— FDM · MATERIAL
PETG
PLA's tougher, water-tight cousin.
Polyethylene terephthalate glycol. Same plastic family as soda bottles — chemically food-safe, water-resistant, and tougher than PLA without ABS's warping headaches.
— Specs
The numbers your slicer cares about.
Density
1.27 g/cm³
Nozzle temp
220–245°C
Bed temp
70–85°C
Price
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— Use cases
When PETG is the right call.
Best for
- Outdoor parts (UV-stable, water-resistant)
- Functional prints with mild flex requirements
- Food-contact items: vases, cookie cutters, scoops
- Plumbing and garden parts that meet water
Avoid for
- Sub-millimetre detail — PETG strings more than PLA
- Glued assemblies (most cyanoacrylates don't adhere well)
- Closed enclosures without ventilation (mild fumes)
- Hot exhaust paths above 80°C
— Honest assessment
Pros & cons, no marketing.
Pros
- Strong and slightly flexible — survives drops PLA wouldn't
- Layer adhesion is excellent — near-isotropic strength
- Water-tight when printed dense (≥4 walls, ≥30% infill)
- Recyclable; same polymer family as bottles
Cons
- Stringing and oozing more pronounced than PLA
- Bed sticks aggressively — use a release agent or texture
- Slightly higher print temps + bed temps required
- Glossy finish hides print artefacts but also fingerprints
— Print tips
What we'd tell a friend printing this.
- 1Lower retraction (~3mm) and slower travel reduce stringing
- 2PEI bed: lay glue-stick first, peel cleanly when cool
- 3Print 5–10°C hotter than the spool's recommendation if layers split
- 4Don't dry above 65°C — PETG softens and deforms in dryers
— Compare
Also worth considering.
— Try this material