Property comparisons

Sheet of Eastman Spectar™ copolyester vs. acrylic

  • Greater impact strength–downgauging possible
  • Heat bends in half the time
  • Die cuts without shattering
  • Machines without shattering
  • Cold bends without stress whitening
  • Superior thermoforming characteristics
    • Faster cycle times
    • Thermoforms at lower temperatures
    • Wider thermoforming window
    • Better part definition

Sheet of Eastman Spectar™ copolyester vs. polycarbonate (PC)

  • Sheet is less expensive
  • Better chemical resistance
  • Easier to machine—saw, drill, route, and die cut
  • Laser cuts
  • Sheet remains clear after radiation sterilization.
  • Thermoforming characteristics
    • No predrying required
    • Faster cycle rates
    • Wider thermoforming window
    • Better part definition
    • Better material distribution
    • Easy release from mold
    • Forms with vinyls against male mold

Materials comparison chart

Criteria
Spectar
IMA
Acrylic
PC
PS
PVC
GREENGUARD certifcation
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
Impact strength
3
1
1
4
1
2
See-through clarity
3
3
3
3
3
2
Edge clarity
2
2
3
2
2
1
Heat bending
3
2
2
2
2
3
Flexibility
3
3
2
3
2
2
Thermoforming (3D designs)
4
2
2
2
2
2
Chemical resistance
3
2
2
2
2
3
Minor scratch removal
3
2
2
1
1
2
Downgauging possibilities
3
2
2
3
2
3
Die cutting
3
2
1
3
2
1
Machining
3
2
2
3
2
2
Ease of bonding
2
3
3
2
3
2
Flammability
2
1
1
3
1
1
Surface hardness
1
2
3
2
2
1
Low odor during fabrication
4
1
1
4
1
4
4 Best
3 Good
2 Average
1 Fair

Data sources are www.plasticusa.com and our internal experts.