Short answer: PETG is tougher than acrylic (Vivak PETG lists 1.7 ft-lb/in notched Izod impact vs about 0.3 to 0.4 for acrylic), hard to crack, and easy to thermoform or cold-bend, which makes it the better choice for face shields, vacuum-formed parts, and items that get dropped. Acrylic is clearer (92% vs 86% light transmission), harder and stiffer, handles more heat, stays clear outdoors, and laser cuts with a glossy edge, which makes it better for signs, displays, frames, and engraved or precisely shaped parts.
What is PETG?
PETG is polyethylene terephthalate glycol, a modified version of the PET used for water bottles. The added glycol keeps it from crystallizing when heated, so it stays clear and is easy to form. It's sold as clear sheet (Plaskolite Vivak, for example, from 0.020 to 0.500 in.) and is common in point-of-purchase displays, face shields, machine covers, and vacuum-formed trays.
Acrylic vs PETG at a glance
| Acrylic (Optix / Acrylite) | PETG (Vivak) | |
|---|---|---|
| Light transmission | 92% | 86% |
| Notched Izod impact | 0.28 to 0.4 ft-lb/in | 1.7 ft-lb/in; rarely cracks |
| Stiffness (flexural modulus) | About 475,000 to 490,000 psi | 310,000 psi; flexes more |
| Tensile strength | About 10,000 to 11,000 psi | 7,700 psi |
| Heat deflection (264 psi) | 195 to 210 °F | 157 °F; glass transition 178 °F |
| Specific gravity | 1.19 | 1.27 |
| Scratch resistance | Harder surface | Softer surface; scratches more easily |
| Thermoforming | Forms well with heat; deep draws need care | Forms at lower temperatures with fine detail; excellent for vacuum forming |
| Cold bending | Only gentle curves (radius about 200 × thickness) | Thin sheet can be bent cold |
| Laser cutting | Clean, glossy, flame-polished-looking edges | Melts; rough, often discolored edges; usually routed, sawn, or die cut |
| Edge polishing | Flame or diamond polishes to glass-like | Doesn't polish nearly as well |
| Solvent bonding | Easy, clear joints | Harder; fewer cements work well |
| Food contact | Standard sign sheet isn't certified | Vivak resin is NSF listed and FDA compliant |
| Outdoor use | Excellent | Mainly indoor unless UV-stabilized |
Values are typical figures from Plaskolite's Vivak and Optix data sheets and Acrylite's data; grades vary.
Is PETG stronger than acrylic?
Tougher, yes. Vivak's notched Izod impact of 1.7 ft-lb/in is roughly four to six times the 0.28 to 0.4 ft-lb/in listed for acrylic, so PETG absorbs knocks that would crack acrylic and bends a long way before it breaks. It's not as tough as polycarbonate, but it's much more forgiving than acrylic for parts that get dropped, flexed, or snapped into place. Acrylic is stronger and stiffer, though: higher tensile strength (about 10,000 vs 7,700 psi) and a flexural modulus more than 50% higher, so for a shelf or a large flat panel, acrylic deflects less under the same load. For a tougher option with good heat resistance, see acrylic vs polycarbonate.
Which is easier to thermoform?
PETG. It softens at a lower temperature (glass transition 178 °F), picks up fine detail in vacuum forming, and doesn't need the pre-drying polycarbonate does. Plaskolite markets Vivak for deep draws and precise molded-in details. That's why it's the standard sheet for vacuum-formed trays and formed covers. Thin PETG can even be bent cold on a sheet metal brake. Acrylic forms well with heat too, and line bending acrylic gives a crisp, clear bend, but it needs more care in deep draws. See can you thermoform acrylic and our acrylic bending service.
Which handles heat better?
Acrylic. PETG's heat deflection temperature is 157 °F at 264 psi, against about 195 to 210 °F for acrylic, and acrylic is rated for 160 to 180 °F continuous service. A PETG part in a hot car or near a warm light can sag where acrylic would hold its shape.
Can PETG be laser cut?
Not well. Under a CO2 laser, PETG tends to melt rather than vaporize cleanly. Edges come out rough, sometimes yellowed or brown, with melted beads, and some makerspaces restrict it. Thin PETG can be cut with care, but nobody chooses it for laser-cut detail. Acrylic is the standout plastic for laser cutting: Acrylite describes the CO2 laser edge on acrylic as clean and polished, and engraving is crisp. Can you laser cut acrylic?
Which stays clear longer?
Acrylic. It starts clearer (92% vs 86%) and is one of the most UV-stable clear plastics: Acrylite warrants its clear cast sheet to lose no more than 3% of its light transmission in 30 years. PETG's softer surface picks up scratches that dull it, and standard grades such as Vivak are sold for indoor use. For outdoor signs and windows, acrylic is the better choice.
When to choose PETG
- Face shields and visors, where flexibility and impact resistance matter more than optical perfection
- Vacuum-formed trays, covers, and packaging
- Retail displays that get knocked over
- Cold-bent covers and guards
- Food-contact displays, using a grade certified for it
When to choose acrylic
- Signs, awards, and anything engraved or laser cut into shapes
- Display cases and boxes with clear, solvent-bonded joints
- Picture frames, shelves, table covers, and cabinet inserts
- Outdoor signs and windows
- Parts near warmth, and parts that need polished, glass-like edges
If acrylic fits your project, we'll laser cut, polish, drill, or bend it to your drawing. Upload a file on the quote page to see your price instantly. Comparing more materials? See acrylic vs other plastics.
Questions
How do I tell PETG from acrylic?
Check the film or label first. On a scrap, PETG bends far without breaking and scratches more easily, while acrylic is stiff and snaps if bent hard. PETG is also slightly heavier (specific gravity 1.27 vs 1.19).
Is PETG better than acrylic for sneeze guards?
It depends on use. PETG resists cracking if the shield gets knocked, but scratches faster and is less clear. Acrylic is clearer and stiffer, and holds up well if cleaned with mild soap and water or dilute disinfectant rather than full-strength alcohol.
Is PETG sheet the same as PETG 3D printer filament?
It's the same family of plastic, so it has similar toughness and chemical resistance. Sheet is made for clarity and flatness; filament is formulated for printing.
Is PETG cheaper than acrylic?
Prices swing with the market, and the two are often close in thin gauges. Choose on properties: PETG for forming and impact, acrylic for clarity, stiffness, heat, and laser-cut parts.