Electrically Stable. Moisture Resistant. Durable.
PBT provides excellent electrical insulation, moisture resistance, and mechanical strength for components used in electrical, automotive, and industrial applications.
Select a form factor to view real-time inventory, pricing, and custom cut-to-size options.
| Short Description | Color | Thickness | Width | Length | Stock | Price | Add to quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.250" 24 x 24 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.250″ | 24″ | 24″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.250" 24 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.250″ | 24″ | 48″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.375" 12 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.375″ | 12″ | 48″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.375" 24 x 36 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.375″ | 24″ | 36″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.375" 24 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.375″ | 24″ | 48″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.400" 24 x 48 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.400″ | 24″ | 48″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.450" 24 x 24 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.450″ | 24″ | 24″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.450" 24 x 36 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.450″ | 24″ | 36″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.500" 12 x 12 Black Sheet | Black | 0.500″ | 12″ | 12″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.500" 12 x 36 Natural Sheet | Natural | 0.500″ | 12″ | 36″ | Out of stock | Contact |
| Short Description | Color | Diameter | Length | Stock | Price | Add to quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.375" dia x 120 Natural Rod | Natural | 0.375″ | 120″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101L PBT (PBT) - 0.375" dia x 120 Natural Rod | Natural | 0.375″ | 120″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.500" dia x 120 Black Rod | Black | 0.500″ | 120″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.500" dia x 120 Natural Rod | Natural | 0.500″ | 120″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.500" dia x 60 Black Rod | Black | 0.500″ | 60″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101L PBT (PBT) - 0.500" dia x 120 Natural Rod | Natural | 0.500″ | 120″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101L PBT (PBT) - 0.500" dia x 36 Natural Rod | Natural | 0.500″ | 36″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101L PBT (PBT) - 0.500" dia x 96 Natural Rod | Natural | 0.500″ | 96″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.625" dia x 120 Black Rod | Black | 0.625″ | 120″ | Out of stock | Contact | |
| Hydex 4101 (PBT) - 0.625" dia x 120 Natural Rod | Natural | 0.625″ | 120″ | Out of stock | Contact |
Material Overview
PBT material — polybutylene terephthalate — is a semi-crystalline engineering polyester thermoplastic that balances strong electrical insulation properties with good moisture resistance and mechanical reliability. Part of the polyester family alongside PET, PBT is distinguished by its lower moisture absorption and faster crystallization rate, which translates into consistent dimensional stability in humid and electrically demanding environments.
PBT plastic provides reliable dielectric properties across a broad temperature range, low moisture uptake that prevents swelling and tolerance drift, and good chemical resistance to many oils, fuels, and weak acids. Its semi-crystalline structure gives it predictable mechanical behavior and makes it suitable for structural components that must perform consistently over time.
Typical applications include electrical connectors, relay housings, sensor bodies, automotive under-hood components, and precision industrial parts where stable electrical performance and resistance to humidity are critical. PBT is also selected for its clean machinability when tight tolerances are required in production quantities.
Ready Plastics stocks PBT in rod and sheet for machined components. For stiffer, higher-stiffness applications, see PBT GF30 — the 30% glass-fiber-reinforced variant, which significantly raises flexural modulus and improves creep resistance. Visit the PBT product page for stock information and quote requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) is a semi-crystalline engineering polyester thermoplastic known for excellent electrical insulation, low moisture absorption, and good chemical resistance. It is widely used in electrical connectors, automotive components, and precision industrial parts where stable dimensional performance is required.
PBT GF30 is PBT reinforced with 30% glass fiber, which significantly increases stiffness, reduces creep, and improves dimensional stability under load and heat. Unfilled PBT is preferred when machinability and toughness matter more than maximum stiffness.
PBT and PET are both semi-crystalline polyesters, but PBT has lower moisture absorption and faster crystallization, giving it better dimensional stability in humid conditions. PET typically offers higher tensile strength and better wear resistance. Choose PBT for electrical and moisture-sensitive applications; choose PET when maximum strength and wear resistance are priorities.
Ready Plastics stocks PBT in rod and sheet. Contact us or visit the PBT product page for available sizes and cut-to-size options.
Yes. PBT machines cleanly with conventional tooling — drilling, turning, milling, and sawing all produce good results. Its semi-crystalline structure provides consistent chip formation and good surface finish.
Get a quote on cut-to-size sheets and rods, request a full data sheet, or talk to a plastics engineer. We answer in under two hours, M–F 8am–6pm ET.
