The past few years have birthed an incredible amount of new 3D printing materials to use for a wide variety of applications. Among these, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) has emerged as one of the most versatile and reliable options. In this article, we explore five reasons why PETG filament is an excellent choice for 3D printing projects and why you should consider giving it a try.

1. Durability and Strength

PETG filament offers a perfect balance between strength and flexibility. It is more durable than PLA, making it less prone to breaking under stress. Its toughness and impact resistance makes it ideal for creating functional parts and prototypes, ensuring your printed objects can withstand daily use and wear.

PETG is a great material for projects that require strength.
PETG is a great material for projects that require strength.

2. Easy Printing and Minimal Warping

PETG filament is known for its ease of printing. It has excellent bed adhesion and minimal warping, reducing the chances of print failure. With a relatively low printing temperature (typically 230-250°C), PETG provides an optimal range for compatibility with most FDM 3D printers. This makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced users alike.

PETG has excellent bed adhesion and minimal warping.
PETG has excellent bed adhesion and minimal warping.

3. Moisture Resistance

PETG filament offers excellent moisture resistance, making it suitable for a variety of applications where exposure to humidity or water is a concern. Although PETG may not be the most chemical-resistant material compared to other options, its moisture-resistant properties make it a popular choice for producing outdoor signage, waterproof parts, or objects that need to withstand damp conditions.

PETG is a great material for outdoor use due to it
PETG is a great material for outdoor use due to it's strength and resistance to weathering.

4. Odorless and Low Fume Emissions

Unlike ABS, PETG is an odorless material with low fume emissions during the printing process, making it a healthier and more eco-friendly option. However, it is important to note that while PETG itself is considered food-safe, 3D printed objects made from PETG may not be food-safe due to the porous nature of 3D printed parts, which can harbor bacteria. For non-food applications, PETG's low odor and reduced fume emissions make it a preferred choice for indoor printing and creating items that require minimal post-processing.

Print non-stop and worry-free with PETG thanks to it
Print non-stop and worry-free with PETG thanks to it's low-odor and fumeless properties.

5. Excellent Transparency and Finish

PETG filament is known for its impressive transparency and glossy finish. Depending on the color, it can range from translucent to transparent, making it an excellent choice for printing objects that require light transmission, such as light covers or lampshades. The smooth and glossy surface of PETG prints also gives your final product a premium appearance.

PETG provides beautiful, transparent 3D printed parts.
PETG provides beautiful, transparent 3D printed parts.

PETG filament offers a range of benefits that make it an outstanding choice for various 3D printing applications. With its durability, ease of use, chemical resistance, odorless nature, and excellent finish, it's easy to see why more and more users are turning to PETG for their 3D printing needs. Give it a try and discover its potential for your next project!

Explore all PETG filament available at MatterHackers here. 

How to Improve Your PETG 3D Printing Parts - PETG Troubleshooting

As with any 3D printing material, PETG filament can present some challenges during the printing process. Here are some common issues and their corresponding solutions to help you troubleshoot and optimize your PETG printing experience.

Stringing

Problem: Stringing occurs when filament oozes out of the nozzle during non-printing moves, creating unwanted strings or blobs on your print.

Solution: Adjust your retraction settings, increase retraction distance, and reduce retraction speed. Additionally, lowering your nozzle temperature and using a cooling fan can help minimize stringing.

Poor Layer Adhesion

Problem: Weak layer adhesion results in layers separating or delaminating during or after printing.

Solution: Increase the nozzle temperature to ensure better inter-layer bonding. Slowing down print speed can also improve layer adhesion. Make sure the cooling fan is not set too high, as excessive cooling may cause weak layer bonding.

Warping or Curling

Problem: Edges or corners of the print lift from the bed during printing, leading to a warped or curled print.

Solution: Increase bed temperature to improve adhesion and minimize warping. Additionally, using a proper bed surface such as PEI, BuildTak, or glass can help with adhesion. Applying a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray to the bed surface may also enhance adhesion.

Poor Bed Adhesion

Problem: The first layer of the print doesn't stick to the bed, causing the print to fail.

Solution: Ensure your print bed is level and the nozzle-to-bed distance is correctly set. Slightly increasing the first layer height can help with adhesion. Experiment with different bed surfaces and adhesion methods, such as glue stick or hairspray.

Inconsistent Extrusion

Problem: Inconsistent extrusion can lead to uneven layer lines, gaps, or blobs in the print.

Solution: Check for clogged nozzles and clean them if necessary. Ensure that the filament is properly fed through the extruder and that the tension on the extruder gear is correctly set. Calibrating your extruder's steps per millimeter (E-steps) can also help achieve consistent extrusion.

By addressing these common PETG printing issues and following the provided solutions, you can significantly improve the quality and reliability of your 3D printed parts, ensuring a successful and enjoyable PETG printing experience.