PETG Filament

PETG 3D Printing Filament at Jaycar

If PLA is where you start and ABS/ASA are where things get demanding, PETG is the filament that sits comfortably between them. It’s the material we reach for when a print needs to actually do something - hold a load, sit near a heat source, or spend time outdoors without turning brittle. Once you've got PLA dialled in, PETG is the natural next step.

What is PETG Filament?

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a modified version of the same plastic used in water bottles - with the glycol modification making it easier to print and less prone to brittleness. It sits in a genuinely useful middle ground: more durable and temperature-stable than PLA, but far more forgiving to print than ABS 3D filament. You don't need a heated chamber, it doesn't release the fumes ABS does, and it works fine on an open printer.

What is PETG Good For?

PETG is the filament to reach for when the print needs to perform, not just look good. Mechanical parts, brackets, enclosures, anything that sits in a warm environment and needs decent heat resistance, chemical resistance, and high impact strength, or any parts used as functional outdoor components - these all suit PETG well.

PETG also has solid UV resistance and handles moisture better than PLA, both of which make it a genuine option for parts that live outside or in humid conditions.

The tradeoff is 'feel'. PETG has a slightly different surface texture to PLA - it's not quite as satisfying to the touch, and the finish isn't as crisp. For display models or anything purely aesthetic, PLA still wins. But if your print is going to be used, PETG earns its place.

Tips for Printing with PETG

PETG is a little stickier than PLA, which sounds like a good thing until it bonds too well to your build plate and you end up breaking the print trying to remove it. A light layer of release agent or a PEI sheet helps here. Don't skip this step.

PETG is also more sensitive to print speed. Slow it down compared to your PLA settings and you'll get much better layer adhesion and fewer stringing issues. Most PETG runs well between 230-250°C at the nozzle with a bed temperature around 70-85°C. Like PLA, it absorbs moisture, so if you're getting bubbles or inconsistent extrusion, or notice a drop in tensile strength, get it in the dryer before you start chasing slicer settings.

One important note: PETG has lower temperature tolerance than ABS or ASA. It's not the right choice for parts that see sustained heat above around 80°C.

Moving Beyond PETG

Once PETG feels comfortable, ABS and ASA open up higher heat resistance and more demanding mechanical applications - but both require a more controlled printing environment. Alternatively, TPU takes you in a completely different direction with flexible, impact-absorbing prints. PETG is a strong foundation for both paths.

Find the best range of 3D printer filaments, accessories, and printing supplies at Jaycar.