PET / PETG 

PET filament – basic information

PET filament is a type of polyester created by an esterification reaction of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. This results in a strong, versatile material for many uses.

It has good mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, so it’s a reliable choice for 3D printing. Good flow characteristics for smooth extrusion during printing.

PET filament is FDA approved for food containers, so it’s safe for food packaging applications. Chemical resistance means it will not degrade when in contact with many substances.

Known for being strong and affordable, PET filament combines chemical resistance with thermal and mechanical strength, so it’s perfect for projects that need durability without the cost.

One of its best features is that PET filament is fully recyclable. This recyclability helps reduce environmental impact, aligns with 3D printing sustainability.

These features make PET filament a favourite among hobbyists and professionals, both performance and eco-friendly in 3D printing.

PETG filament – basics

High quality: PETG filament is known for its high quality, so prints are reliable and consistent.

Easy to print: This filament is user friendly, for both beginners and experienced users.

High chemical resistance: PETG is highly resistant to many chemicals, so prints are more durable in many environments.

100% recyclable: As an eco-friendly option, PETG filament can be recycled, for sustainable 3D printing.

Heat resistant up to approximately 90 °C: PETG maintains its structure when heated, so perfect for applications that require thermal stability.

These features make PETG filament a versatile choice for many 3D printing projects.

Composition of PET and PETG filaments

PET/PETG filaments composition PET and PETG filaments are both polyesters, each with different chemical composition that affects their properties and 3D printing applications.

PET filament is created by an esterification reaction between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. This results in a material known for its good mechanical, electrical and thermal properties. Key features:

• Good flow
• Low moisture absorption

PETG filament is a copolyester of PET with glycol added. This enhances its overall performance, making it suitable for many demanding applications. PETG features:

• High chemical resistance
• Heat resistance up to approximately 90 °C

The following table summarizes the composition and key properties of both filaments:

Component	PET Filament	PETG Filament
Base Material	Polyester	Copolyester
Main Ingredients	Ethylene Glycol + Terephthalic Acid	Ethylene Glycol + Terephthalic Acid + Glycol
Mechanical Properties	Excellent strength and durability	High impact resistance
Thermal Properties	Good heat resistance	Heat resistant up to ~90 °C
Chemical Resistance	Moderate	High

Mechanical Strength: Both have high tensile strength, but PETG is better at impact resistance.

Thermal Stability: Both can withstand heat, but PET’s stability is generally lower than PETG.

Flexibility: PETG is more flexible than standard PET, so perfect for applications that require some degree of bend.

Knowing these differences allows users to choose the right filament for their project requirements, for optimal results in their 3D printing.

PET/PETG filaments properties

High thermal resistance: PET filament can withstand high temperatures, so perfect for applications that need durability under heat.

Warp-free printing: One of PET’s best features is its resistance to warping during printing, so prints will maintain their shape and dimensions.

Strong for everyday use: PET filament is strong enough for normal everyday use, so perfect for functional parts and prototypes.

Low moisture absorption: This allows PET to be used in waterproof containers, as it doesn’t absorb moisture from the environment.

100% recyclable material: Recyclability is a key feature of PET, so it’s a responsible choice for eco-conscious users.

High quality: PETG filament is known for its high quality, so prints are reliable and consistent.

Easy to print: This filament is user friendly, for both beginners and experienced users.

High chemical resistance: PETG is resistant to many chemicals, so prints are more durable in many environments.

100% recyclable: As an eco-friendly option, PETG can be recycled, for sustainable 3D printing.Heat resistant up to approximately 90 °C: PETG maintains its structure when heated, so perfect for applications that require thermal stability.

**Benefits of PET/PETG filaments

• High thermal resistance: PET and PETG can withstand high temperatures, so suitable for applications that need heat durability.
• No warping during printing: Both PET and PETG are stable, so no warping issues that can ruin print quality.
• Affordable: PET is widely available, so it’s an economical choice for 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals.
• Strong and durable: These filaments produce robust prints, perfect for everyday use in functional parts or prototypes.
• Low moisture absorption: This allows PET to be used in waterproof applications, so printed items will remain intact.
• 100% recyclable: Both materials contribute to sustainable 3D printing by being fully recyclable, reducing environmental impact.
• High quality with PETG: PETG is known for its clarity and smooth finish, so perfect for various projects.
• Easy to print with PETG: PETG is user friendly, so beginners in 3D printing can get successful results with minimal effort.
• High chemical resistance of PETG: This allows printed objects to withstand various chemicals without degrading, so more usable in many environments.
• Heat resistant up to approximately 90 °C with PETG: This expands the applications where PETG can be used without compromising structure.

**Applications of PET filaments in 3D printing

• Food safe applications: PET filament is FDA approved, so perfect for 3D printing food containers and utensils. Its chemical resistance ensures safety and durability in food related uses.
• Waterproof containers: Low moisture absorption of PET allows for waterproof containers, ideal for storing sensitive items or liquids without degrading.
• Durable mechanical parts: PET filament excels in producing strong and durable components, such as mechanical parts and functional prototypes that require high strength and reliability.
• Electronic applications: With high thermal and electrical properties, PET is perfect for 3D printing electronic components and housings, insulating and protecting sensitive electronics.* Tooling applications: As a stronger alternative to ABS, PET filament is used in tooling applications where strength and stability is required, so it can withstand demanding environments.

**PETG filaments applications in 3D printing

• Durable and impact resistant parts: PETG’s impact resistance makes it suitable for parts that need to withstand mechanical stress, so it’s long lasting and reliable in many applications.
• Medical and food safe applications: With its chemical resistance and FDA approval, PETG is used in medical devices and food containers, so it’s safe and compliant in sensitive environments.
• Outdoor and weather resistant applications: With its UV resistance and durability, PETG is perfect for outdoor use. It can be used in garden tools, outdoor fixtures and other products exposed to the elements.
• Transparent and clear parts: PETG’s high clarity allows for transparent components. This is useful in applications like light covers, display cases or any project that requires visibility through the material.
• Prototyping and functional parts: Its ease of printing and strength makes PETG a popular choice for prototyping. Industries use it to create functional parts that require precision and durability.

**PET filaments 3D printing settings

To get the best results when using PET filaments in 3D printing, specific settings are required. Here are the recommended parameters:

Low print speed: Set your printer to a slower speed so each layer can cool down before the next layer is applied. This prevents warping and ensures better adhesion between layers.

Drying temperature: Dry the PET filament at 80°C for at least 4 hours. This step is crucial to remove moisture that can cause print defects such as bubbling or stringing.

Enclosed build chamber: Use an enclosed build chamber during printing. This setup maintains a stable temperature around the print, reducing warping and improving overall print quality.

Check manufacturer guidelines: Always refer to the suggested printing parameters provided by the filament manufacturer. Follow these guidelines for successful printing.

Common processing techniques: PET filaments can be processed using standard fused filament fabrication (FFF) techniques, so they are compatible with most FDM printers.

By following these settings, you can optimize your 3D printing experience with PET filaments, so it’s durable and precise in your projects.

PETG filaments 3D printing settingsFor best results when using PETG filaments in 3D printing:

Temperature range: 220-250°C. This range ensures the filament flows well and adheres to the print bed.

Heated bed: 70-90°C. A heated bed helps with adhesion and minimizes warping during printing.

Print speed: 30-60 mm/s. Slower speeds improve print quality and reduce stringing issues that can occur with faster settings.

Cooling fan: Low or off. Reducing cooling helps with layer adhesion and warping.

Print bed preparation: Clean and level print bed. Proper prep is key to good first layer adhesion which is crucial for successful prints.

By following these settings you can optimize your 3D printing experience with PETG filaments and get great results in your projects.

Comparison of PET and PETG filaments

Feature	PET	PETG
Thermal Resistance	Excellent thermal resistance	Softens too easily in high temperatures
Warping	Does not warp during printing	Can warp under certain conditions
Ease of Printing	Moderate ease of printing	Easy to print
Chemical Resistance	Moderate chemical resistance	High chemical resistance

Environmental impact of PET and PETG filaments

• 100% recyclable: Both PET and PETG filaments are fully recyclable, so it reduces waste and promotes sustainability in 3D printing.
• Low environmental impact when recycled: Recycling these materials has lower environmental impact than producing new filament from raw resources, so it’s more eco friendly.
• Widely recycled: PET is commonly accepted in recycling programs with established systems to process and reuse it. That’s why it has lower overall environmental impact.
• Promotes sustainable practices: The recyclability of PET and PETG encourages users to adopt environmentally responsible habits, so it contributes to a circular economy where materials are reused not discarded.
• Reduces waste: By choosing recyclable filaments like PET and PETG 3D printing enthusiasts can decrease the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills.

Using PET and PETG filaments not only gives you better prints but also supports eco friendly initiatives in the 3D printing community.