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- Strong, Functional FDM 3D Printed Parts
Low cost material, good for mechanical parts with high impact resistance and flexibility
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PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a popular 3D printing filament known for combining the ease of printing like PLA with some of the strength and durability of ABS. It’s a type of thermoplastic polyester that is strong, flexible, and resistant to impact and chemicals.
Applications:
Functional prototypes that need to withstand stress and impact
Mechanical parts like gears, brackets, and clips
Protective components such as guards or covers
Containers and bottles (sometimes food-safe versions)
Medical and laboratory equipment parts due to chemical resistance
Outdoor items since it resists moisture and UV better than PLA
Wearable items like phone cases or mounts
Consumer products needing flexibility and durability
| Material Properties | Test Method | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength at yield | ISO 527 | 50.4 MPa |
| Elongation strain at yield | ISO 527 | 5.9 % |
| Tensile (E) modulus | ISO 527 | 2020 MPa |
| Flammability behaviour | UL94 | HB |
| Heat deflection temp | ISO 75 | 70 °C |
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FDM 3D Printing stands for Fused Deposition Modelling, also known as FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). It’s one of the most common and accessible 3D printing technologies.
Strengths:
Low cost and fast turnaround times
Weaknesses:
Limited dimensional accuracy and print layers are likely to be visible.
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Price | £££££ |
| Tolerance | ± 0.50 mm below 100mm / ± 0.60 % above 100mm |
| Minimum feature size | 0.8 mm |
| Lead time | 6 - 10 working days |
| Layer height | 100 to 200 µm |
| Max X | 260 mm |
| Max Y | 260 mm |
| Max Z | 260 mm |
PETG is better than PLA for strong, durable, and heat-resistant prints, making it ideal for functional or outdoor use. PLA is easier to print and better for visual models or simple indoor parts. Choose based on your project’s needs.
PETG can string more during printing, requires fine-tuned settings, and may have bed adhesion issues. It’s also not biodegradable and can scratch more easily than other materials.
PETG is very good for printing functional parts. It offers a strong balance of strength, flexibility, and heat resistance, while still being easier to print than materials like ABS. With proper settings, it prints reliably and produces durable results.
PETG won’t melt in typical sunlight, but it can soften or deform in high temperatures. Its heat resistance is around 80 °C, so it can handle warm weather better than PLA — but in very hot conditions (like inside a car or direct summer sun on dark parts), warping is possible.
PETG can produce smooth prints, but not quite as easily or finely detailed as PLA. It tends to string more and can have a glossier, slightly sticky finish. With well-tuned settings, PETG can get close, but PLA generally offers a cleaner surface with less effort.
PETG can be tricky because it tends to string and ooze more than PLA, needs precise temperature and speed settings, and sometimes has bed adhesion issues. Getting the right balance of heat, cooling, and retraction settings takes some trial and error.
Print PETG slower, fine-tune temperature and retraction settings, use good bed adhesion, and moderate cooling to reduce stringing and improve surface quality.
PETG is prone to stringing, can be tricky to dial in for perfect prints, and is less scratch-resistant than some other materials. It’s also not biodegradable.
No, PETG is generally easier to print than ABS. It requires lower temperatures, less warping, and doesn’t need a heated enclosure, making it more beginner-friendly while still offering good strength and durability.
Yes. PLA is easier to print, offers better surface detail, and is more environmentally friendly since it’s biodegradable. It’s ideal for simple, decorative, or indoor prints where strength and heat resistance aren’t critical.
Yes, PETG is generally stronger and more impact-resistant than PLA. It’s less brittle and more flexible, making it better for functional parts that need durability.
PETG is a modified version of PET that’s easier to 3D print because it melts at lower temperatures and sticks better between layers. It also has improved durability and flexibility, making it more suitable for 3D printing compared to regular PET.
PETG often requires slower print speeds to reduce stringing, improve layer adhesion, and achieve better surface quality. Printing too fast can cause issues like blobs or poor bonding, so slowing down helps get cleaner, stronger prints.
PETG produces low odour when printing, similar to PLA, but it can release slightly more fumes. Both are generally considered safer and less smelly than materials like ABS, but good ventilation is still recommended.
Yes, printing PETG indoors is generally safe as it emits low fumes and odour. However, it’s best to ensure good ventilation to keep air fresh, especially during long or large prints.
Filaments like PLA and PETG are considered safe for indoor printing because they produce low fumes and minimal odour. ABS and some other materials release stronger fumes and should be printed with good ventilation or in a dedicated enclosure.
PETG is generally considered food-safe and chemically stable, so it doesn’t leach harmful chemicals under normal use. However, 3D printed parts may have tiny gaps where bacteria can grow, so it’s best to avoid using PETG prints for direct food contact unless properly treated and cleaned.
Yes, PETG can be printed without an enclosure. It’s less prone to warping than ABS and doesn’t usually require a heated chamber, making it suitable for most standard 3D printers. However, maintaining a stable room temperature helps improve print quality.
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