PETG
⬡ Chemical Resistant
230–260
°C
Print Temp
70–90
°C
Bed Temp
80
°C
Max Service
Overview
The best middle-ground filament: PLA-level ease with near-ABS strength and heat resistance. Chemical resistant, slightly flexible, food-safe when printed correctly. Print 230-250°C nozzle, 70-90°C bed.
Properties
Difficulty
intermediate
Flexibility
semi-flex
Layer Adhesion
excellent
Enclosure
no
Heated Bed
required
Dry Storage
recommended
Pros
- Good strength and durability
- Higher temp resistance than PLA (~75°C)
- Less brittle than PLA
- Minimal warping
- No enclosure needed
- Good layer adhesion
- Chemical resistant to many solvents
- Easy to print (beginner-friendly)
- Recyclable
Cons
- More stringing than PLA
- Moderate VOC emissions (ventilation needed)
- Not as heat-resistant as ABS/ASA
- Can absorb moisture (dry before use)
- Slightly more flexible than PLA
- Bed adhesion can be too strong (may damage PEI)
- Not food safe without certification
Best For
- Water bottles
- mechanical parts
- outdoor fixtures
- food containers (food-safe nozzle required)
- snap fits
- hinges
- enclosures
Avoid For
- Very detailed miniatures (stringing)
- high-load bearings
- continuous 80°C+ environments
Storage
Moderately hygroscopic. Dry 4-6h @ 65°C. Wet PETG strings excessively and shows bubbles.
Laser Compatibility
LASER INTERACTION
Safety: CAUTION — PETG melts before burning. Can release volatile organic compounds and become sticky.
CO2 engrave: 400-500mm/s @ 10-14% — very conservative to avoid melting
Diode 20W engrave: 4000mm/min @ 28% — faster to reduce heat input
Result: Marks but tends to melt and re-solidify rather than char. Creates slightly raised/glossy marks. Less sharp definition than PLA.
Fumes: Ethylene glycol derivatives and terephthalate compounds — more irritating than PLA. Good ventilation required.
Warning: PETG is thermoplastic — it melts and re-flows rather than pyrolyzes cleanly. High power causes deformation. CO2 lasers work better than diode on PETG.
Tips: Use multiple fast low-power passes rather than one slow pass. Cool between passes. Ideal for part marking, not artistic work.
Brands
Prusament PETGPolymaker PETGHatchbox PETGBambu Lab PETG HFeSUN PETGOverture PETG