PETG is best known as the polymer used in water bottles, it is also found in clothing fibres and food containers. ‘G’ in PETG stands for “glycol-modified”, this makes the filament clearer, less brittle, and most importantly it is easier to use. This is often considered a good middle ground between ABS and PLA, as it is more flexible and durable than PLA and easier to print than ABS.
When using PETG:
- Make sure to store the 3D printer filament in a cool, dry place. “Why you ask?”, because it is hygroscopic, meaning it will absorbs moisture from the air, this will have a negative effect on printing.
- This filament will become sticky during printing, making this a poor choice for support structures, but it’s good for layer adhesion. (Just be careful with the print bed!)
- It will also scratch more easily than ABS.
- Since this material is hygroscopic, consider either purchasing or making a filament dryer
3D Printer Filament Properties:
- Strength: High | Flexibility: Medium | Durability: High
- Difficulty to use: Low
- Print temperature: 220°C – 250°C
- Print bed temperature: 50°C – 75°C
- Shrinkage/warping: Minimal
- Soluble: No
- Food safety: Refer to manufacturer guidelines
When should I use It?
PETG is a good all-rounder due to its flexibility, strength, and temperature and impact resistance. This makes it an ideal 3D printer filament to use for objects, that can handle sustained or sudden stress, like mechanical parts, printer parts, and protective components.
Check out these PETG articles
Emvio Carbloaded Filament – Review By Michael Bird I am currently in the process of printing the Open RC F1 car using various manufacturer filament and being F1, cars, engineering, engines…you gotta have some carbon fibre right!?? Behold the Emvio Carbloaded PETG!.
3D Hero PETG Filament – Review By Andrew Delisle, to be honest, I have had horrible experiences with PETG until William at Inov3D told me about sunlu PETG filament then I was blown away.
Eryone PETG – 3S’s – Shiny, Structural, Substantial – Review by Carl Knight, Eryone PETG is very similar to PLA; however, it has many more attractive properties. For example, PETG is more flexible than PLA or ABS and a little softer and less brittle! In fact, short of using Nylon 12, you would be hard-pressed to find a more versatile filament. Printing with little or no shrinking, its ideal for large prints.
