the 5 or 10 tonne minimum, we have to get that much made even here in the UK, it isn't readily available anywhere, worldwide. It is possible anywhere, but you have to have a huge investment. It is the same for each colour, they will make it, but you need to order the minimum quantity, which costs a fortune, but what you have to do if you want it.

Bare in mind too that a batch may be made wrong (but still within spec), so you could invest £40,000+ and it come back unusable. Make sure if you get a company to make it for you, that you get a sample to test the exact batch, not all PETG is made equally.