ENGINEERING MATERIAL

PETG Plastic

A versatile and user-friendly copolyester that combines the ease of printing of PLA with the durability of ABS. PETG is a popular choice for functional prototypes, containers, and signage.

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A 3D printed concept bottle preform, a typical application for PET-family plastics

The Best of Both Worlds

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is a variation of the common PET plastic (used to make water bottles). The addition of glycol prevents crystallization during heating, making it less brittle and easier to process, particularly for 3D printing.

Good Impact Strength

PETG is significantly more durable and less brittle than PLA, offering an impact resistance similar to ABS. It's a great choice for mechanical parts and functional prototypes.

Chemical Resistance

It offers good resistance to many common chemicals, acids, and bases, making it suitable for liquid containers and lab equipment. It is also often FDA-approved for food contact.

Ease of Fabrication

PETG is renowned for its ease of use in FDM 3D printing, with low shrinkage and excellent layer adhesion. It can also be easily thermoformed, cut, and bent for various fabrication needs.

Fabricating with PETG

PETG's versatility makes it suitable for several processes.

FDM 3D Printing: This is the most common application for PETG. It is a favorite among engineers and hobbyists for producing strong, functional parts with less hassle than ABS (e.g., no heated enclosure needed).
Sheet Fabrication: PETG is widely available in sheets. We can CNC machine or laser cut PETG sheets to create durable machine guards, display panels, and signage.
Thermoforming: PETG sheets can be heated and vacuum formed over a mold to create packaging (like blister packs) and other thin-walled parts.

A functional fixture made with FDM 3D printing, a key application for PETG

PETG Plastic FAQ

How does PETG compare to ABS for 3D printing?

PETG is generally considered easier to print than ABS because it has less warping and doesn't require a heated enclosure. It has similar strength and temperature resistance. However, ABS is a stiffer material and can be solvent-smoothed with acetone for a glossy finish, which is not possible with PETG.

Is PETG UV resistant?

Standard PETG has better UV resistance than PLA, but not as good as dedicated outdoor plastics like ASA. For long-term outdoor applications, ASA is the preferred choice for FDM 3D printing.

Can PETG parts be transparent?

Yes, PETG is naturally transparent. When 3D printed, parts will be translucent due to the layer lines. To achieve high clarity with PETG, CNC machining and polishing clear sheet stock is the recommended method.