How does the impact resistance of Spectar compare to other materials in the marketplace?

The impact resistance of Eastman Spectar™ copolyester, when tested using ASTM D3763, is about 18 times that of general-purpose acrylic and about two to five times that of impact-modified acrylic.

Spectar has relatively high impact resistance compared to many other competitive materials. More durable than acrylic and easier to fabricate than polycarbonate, Spectar is a material that stands up to everyday wear and tear. Incredible impact resistance minimizes safety and liability concerns and provides excellent resistance to breakage during fabrication, shipping, installation, and in use.

The video shows a ⅛-inch thick sheet of general-purpose acrylic being put to the test against a ⅛-inch thick sheet of Spectar copolyester. When a 12-lb shotput is dropped down a 40-inch tube, the general-purpose acrylic crumbles under the impact while the Spectar easily absorbs the impact and does not break. Spectar maintains its superior impact strength versus acrylic even in cold-temperature environments.

In the following video, general-purpose acrylic is once again tested against Eastman Spectar™ copolyester. This time, a baseball is thrown toward molded articles made of each material. Again, the general-purpose acrylic shatters while Spectar withstands the impact.

So, if your next point-of-purchase display, shelving, signage, or other application needs a tough material, look to Eastman Spectar as your first choice.

You can view videos on many of the processes mentioned in the preceding text at our Spectar video gallery.

For additional tips, download our Fabrication Guide.