Discover PETG, a versatile FDM 3D printing thermoplastic combining the ease of PLA printing with the strength and durability of
ABS—ideal for functional prototypes and end-use parts requiring toughness and chemical resistance.
Material Name:
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol)
Description:
PETG is a popular 3D printing material and a glycol-modified version of PET, widely known for its use in plastic bottles. The addition of
glycol prevents crystallization, making the material clearer and less brittle when heated. PETG offers a
unique balance of properties: it's stronger and more flexible than PLA, yet easier to print than ABS. It
exhibits excellent layer adhesion, low shrinkage, and minimal warping, making it suitable for large
prints. PETG is also known for its chemical resistance, transparency, and FDA compliance for food contact
in certain grades. Its durability and toughness make it an ideal choice for functional prototypes,
mechanical parts, and end-use applications across various industries. PETG's hydrophobic nature reduces
moisture-related printing issues, and its glossy finish enhances the aesthetic appeal of printed parts.
Material Type:
Thermoplastic Polyester
Price:
Available color:
Clear (Transparent)
Black
White
Red
Blue
Green
Orange
Process compatibility:
FDM compatible
Special Properties:
Strong and Durable
Excellent Chemical Resistance
Good Layer Adhesion
Food Safe (in certain grades)
Limitations:
Sensitive to Moisture
Absorption
Can Be Stringy During Printing
Requires Fine-Tuned Settings
Less Heat Resistant Than ABS
Material rating
Key PETG properties rated to guide you in selecting the best fit for your 3D printing needs.
Strength4 of 5
Flexibility3 of 5
Detail Resolution4 of
5
Surface Smoothness4 of
5
Heat Resistance3 of 5
Chemical Resistance4 of
5
Ease of Printing4 of 5
Cost Efficiency4 of 5
Applications
PETG is ideal for producing functional prototypes, mechanical parts, and end-use products
that require durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance. Its ease of printing combined with strong
mechanical properties makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.
Medical Devices Applications
Protective equipment
Medical tool components
Lab equipment parts
Automotive Applications
Custom fixtures
Fluid containers
Durable brackets
Consumer Products Applications
Food containers
Beverage bottles
Household items
Industrial Uses Applications
Mechanical components
Enclosures and casings
Chemical-resistant parts
Additional Applications
Functional Prototypes
Snap-Fit Components
Transparent Parts
Mechanical Assemblies
Mechanical Properties
Offers a good balance of strength and flexibility, with excellent impact resistance and durability.
Property
Value, metric
Tensile Strength
Approximately 50 MPa
Tensile Modulus
Approximately 2,000 MPa
Elongation at Break (%)
25%
Flexural Strength
Approximately 70 MPa
Flexural Modulus
Approximately 2,100 MPa
Notched Izod Impact Strength
Approximately 80 J/m
Shore Hardness
Shore D 75
Characteristics
Printing with PETG is relatively straightforward, combining the ease of PLA with enhanced
mechanical properties. It requires slightly higher temperatures and benefits from a heated bed. Good bed
adhesion and minimal warping make it suitable for larger prints.
Type
Value
Lead Time
1-4 business days
Wall Thickness
Minimum 1.0 mm
Tolerance
±0.20%, minimum ±0.2 mm
Max Part Size
Up to 450 x 450 x 450 mm
Layer Height
0.1 mm to 0.3 mm
Thermal Properties
Moderate heat resistance suitable for many applications, but lower than that of ABS.
Property
Value, metric
Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT)
Approximately 70°C at 0.455 MPa
Thermal Expansion Coefficient
Approximately 65 x 10^-6 /°C
Thermal Expansion (Scale 0-100)
65
Max Service Temperature
Up to 70°C before significant deformation may occur
Electrical Properties
Acts as an electrical insulator with good dielectric properties.
Property
Value, metric
ESD Safety
Standard PETG is not ESD safe; specialized grades are available.
Conductivity
Non-conductive; insulating material
NOTE: The provided
values are approximate and can vary
based on the specific PETG formulation and
manufacturer. Always refer to the manufacturer's technical data
sheet for precise information.
Find your queries
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
General
Printing
Post-procesing
Troubleshooting
Advanced
What is PETG, and what are its primary characteristics?
PETG is a thermoplastic polyester offering a balance of strength, flexibility, and chemical
resistance. It's known for being easy to print with minimal warping.
How does PETG compare to PLA and ABS?
PETG combines the ease of printing of PLA with mechanical properties closer to ABS, offering
higher strength and temperature resistance than PLA.
Is PETG food-safe?
Some PETG filaments are food-safe, but it's essential to verify the manufacturer's
certification. Proper printing conditions and post-processing are necessary to ensure safety.
Is PETG suitable for outdoor applications?
Yes, PETG has good UV and weather resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use compared to
materials like PLA.
Is PETG recyclable?
PETG is recyclable in facilities that accept PET plastics. It's more environmentally friendly
than ABS but less so than PLA.
What are the ideal print settings for PETG?
Print temperatures between 220-250°C, bed temperature of 70-80°C, and moderate print speeds of
40-60 mm/s are recommended for PETG.
Does PETG require a heated bed?
Yes, a heated bed helps with adhesion and reduces warping when printing with PETG.
How can I prevent stringing when printing with PETG?
Adjust retraction settings, lower print temperatures, and ensure proper filament storage to
reduce stringing.
Do I need an enclosure to print with PETG?
An enclosure is not necessary for PETG, as it has low warping tendencies and prints well in open
environments.
How does PETG adhere to the print bed?
PETG sticks strongly to some surfaces. Using a glue stick or painter's tape can act as a release
agent and prevent damage to the build plate.
Can PETG prints be sanded and painted?
Yes, PETG can be sanded and painted, though it may require primer for better paint adhesion due
to its smooth surface.
Is it possible to glue PETG parts together?
PETG can be bonded using cyanoacrylate adhesives or specialized plastic glues designed for
polyester materials.
Can PETG be smoothed using chemical solvents?
PETG is resistant to many solvents, making chemical smoothing challenging. Mechanical methods
like sanding are more effective.
How do I remove support structures from PETG prints?
Supports can be removed manually. Adjusting support settings in the slicer can make them easier
to detach.
Can PETG be annealed to improve its properties?
Annealing PETG can relieve internal stresses and slightly improve strength but may cause part
deformation.
Why is my PETG print oozing or stringing excessively?
PETG is prone to stringing due to its viscosity. Adjust retraction settings and lower the print
temperature to mitigate this issue.
How can I improve bed adhesion for PETG prints?
Using a clean build surface, applying a thin layer of glue stick, and ensuring proper bed
leveling can enhance adhesion.
What causes PETG prints to have blobs or zits on the surface?
Inconsistent extrusion, improper retraction, or high print temperatures can cause surface
imperfections. Fine-tuning settings can help.
Why are my PETG prints brittle or breaking easily?
Moisture absorption can make PETG brittle. Dry the filament before use and store it properly to
maintain its properties.
How do I fix layer adhesion issues when printing with PETG?
Ensure the print temperature is sufficient for good layer bonding, and consider slowing down the
print speed for better adhesion.
Can PETG be used in dual-extrusion printers with other materials?
Yes, PETG can be used with materials like PVA for supports or with other PETG colors. Mixing
with materials of similar print temperatures is ideal.
Is PETG suitable for mechanical and functional parts?
Yes, PETG's strength and chemical resistance make it suitable for mechanical components,
enclosures, and functional prototypes.
How does PETG handle moisture exposure?
PETG is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, which can affect print quality. Store it in a dry
environment and dry the filament if necessary.
Are there reinforced PETG composites available?
Yes, Carbon Fiber PETG composites offer enhanced stiffness and strength for high-performance
applications.
Can PETG be recycled or reused?
PETG can be recycled where facilities accept it. Reusing filament requires proper equipment to
ensure quality.
Explore Related 3D Printing Materials
PETG bridges the gap between PLA and ABS. Explore other materials for your FDM 3D printing projects:
sushant@iamrapid.com
+91
8629044664
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