PETG 3D printing: tougher, with a bit of give
The step up from PLA. PETG takes knocks, handles warm spots and shrugs off water, for about the same price. It's our pick for most parts that have a job to do.
In a nutshell
- Cost
- $ out of $$$$ (PCTG $$)
- Heat
- Fine to about 70 to 75 °C
- Feel
- Tough with a little flex. Bends a bit before it breaks.
- Outdoors
- Yes, in the shade or part sun. For full sun all day, ASA lasts longer.
What it's for
Good for
- Brackets, mounts and clips that get used
- Garden, shed, garage and workshop parts
- Boxes, cases and covers
- Parts that get wet: planters, drain fittings, hose bits
- Functional prototypes
Not the right pick for
- Full-sun outdoor parts for years at a time (use ASA)
- Hot engine bays (use ASA, ABS or a fibre-filled grade)
- Fine detail and sharp corners, where PLA prints crisper
- Sanding and painting. It's glossy and gummy to sand
The options
PETG
The all-rounder. Tough, slightly glossy, good colour range. Cheapest way to get a part that takes a knock.
PCTG
PETG's tougher cousin. Noticeably better impact strength for clips, snap fits and anything that gets dropped. Costs a bit more.
Colours
All our filament comes from Siddament, an Australian supplier. If a PETG colour is in stock there, we can print with it. Pick a basic colour in the quote tool or choose Other Siddament colour and paste the product code.
Colours from Siddament
PETG questions
PETG or PLA?
PLA for looks and detail indoors. PETG when the part has a job: it bends a little instead of snapping, it's fine with water, and it won't sag in a warm shed. If the part is decorative, PLA. If it's a bracket, PETG.
PETG or ASA?
PETG is cheaper and tougher against knocks. ASA takes more heat and years of UV. Shed or garage: PETG. Roof, fence line, car exterior or boat: ASA.
Is PETG waterproof?
The plastic is, and PETG parts are a good choice for anything wet. Whether a printed part is watertight depends on the design and settings. Tell us if it has to hold water and we'll set it up for that.
Can PETG be sanded or painted?
It can, but it's not pleasant. It sands gummy and paint doesn't key well. If finish matters, print in PLA Matte or ASA.
How clear is clear PETG?
Translucent, not glass clear. Light gets through and you can see shapes behind it, but FDM layers scatter it. Fine for diffusers, not for windows.
Price your part in PETG
Upload the file, pick the material and colour, and the price is there in seconds.