Polyethylene terephthalate glycol, commonly known as PETG, stands out as a versatile thermoplastic polyester in the realm of digital manufacturing. Renowned for its significant chemical resistance, durability, and exceptional formability, PETG filament is a popular choice for a wide range of 3D printing applications. For those seeking to master printing with PETG, resources like How To Succeed When Printing With PETG offer valuable insights and practical tips.
Understanding PETG Filament Properties
PETG distinguishes itself in 3D printing through a compelling combination of advantageous properties:
- Effortless Printability: PETG is celebrated for its ease of printing, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
- Odorless Operation and Minimal Warping: Unlike some filaments, PETG printing is typically odorless and exhibits little to no warping, contributing to a smoother printing process and more dimensionally accurate parts.
- Full Reclaimability: As a 100% reclaimable material, PETG aligns with sustainable practices, allowing for the recycling and reuse of printing waste.
- Cost-Effectiveness: PETG presents a cost-efficient alternative to materials like acrylic or polycarbonate, balancing performance with affordability.
- Robust Chemical and Thermal Stability: Post-printing, PETG parts demonstrate good chemical and thermal stability, expanding their application possibilities in diverse environments.
- Inherent Transparency: In its raw form, PETG is transparent, opening doors for creating visually clear or translucent 3D printed objects.
- High Temperature Tolerance: PETG exhibits a high-temperature tolerance after printing, enhancing its suitability for functional prototypes and end-use parts that may encounter elevated temperatures.
Optimal 3D Printing Settings for PETG
Achieving successful PETG prints relies on employing the correct settings, which differ slightly from those used for PLA. A heated bed is strongly recommended to ensure proper adhesion and prevent warping.
- Printing Temperature: An optimal printing temperature range for PETG typically falls around 250°C +/- 10°C for most 3D printers. This higher temperature compared to PLA ensures proper melting and layer bonding.
- Heated Bed Temperature: A heated build plate maintained at approximately 65°C is generally considered nominal. This heated bed significantly improves adhesion, preventing parts from detaching during the print process.
- Build Surface Adhesion: PEI (Polyetherimide) surfaces are recognized as the best for PETG adhesion, offering excellent grip. Blue painter’s tape also provides a viable alternative for enhancing adhesion on other build surfaces.
- Cooling Fan Considerations: Layer adhesion in PETG benefits from reduced cooling. It is recommended to use low to no layer cooling fans, typically capping fan speed at 50% for larger overhangs to prevent warping while still ensuring adequate bridging performance.
Troubleshooting Common PETG Printing Issues
While PETG is user-friendly, some common issues may arise during printing. Understanding these and their solutions is key to achieving high-quality prints.
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Stringing: Stringing, the formation of thin strands of filament between printed parts, often indicates that the printing temperature is too high, or the retraction settings are insufficient. Lowering the temperature in increments of 5°C or increasing retraction distance and speed can effectively mitigate stringing.
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Low Layer Adhesion/Layer Splitting: Conversely, poor layer adhesion or layer splitting suggests the printing temperature might be too low. When layers fail to properly bond, increasing the temperature by 5°C increments and re-testing is advisable until optimal interlayer adhesion is achieved. The goal is to find a temperature sweet spot where layers fuse seamlessly without causing other issues like stringing or excessive oozing.
Drying PETG Filament: Is it Necessary?
PETG is classified as a hygroscopic material, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. Absorbed moisture can negatively impact print quality, leading to issues like stringing, popping noises during printing, and weakened parts. To ensure the best possible printing results with PETG filament, drying is highly recommended. Utilizing a PrintDry PRO or a similar filament drying system for several hours, or even overnight, before printing is considered a best practice. Printing immediately after drying further minimizes moisture re-absorption and contributes to optimal print quality and material performance.
