PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified, is a type of 3D printing filament that has grown in popularity in recent years. It offers many benefits over other filaments such as PLA and ABS, such as being less brittle and easier to print.

In this article, we will discuss the basics of PETG printing, including what it is, how to print with it, and some tips for getting the best results.

Properties & Characteristics of PETG

PETG is a strong, durable, and easy-to-print filament. It has a wide range of properties, making it an ideal choice for various applications.

Some of the key properties of PETG include:

• Good clarity and transparency
• Good chemical resistance
• Good impact resistance
• High strength and durability
• Easy to print with

When it comes to 3D printing filaments, PETG is considered to be one of the most versatile. It can be used for many applications, including prototyping, packaging, and even food service applications.

How to print with PETG filament

Before you can start printing with PETG, there are a few things you need to know. In this section, we will discuss the basics of PETG printing, including how to set up your printer for the best results.

Choose the right nozzle size.

• When it comes to 3D printing with PETG, nozzle size is an important consideration
• The ideal nozzle size for PETG printing is 0.4mm
• This will allow you to get the best results in terms of print quality and speed

Use a fan for cooling.

• Another important consideration when 3D printing with PETG is to use a fan for cooling
• PETG filament is prone to warping and curling when it is printed at high temperatures
• By using a fan, you can help to reduce the risk of these problems occurring

Use painters tape or ABS slurry

• If you are having trouble getting your PETG prints to stick to the build plate, you may want to try using painter’s tape or ABS slurry
• These materials can help to increase the adhesion of your prints and prevent them from warping or curling

Increase the infill percentage

• If you are looking for a strong and durable print, you may want to consider increasing the infill percentage
• PETG is a very strong filament, so increasing the infill percentage can help to make your prints even stronger

Tips for 3D printing with PETG filament

Although it is possible to 3D print with many different types of filament, PETG is a particularly good option for those looking for durability and flexibility.

There are a few things to keep in mind when printing with PETG to get the best results.

Use a glue stick or hairspray on the build plate

First, it is important to use a glue stick or hairspray on the build plate to promote adhesion. Without adequate adhesive, the printed object may warp or come loose from the plate during the printing process.

Perfect Retraction Setting

Second, it is essential to get retraction right when printing with PETG. This material is prone to stringing, so correctly setting the retraction distance and speed can help minimize this issue.

Prevention of Cracking

Third, it is important to prevent cracking by ensuring that the build plate is level and that the object being printed does not have any sharp corners.

Support Structures Space

Fourth, it is necessary to give support structures enough space so that they can be easily removed after the object has been printed.

Watch the Temperature

Watch the temperature when printing with PETG. This material can be printed at high temperatures, but it is important not to exceed the recommended maximum temperature.

Try to Keep it Dry

Finally, it is important to keep PETG filaments dry in order to avoid clogging and premature degradation. Store filament in an airtight container with silica gel packets to keep it dry.

PETG is a versatile and easy-to-print filament that is well suited for a variety of applications.

By following these tips, it is possible to produce high-quality prints using PETG filament.

Bed Requirements To 3D Print With PETG

For optimal success when 3D printing with PETG, it is necessary to have the right bed setup. This means having a level bed that is properly calibrated.

It is often helpful to use a build plate tape or similar material to promote adhesion. There are a few requirements your bed will need to meet in order to 3D print with PETG successfully.

Bed Temperature

• The bed temperature must be set to a minimum of 65°C.
• This will help to prevent the filament from warping or curling during the printing process.

Bed Surface

• You need to choose the right bed surface.
• There are many options available, but LayerLock powder-coated PEI is an ideal choice for printing with PETG.

Print Speed

• The print speed and temperature are important considerations when 3D printing with PETG.
• The ideal print speed is between 30 and 60 mm/s.
• The recommended printing temperature is between 220°C and 250°C.

Retraction Distance

• Another important consideration when 3D printing with PETG is the retraction distance.
• This material is prone to string, set the retraction distance correctly in order to minimize this issue.
• The recommended retraction distance is between 0.5 and 1 mm.

Retraction Speed

• The retraction speed is also important when printing with PETG.
• The recommended retraction speed is between 30 and 40 mm/s.

Infill Percentage

• The infill percentage is an important consideration when 3D printing with PETG.
• This material is very strong, so increasing the infill percentage can help to make your prints even stronger.
• The recommended infill percentage is between 20 and 100%.

Nozzle Requirements

• The ideal nozzle size for 3D printing with PETG is 0.4mm.
• This will allow you to get the best results in terms of print quality and speed.

Things to avoid when printing with PETG filament

There are a few things you should avoid when printing with PETG filament.

• Avoid using too much heat. This can cause the material to warp or deform.
• Avoid using too much pressure when extruding the filament. This can cause the nozzle to clog.
• Avoid using too much speed when printing. This can cause the material to string or produce poor print quality.

By following these tips, you can avoid common issues when 3D printing with PETG filament.

Pros & Cons of using PETG filament for 3D Printing

PETG filament is a versatile and easy-to-use material that is well suited for a variety of applications. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using this material.

Advantages

Following are some of the advantages of using PETG filament for 3D printing:

Chemical resistant

PETG filament is chemical resistant, making it a good choice for applications where the printed object will be exposed to chemicals.

High strength and durability

PETG filament is strong and durable, making it a good choice for applications where the printed object will be subject to wear and tear.

Easy to print

PETG filament is easy to print, making it a good choice for beginners.

Disadvantages

Following are some of the disadvantages of using PETG filament for 3D printing:

Prone to stringing

PETG filament is prone to string, which can be a problem if you are not using the correct settings.

Requires high temperatures

PETG filament requires high temperatures to print correctly, which can be a problem if you do not have the right equipment.

Can warp or deform

PETG filament can warp or deform if it is exposed to too much heat during the printing process.

Print bed adhesion

PETG filament has poor print bed adhesion, which can be a problem if you are not using the correct settings.

Overall, PETG filament is a good choice for 3D printing. By keeping these pros and cons in mind, you can choose the best filament for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Following are some frequently asked questions about PETG filament:

What is the best way to store PETG filament?

The best way to store PETG filament is in a cool, dry place. This will help to prevent the material from warping or deforming.

What is the best way to print with PETG filament?

The best way to print with PETG filament is to use the recommended settings. This will help to prevent common issues such as stringing and poor print quality.

Is PETG filament a good choice for 3D printing?

PETG filament is a good choice for 3D printing. It is easy to use and has a variety of benefits. Keep in mind its potential drawbacks when making your decision.

Conclusion

PETG has become a popular choice for a number of professional applications thanks to its wide availability and material properties. While the material properties can vary depending on the manufacturer, it is always best to follow their respective recommendations in order to produce optimal results.

PETG filament is a good choice for 3D printing. It is easy to use and has a variety of benefits. Keep in mind its potential drawbacks when making your decision, such as its propensity to string or warp if exposed to too much heat. By following the tips in this guide, you can successfully print with PETG filament.