FAQs

Our series of topics are designed to share practical information about Eastman Spectar™ copolyester. If you have a Spectar question that isn’t addressed with one of the topics below, email askthespectarteam@eastman.com and we’ll get back to you with an answer.


There are many different ways to bond Eastman Spectar™ copolyester depending on the needs of the application. Solvent bonding is generally preferred when the components to be joined are made from Spectar sheet. However, adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or plastic welding may be needed when joining dissimilar materials or when considerations such as part size, bond flexibility, or bond appearance prevail. Learn more ...
Standard carbon single- and double-cutting bits with polished flutes for plastic materials give good results. Removing chips from the cutting area is very important to obtain a good surface finish. It is suggested to use cutting tools with a shank diameter (D1) larger than 0.236 in. (6 mm). Running direction should be set in reference to the design of the tooling (right or left helix) clockwise or counterclockwise to transport the chip directly out of the cutting area. Learn more ...
Kinetic twisters offer an inspiring example. Learn more ...
Eastman Spectar™ copolyester is Eastman’s premier product for creating durable and sustainable architectural applications, in-store fixtures, and point-of-purchase displays. Spectar is a powerful tool for enhancing existing products—or creating dramatic, eye-catching displays. Learn more ...
If your project requires large quantities, the best option is to purchase Spectar sheet with a frost look already applied. Eastman Spectar Frost™ copolyester is commercially available. Learn more ...
Yes! Sheet made from Eastman Spectar™ copolyester can be easily flame polished using easy-to-find tools. Beautiful results can be obtained when the correct techniques and tools are used. Learn more ...
Eastman Spectar FR1000 copolyester concentrate can be added to Spectar and other Eastman copolyesters to produce extruded sheet, profiles, and injection molded parts which meet ASTM E84 requirements for a Class A flammability rating for interior finish applications. These applications include wall protection panels, corner guards, and handrails typically installed in offices, hospitals, hotels, and schools. Learn more ...
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. Learn more ...
YES! Sheet made from Eastman Spectar™ copolyester can be laser cut. Settings need to be modified from those typically used for acrylic. Typical laser cutting settings for acrylic require higher power (watts), higher frequency (pulses per sec), and less air assist compared to Spectar of similar thicknesses. Learn more ...
The two plastics most commonly compared to Spectar are acrylic and polycarbonate. For starters, Spectar is GREENGUARD® Certified, which provides assurance that it meets the requirements of the GREENGUARD Certification Program and helps to create healthier indoor environments. Spectar also provides superior thermoforming through lower thermoforming temperatures and better part definition as well as superior chemical resistance (see TRS-211) and heat bending capabilities compared to both materials. Additional details follow to help you choose the best plastic for your application. Learn more ...
Because of its outstanding toughness, Eastman Spectar™ copolyester adapts to mechanical fastening more readily than many other materials and can be fastened with nails, screws, rivets, and anchors. Spectar’s high impact resistance reduces the potential for cracking or breakage during fabrication, shipping, and ongoing consumer behavior use or abuse. Spectar’s durability can also extend the life span of retail fixtures and displays, decreasing replacement needs and saving money. Learn more ...
Many commercially available paints can be used to decorate Spectar sheet. As with any plastic substrate, there are factors that can affect adhesion. For example, Spectar inherently exhibits good chemical resistance; however, chemical resistance can cause marginal adhesion for certain paint types. Use only paint thinner designed for plastic (NOT metal), and evaluate its effect on the specific plastic sheet being used. Learn more ...
YES! Spectar has a high dyne level (40–42); therefore, it prints well with both traditional and UV-cured inks. Learn more ...
There are 2 easy ways to remove fine scratches from sheet made of Eastman Spectar™ copolyester. Scratches can be removed by using either heat or solvent methods. Both methods work well—choose the one that is most practical for your application. Learn more ...
Yes! Eastman Spectar™ copolyester can be solvent bonded with good results. Technique is very important. For those familiar with solvent bonding acrylic, similar techniques are still applicable—we recommend a few modifications for best results. Learn more ...
With the introduction of Spectar Stratus, Eastman offers light-diffusing technology for extruded and injection molded parts. Best of all, our options still allow optimum light transmission while “hiding” the light source. Learn more ...
In today’s environmentally conscious business landscape, we understand that businesses and consumers alike are demanding improved sustainability efforts from the entire supply chain. Learn more ...
Thermoforming is the process of converting flat plastic sheets into 3D shapes by using heat and vacuum. Eastman Spectar™ copolyester is one of the best plastic materials for thermoforming! Sheets made from Spectar do not need to be predried before forming. This gives your customers an efficiency bonus compared to polycarbonate. Sheets made from Spectar reach their forming temperature quickly—faster than acrylic or polycarbonate—saving your customers time and energy and yielding parts with crisp, clear details. Learn more ...
There are two things to consider when contemplating the use of any plastic in an outdoor environment—the material’s ability to withstand UV radiation and the temperature it will be exposed to on a regular basis. Additional details follow to help you determine whether Eastman Spectar™ copolyester is appropriate for your outdoor application. If an outdoor application requires color, Eastman Tritan™ copolyester may be the best choice. Learn more ...