PCTA IM
Grade
IM = impact-modified / high-impact copolyester
Pick when low-temperature drop impact or thick-section ductility matters more than absolute clarity.
Values for the IM condition
Other PCTA grades and fills
PCTA is listed in 2 conditions; see the grade overview at PCTA.
- IM
- FR
Compare all 2 grades and fillsHide
| Grade · open for datasheet | Best for | Yield MPa | Tensile MPa | Elong. % | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IMThis page Impact-modified / high-impact copolyester | Pick when low-temperature drop impact or thick-section ductility matters more than absolute clarity. | 40 | 44 | 320 | 73 Shore D |
Flame-retardant grade | For transit interiors, electrical enclosures and appliance panels needing a UL 94 V rating. | 46 | 47 | 100 | 79 Shore D |
What is PCTA IM?
PCTA IM is PCTA in the IM grade — pick when low-temperature drop impact or thick-section ductility matters more than absolute clarity. PCTA IM has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 320% and the elastic modulus is 1.8 GPa (0.254 Msi). PCTA IM has a density of 1.2 g/cm³ (0.0434 lb/in³), heavier than 57% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 88°C (190 °F).
Advantages
- Polishes to a fine finish — 80/100, better than 89% of polymer grades
- Ductile — tolerates forming and impact — 320%, better than 82% of polymer grades
- Forms and bends easily — 80/100, better than 75% of polymer grades
Limitations
- Limited service temperature — 62°C (144 °F), worse than 85% of polymer grades
- Needs corrosion protection — 70/100, worse than 78% of polymer grades
PCTA IM properties
Typical room-temperature values for PCTA IM; 25 are specific to this condition. Other listed values are PCTA reference data and may not represent this condition. Bars are the position among polymer grades.
Physical6
PCTA IM has a density of 1.2 g/cm³ (0.0434 lb/in³), heavier than 57% of polymer grades. Its glass-transition temperature is 88°C (190 °F).
Mechanical15
PCTA IM has a yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Elongation at break is 320% and the elastic modulus is 1.8 GPa (0.254 Msi).
Thermal11
PCTA IM is rated for continuous service to 62°C (144 °F). It conducts heat at 0.19 W/m·K (0.11 BTU/hr·ft·°F), worse than 68% of polymer grades. Thermal expansion is 68 µm/m·K (37.8 µin/in·°F).
Electrical6
PCTA IM is an electrical insulator with a dielectric strength of 18 kV/mm (457.2 V/mil) and a resistivity of 1×10¹⁴ Ω·m.
Chemical & Environmental3
Corrosion resistance is very good (70/100), worse than 78% of polymer grades. UV resistance is fair.
Sustainability4
Producing a kilogram of PCTA IM takes about 86 MJ of energy and emits 4.1 kg of CO₂ — less than 77% of polymer grades. Typical recycled content is 0%.
Manufacturability7
PCTA IM's machinability is fair (52/100, worse than 72% of polymer grades); weldability good (62/100); formability very good (80/100).
Values are nominal handbook figures for design screening. Confirm any required mill or lot documentation when quoting.
Working with PCTA IM
Is PCTA easy to machine?
Machines like PETG — sharp positive-rake tools, high speed with low feed, air or mist cooling; avoid heat build-up that softens the cut edge and causes crazing.
Can PCTA be welded?
Excellent ultrasonic, hot-plate, vibration and RF welding; solvent/adhesive bonding with methylene-chloride-free cyanoacrylates or UV-cure acrylics — avoid ketone solvents that stress-crack.
Can PCTA be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 4–6 h at 65–70 °C to <0.04 % moisture; melt 240–270 °C, mold 10–40 °C, wide thermoforming window with low forming force and minimal sag.
What surface finishes work on PCTA?
Takes flame or vapour polishing, hard-coat and anti-fog coatings, pad printing and in-mold decoration; degrease with isopropanol only, never with acetone or MEK.
PCTA chemical composition (wt %)
Limits by weight percent from the governing specification, written the way the spec states them — a single maximum for impurities, a range for alloying elements, and the base element as balance. Nominal is the typical mid-range value.
| Element | Spec limit (wt %) | Nominal |
|---|---|---|
| terephthalic acid (diacid unit)mol% of the diacid fraction | 65 – 95 | 85 |
| isophthalic acid (comonomer)acid-modifier that suppresses crystallinity | 5 – 35 | 15 |
| 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM diol unimol% of the diol fraction; small ethylene glycol content possible | ≥ 90 (balance) | — |
PCTA IM — frequently asked
What is PCTA IM used for?
PCTA IM is typically used for extruded clear sheet, blister packaging, medical tubing and signage. In short: sheet and film copolyester; clearer than standard PET; low-force thermoforming.
What is the yield strength of PCTA IM?
PCTA IM has a typical yield strength of 40 MPa (5.8 ksi) and a tensile strength of 44 MPa (6.38 ksi) — weaker than 63% of polymer grades. Strength varies by condition: see the 2 listed tempers.
Is PCTA IM easy to machine?
Reasonably — machinability is rated fair (52/100, worse than 72% of polymer grades). Machines like PETG — sharp positive-rake tools, high speed with low feed, air or mist cooling; avoid heat build-up that softens the cut edge and causes crazing.
Can PCTA IM be welded?
Yes — weldability is rated good (62/100). Excellent ultrasonic, hot-plate, vibration and RF welding; solvent/adhesive bonding with methylene-chloride-free cyanoacrylates or UV-cure acrylics — avoid ketone solvents that stress-crack.
What surface finishes work on PCTA IM?
Takes flame or vapour polishing, hard-coat and anti-fog coatings, pad printing and in-mold decoration; degrease with isopropanol only, never with acetone or MEK.
Can PCTA IM be formed, bent or molded?
Dry 4–6 h at 65–70 °C to <0.04 % moisture; melt 240–270 °C, mold 10–40 °C, wide thermoforming window with low forming force and minimal sag.
What is the maximum service temperature of PCTA IM?
PCTA IM is rated for continuous use to about 62°C (144 °F), and briefly to 85°C. Strength falls off well before that limit — check the elevated-temperature data for load-bearing parts.
Sources
- Eastar / Spectar copolyester sheet and molding grade data sheets — Eastman Chemical (2023)
- CAMPUS plastics database — amorphous copolyester (PCTA/PETG) entries — CAMPUS Consortium (2023)
- Handbook of Thermoplastics / Modern Plastics Handbook — polyester copolymers — CRC Press / McGraw-Hill (2016)
- ASTM D638 / D256 / D648 / D1003 test methods — ASTM International (2022)
- /PETG-PCTA (2026)
Property data is compiled from published supplier and standards handbooks and normalised for comparison. Nothing on this page is a certification — request mill certs, CoC or material test reports with your order.