PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) combines PLA's ease of use with ABS's strength, making it an outstanding all-round filament choice. This guide explains why PETG deserves a place in every 3D printing enthusiast's toolkit.
What makes PETG special?
PETG offers impressive impact resistance and flexibility, while being almost as easy to print as PLA. The material is food-safe when printed correctly and handles moisture better than PLA. These properties make PETG ideal for both functional and decorative applications.
Print properties
PETG prints at moderate temperatures (220-250°C) with a heated bed around 70-80°C. The material shows minimal warping and doesn't produce strong fumes like ABS. Layer adhesion is excellent, resulting in strong, durable prints that resist cracking.
Ideal use cases
PETG excels in applications that require durability and chemical resistance. Create water bottles, food containers, outdoor decorations or mechanical parts. The material handles stress well, making it perfect for objects that need to flex without breaking.
Print quality and appearance
PETG produces semi-transparent to transparent prints with glossy surfaces. The material's stringing can be minimised with the right retraction settings. Prints have excellent layer adhesion, resulting in strong parts with smooth surfaces.
Tips for success with PETG
Reduce print speed to 30-50 mm/s for the best results. Avoid cooling fans or use minimal cooling to maintain layer adhesion. Clean the print bed thoroughly between prints, as PETG adheres strongly to build surfaces. Use a release agent to prevent difficult removal.
Durability and longevity
PETG resists UV degradation better than PLA, while offering better impact resistance than ABS. Parts retain their properties across a wide temperature range (-40°C to 70°C). The material doesn't become brittle over time, ensuring long-lasting prints.
