What Would You Print Your Next Project With?
PLA Filament
PETG Filament
Quick Facts
PETG's composition is derived from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with a closely related chemical makeup. The key difference lies in the modification of PETG, where its glycol content undergoes enhancement. This process entails replacing ethylene glycol in PET with cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), as denoted by the inclusion of the "G" in PETG.
Printing Temperatures
Print Speed
Heading Bed Requirement
PROS
CONS
The Brief History of PETG
PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, is highly valued for its exceptional mechanical strength and resistance to water intrusion and chemical damage. It amalgamates the favorable attributes of two well-known thermoplastics in 3D printing: ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid), with ABS recognized for durability and printability
In its composition, PETG is a derivative of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate), where ethylene glycol is partially substituted with cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM). The roots of PETG trace back to the collaborative efforts of British scientists James Dickson and John Whinfield in 1941. Notably, PETG is deemed food-safe, leading to its extensive use in packaging applications in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, it finds widespread usage in retail signage.
Renowned for being cost-effective and less prone to warping than materials like ABS, PETG is significant in the 3D printing filament landscape. This article explores the characteristics, composition, recommended printer settings, and comparative analysis with other 3D printing filaments.
What Is the Composition of PETG Filament?
The makeup of PETG finds its roots in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sharing a close chemical composition. A change is indicated by including the "G" in PETG. When set side by side with PET, PETG stands out for its clarity, reduced brittleness, and enhanced printability. PETG 3D printing is the use of PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) (a thermoplastic material) as a building material for 3D printing, especially in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers. The “G” in PETG indicates that the glycol molecule in PET, a familiar material used in the production of plastic bottles, has been modified.
Comparing PETG to PLA, ABS, and TPU
Properties | PETG | ABS | TPU | PLA |
Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from air) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Heated Bed Temp | 75- 85*C | 80-110*C | 60-90*C | 20-60*C |
Biodegradable | No | No | No | Yes (But will take a very long time.) |
Strength/Impact Resistance | Good, but can develop scratches | Good | Very Good | Medium |
Fumes | Non-toxic (But still ventilation required) | Toxic (So ventilation is required | Non- toxic (But still ventilation required) | Non-toxic ( But still ventilation required) |
Recyclable | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Melting/Extruder Temps | 220-260*C | 210-250*C | 190-245*C | 180-230*C |
3D Printing Filaments and Recycling Challenges
Still, when recycling some of the classic 3D filaments, things get complicated. Two prominent filament types, ABS and PLA, are excluded from most municipal recycling programs. According to the ASTM International Resin Identifier Codes, these materials fall into the enigmatic Type 7 category, known as "Other," a classification seldom handled by such programs. Regrettably, tossing your failed ABS and PLA prints into the recycling bin isn't a viable option.
For More Information on how to be more conscious about recycling 3D Material, Click on the Link Here: What Happens to Leftover Plastic from 3D Printing?
What Are the Properties of PETG Filament?
The PETG filament stands out from other filament materials due to specific properties, including:
Exceptional chemical and impact resistance.
Favorable thermal stability.
Designation as a food-safe material.
Extrusion temperature ranges between 220-260 °C.
Printing capability at a rate of approximately 40-60 mm/s.
Depends on the project you want to make. If you are confident your project requires a heat bed, maintain an 75-85 °C temperature range. Otherwise, it is not obligatory to consider it as a factor. The whole purpose of a heat bed is its ability to improve adhesion, reduce warping and curling, and allow for the using of a broader range of materials.
Why Is PETG Used in 3D Printing?
PETG stands out as an exceptionally advantageous thermoplastic material for 3D printing, valued for its versatility and ease of use. Its broad applicability has made it a preferred choice for 3D printing companies and individuals seeking to produce intricate models or parts. The material is widely appreciated for its hygroscopic nature, effortless printability, and smooth finish to printed objects.
How To Use PETG in 3D Printing?
Similar to PLA, PETG is recognized for its user-friendly printing characteristics. When adhering to the manufacturer's and printer's guidelines, prints generated with PETG should satisfy customer expectations. Here are some guidelines for 3D printing with PETG:
1. It depends on the project you want to do when incorporating a heat bed. This is attributed to the fact that PETG exhibits less warping compared to thermoplastics like ABS. While not imperative, utilizing a heated print bed is prudent as it diminishes the likelihood of filament warping.
2. The hot end, responsible for thermoplastic melting, doesn't necessarily have to be entirely metallic; hot ends with PTFE inner tubes are also suitable.
3. Enhance part quality by incorporating smaller layer fans positioned at the 3D printer head to cool the deposited plastic.
4. Ensure good layer adhesion in PETG printing using glass surfaces and adhesives like hairspray. When placing PETG prints directly on glass, there's a likelihood of excessive adherence, making separation challenging. adhesives guarantee reliable adhesion while facilitating the easy removal of prints from the build surface.
What Are the Limitations of 3D Printing with PETG?
PETG has several advantages that make it suitable for 3D printing, including its high impact resistance, odorless fumes, and good thermal stability. There are still some disadvantages associated with PETG compared to ABS, however. PETG cannot be easily stored because of its high hygroscopicity, meaning that it likes to absorb the surrounding moisture from the air, making the print quality less than ideal. Another limitation of PETG is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to paint. On the other hand, ABS is far more forgiving in this area: post-processing of ABS is relatively easy.
What Is the Best PETG 3D Print Speed?
The optimal printing speed range for PETG falls between 40 and 60 mm/s. Speeds exceeding this range might adversely affect print quality. Efficient filament melting by the hot end permits higher printing speeds. It's advisable to print the first layer of the model at a slower speed, allowing adequate time for filament material to melt and ensuring proper adhesion to subsequent layers.
What Is a Good Wall Density for 3D Printing PETG?
An optimal infill density for PETG is 20%. This value signifies the proportion of filament material utilized throughout the entire printing process. A 20% infill proves satisfactory for non-functional components like prototypes and display models. While augmenting the infill density is possible, doing so significantly influences printing cost and time. Infill density values span from 0% to 100%, where 0% results in a hollow model and 100% produces an excellent model.
Keywords: PETG Filament Debunking 3D Printers
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