PET/PETG

PETG is a very tough material with good thermal resistance. It is a universal material, but it's especially suitable for mechanical parts and both indoor and outdoor use. PETG has almost no warping​, so printing large objects isn’t a problem. We use PETG to print parts for many of our clients!

PETG is one of our favorite materials for 3D printing. It’s almost as easy to print as PLA, but it can offer many mechanical properties that PLA prints just cannot achieve. The G in the acronym PETG stands for Glycol which is added during the manufacturing process. Glycol modifies the properties of PET, so that it’s easier to print, less brittle and clearer​ when printing with semi-transparent variants. PETG has low thermal expansion, so even when printing big objects, it rarely lifts from the print bed and warps. In addition to that, PETG is ductile​. It has a healthy amount of flex which can prevent parts from breaking under pressure.

MORE INFORMATION

The ‘G’ in PETG stands for “glycol-modified”, and the result is a filament which is clearer, less brittle, and most importantly, easier to use than its base form. For this reason, PETG is often considered a good middle ground between ABS and PLA, the two most commonly used types of 3D printer filament, as it is more flexible and durable than PLA and easier to print than ABS.

Three things 3D printer enthusiasts should keep in mind when using PETG:

  1. PETG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. As this has a negative effect on printing, make sure to store the 3D printer filament in a cool, dry place.
  2. PETG is sticky during printing, making this 3D printer filament a poor choice for support structures, but good for layer adhesion. (Just be careful with the print bed!)
  3. Though not brittle, PETG scratches more easily than ABS.

Polyethylene coTrimethylene Terephthalate (PETT) is another PET variant. Slightly more rigid than PETG, this 3D printer filament is popular for being transparent.

WHEN SHOULD I USE PETG (PET, PETT) 3D PRINTER FILAMENT?

PETG is a good all-rounder but stands out from many other types of 3D printer filament due to its flexibility, strength, and temperature and impact resistance. This makes it an ideal 3D printer material to use for objects which might experience sustained or sudden stress, like mechanical parts, printer parts, and protective components.