Cart 0

What is PETG? How to 3D Printing PETG Filament?

Posted by Carson Wang on

Now-a-days, many 3D printing companies use PETG. Due to its long-lasting stability and efficiency, it has been admired a lot. But before using it, you should have its basic knowledge.

You don't need to go somewhere else. We will provide you with all the basic information about PETG 3D printing, including its pros, cons, history, and uses in making different products.

 

petg-filament-cce3d



Fused deposition modeling, also known as FDM, is the most popular 3D printing technology. This technology has been widely used for printing different types of material like composites, metals and polymers. One of the most used materials is PET, which is used to make plastic bottles and packing products. PET is not only popular for its rigidity, but it has also been used as an FDM 3D printing material. The modified version of PET is known as PETG.

Many engineers always prefer using PETG as it's one of the most reliable and reasonable materials.

 

In this article, you will know more information about PETG 3D printing. We will provide its benefits and highlight some of its drawbacks so that you don't face any difficulty in the future.


PET AND PETG - VERSATILITY OF POLYMERS

DO YOU KNOW ABOUT PET COMPOSITION?  

PET, also called polyethylene terephthalate, is a part of the polyester family that has been derived from petroleum. This thermoplastic polymer is lightweight and transparent in appearance. In the 1940's it was synthesized by the DuPont firm. It has been widely used in making many plastic products from that date till now. In its name, the suffix letter also reflects it as a modifier. That's why it has been modified into many different forms.

PET has been modified into a new version PETG; the "G" in its name represents "Glycol." The glycol is a molecule that has been used in the process of polymerization for giving it rigid, easier and long-lasting effects.

This new version is mainly available as transparent, but now it's available in different colors range for its use as an FDM filament in additive processing companies. Compared to PLA, PETG shows outstanding mechanical support and promotes resistance to chemicals, heat, and moisture.

DAILY LIFE USAGE OF PET:

  • Beverage and Food Industry:

Most food and beverage companies use the PETE form of PET for their product packing. The less reactivity of PET with chemicals and moisture makes it favorable for any food material. It is also considered the most recycled plastic due to its pure production level.

  • Products Packing:

PET is used for food product packing and for soaps, cosmetics, and cleaning agents. Some of the main product consumer companies like Colgate and Palmolive use it to pack their products.



  • Textile Manufacturers:

For polyester fabrics, either new or reused, the textile engineers use PET in large quantities. It is also used in making fleece jackets, dog beds and sleeping bags.



  • Medical Industry:

In medicine, especially in orthodontic and dentistry, PETG has been used for making teeth aligners. Some famous brands like direct smile club are creating plastic braces instead of metal to give extra softness.

 


PETG 3D PRINTING

USES OF PETG 3D PRINTING:

  • PETG has been used to make different products because of its material and availability as a filament for 3D printers. It has become a popular professional choice for everyone.
  • When designers choose to make liquid containers, graphic displays and electric equipment, they always prefer it. Its transparency, moisture and resistance to chemicals make it a more suitable choice.
  • Mainly PETG 3D printing has been used to make packing prototypes of different types of the customer's product. So that when it enters mass production, it can easily be converted into PET.
  • It has been widely used for areas where chemical and heat resistance is also demanding in addition to mechanical resistance.
  • For these types of environments, the manufactures can use PETG to create more resilient manufacturing tools and robotic effectors components.
  • The long-lasting and efficient performance of PETG makes the engineers confident that they are now using it to make customized machinery parts, living hinges, and shielding guards. 

 

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR PETG 3D PRINTING:

  • The PETG properties will change based on the type of material and procedure you are using. To avoid any problem, you need to follow the tips recommended by the designer properly. 
  • The recorded melting point of PETG is about 260°C, and it starts to convert into a liquid form when its temperature reaches around 230°C. Make sure that your FDM nozzle can gain this specific temperature range. 
  • For more efficient results, it is suggested that you should keep the temperature around 60°C-90°C and use the heated print bed with an FDM 3D printer. This trick will help maintain the temperature while solidifying the polymer and also helps to reduce the warpage risks.
  • We are practicing an adhesive build plate for the ideal grip of the parts in PETG 3D printing (most probably, an old glue stick will be best). It will help to retain print from turning off from the printing bed as it is the most common problem during PETG 3D printing.
  • PETG is really stick to Glass or PEI, Glue stick or Windex layer is recommended to prevent possible damage to the surface.


Recommended PETG 3D Printing Conditions:

  • Cooling Fan: Turned on
  • Printing Speed: 30~50(mm/s)
  • Raft Separation Distance: 0.14(mm)
  • Retraction Distance: 4-6 mm for a Bowden setup/1-2mm for a direct drive printer.
(Note: Setting based on CCE3D PETG filaments on Creality3D Ender Series, Prusa i3 Series, Artillery 3D Printers running in our 3D Printing Farm 24/7, Printing conditions may vary with different nozzle diameters.)

 

  • PROS OF PETG:

Resistance to Chemicals: 

PETG shows great chemical resistance that's why it's used in the packing of many beverages and food products. The food in those packing containers will remain free of chemicals and other hazardous material.

Substantiality and Flexibility:

Compared with other materials like PLA, PETG shows more flexibility and durability. These qualities enhance its usability.

Texture Details:

It has a glossy surface appearance which is the major selling point for many products.

Moisture Resistance:

PETG can decrease the moisture content in the product's packing. These features make PETG a preferable choice for many applications.

 

  • CONS Of PETG: 

Bed Adhesion Print: 

PETG will fold off on the build plate if you don't use any glue stick or adhesive material.

Less Strength:

PETG is not recommended for material structural products because they require more stiffness and grip like carbon fibers.


Looking for Good PETG Filament?

  • If you are willing to start with PETG 3D printing or are already running the 3D printing business, we would like to suggest that CCE3D will give you high-quality PETG filaments as it is designed to give the best output. 

 

  • CCE3D PETG Filaments also provide you with a different variety of colors. You can easily buy it from our online store https://www.cce3d.com. We provide a special discount for the buyers on purchasing large quantities of filaments. 

 

  • If you are searching for professional-grade FDM 3D printer filaments capable of reducing the clog and making 3D printing more smooth the CCE3D will be the best choice.  

 

Share this post

← Older Post Newer Post →