PETG material

Features of PETG material

3D printing with PETG is very popular because the filament comes with a wide range of benefits. This makes PETG an attractive option compared to other 3D print materials that are available. Printing with PETG brings with it many features and benefits and in reality, there are not too many disadvantages. However, there are some small disadvantages that are worth identifying.

As the material is glossy, it does make it prone to scratching, while UV light can cause the material to become weaker. Finding the right settings for printing can take some element of trial and error. Despite this, once the right settings are identified (follow the tips in this article), printing becomes very simple. Below we listed the features of PETG.

Down points of PETG filament

The translucent material is prone to scratching. Sunlight can influence the color, making it less bright.

PETG offers a high level of durability. This makes it the perfect choice for a wide range of uses such as a food containers and tools in the medical profession. Due to the way in which Glycol is added, it removes the brittle properties that come with PET. Therefore, it prevents the material from crystallizing and breaking. PETG’s level of durability also comes with high impact resistant properties and this once again makes it the ideal option for many different uses.

PETG is known to be an exceptionally strong material and this makes it ideal for those objects that will be subjected to mechanical stress. It is hard, flexible and resistant, much of which can be put down to the way it adheres to each layer. The filament offers the same level of functionality as ABS, which is temperature resistance and strength, but it also has the same level of reliability as PLA. As a result 3D printing with PETG is relatively easy.

There is no odor with PETG and this is one of the characteristics that makes it ideal for domestic use. 3D printing with PETG has a low level of shrinkage. It ensures that the original measurements remain the same, making it perfect for large 3D prints. The filament has a low level of deterioration when it comes to absorption. PETG does not absorb water and that ensures it remains strong. The material is extremely resistant to chemical agents, making PETG perfect for use in the medical profession. This also means that it can be sterilized easily.

The material can be recycled, including prints and misprints, making PETG a material that is better for the environment. This makes it possible to adhere to the many different regulations that are in place for recycling.

5 Tips for 3D printing with PETG

When it comes to printing with PETG filament, it is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses, but you also have to know how to get the most from this material. It is important to take possible issues into account when deciding to start 3D printing with PETG, so you know what you can expect. To help you with 3D printing PETG filament, we’re giving you our 5 tips for using PETG filament:

1. 1. The right temperature

PETG has a higher melting point than PLA and so, it is recommended that the extruder temperature is set somewhere between 210 and 250 degrees Celsius. It is important to ensure that the build plate temperature is set between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius.

2. 2. Use a fan

When printing with PETG, you must consider using a cooling fan. This is down to the fact that the fan will cool the filament at the hot end (nozzle) and that will help with retractions. The rapid cooling will leave your prints detailed, with no stringing or blobbing. We recommend printing with PETG without the fan on for the first layer or two (the higher temperature will aid super-strong layer adhesion), and full fan on after that.

3. 3. A good first layer

Getting the first layer right is essential for a successful end result. Without it you will likely need to reprint the object, so take these tips into consideration. Make sure the build platform is properly calibrated. Preferably automatically calibrated, minimizing the risk of a human mistake. The best surface for printing PETG plastic is a PEI build plate. The finish on the bottom is smooth, glass-like. Once the cooling process has ended, the 3D printed object can be removed from the printing surface with little effort, resulting in a bottom surface that is clean and smooth.

4. 4. Print speed

The recommended speed for 3D printing with PETG is between 60 and 100 mm/s. When you print at a higher speed, it can have a negative effect on the quality of the 3D print. When you want a higher quality end result, you can decide to print a little slower, between 30 and 60mm/sec.

5. 5. Keep the nozzle clean

When printing with PETG it sometimes can happen that blobs of the filament stick to the nozzle and then end up deposited on another part of the print where it’s not supposed to be. If this happens it will cool and harden and then the nozzle will bump into it. The result is usually a layer shift, which can be detrimental to the print. So make sure the nozzle stays clean. Just pause the process, clean the nozzle and restart where you left of.

Industries that use PETG

PETG is a good all-round material for 3D printing and that means that it stands out from many of the other filaments that are available. Its flexibility, strength and temperature and impact resistance makes it the first choice for many industries. For those objects that could be put under sustained or sudden stress, such as mechanical parts, 3D printer parts and protective components, PETG is the perfect option.

PETG can also be found in a wide range of translucent colors and all objects that are printed have a glossy finish. Therefore, it makes it the ideal choice for parts that need to be translucent or shatter proof. In fact, many are now choosing to leave the likes of PLA and ABS behind in favor of PETG

Food and Beverage

PETG is popular within the food and beverage industry. It enables food manufacturers to meet the relevant standards of hygiene because the material can be sterilized. It also helps to protect food and beverages because it is impact resistant and is strong and flexible.

Retail Industry

PETG is commonly used in retail and is used to manufacture point-of-purchase stands like exhibition kiosks and displays. Once again, this is down to its flexibility and wide range of colors.

Medical Industry

The medical industry relies heavily on PETG and this is because of its wide range of properties. PETG’s durability makes it perfect for tools, medical equipment and prosthesis. Of course, also because of the need to remain clean, its sterilization properties make it the perfect choice.