Getting Started with PETG Filament
A comprehensive guide to printing with PETG - the perfect balance between strength and ease of use.
Published: November 5, 2025 • By CitingMarc!PETG Filament Spool
What is PETG?
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a popular 3D printing filament that combines the best qualities of both PLA and ABS. It's known for its strength, flexibility, and ease of printing, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced makers.
Key Characteristics
Strength & Durability
PETG offers excellent layer adhesion and impact resistance, making it ideal for functional parts.
Easy to Print
More forgiving than ABS with less warping, while being stronger than PLA.
Temperature Resistant
Can withstand higher temperatures than PLA without deforming.
Chemical Resistant
Resistant to many chemicals and moisture, perfect for outdoor use.
Recommended Print Settings
Here are our recommended starting settings for PETG:
Nozzle Temperature
Start at 240°C and adjust based on your results.
Bed Temperature
A heated bed is essential for good adhesion.
Print Speed
Slower speeds generally yield better results.
Retraction Distance
Adjust based on your hotend type (direct drive vs. bowden).
Cooling
Too much cooling can cause layer adhesion issues.
First Layer
Slightly hotter first layer improves bed adhesion.
Common Issues and Solutions
Stringing
PETG is prone to stringing due to its sticky nature. To minimize this:
- Reduce print temperature by 5-10°C
- Increase retraction distance
- Enable "combing" mode in your slicer
- Dry your filament if it's been exposed to moisture
Poor Bed Adhesion
If your prints aren't sticking:
- Increase bed temperature to 80-85°C
- Clean the bed thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol
- Use a glue stick or painter's tape for better adhesion
- Level your bed carefully
Overheating
If you notice:
- Sagging overhangs
- Oozing at layer changes
- Poor surface quality
- Lower your nozzle temperature
- Increase cooling fan speed
- Reduce print speed on overhangs
Best Use Cases
PETG shines in these applications:
Functional Parts
Mechanical parts, brackets, and housings that need strength and durability.
Outdoor Projects
Garden tools, planters, and outdoor fixtures that need weather resistance.
Food-Safe Items
Cookie cutters and containers (when using food-safe PETG variants).
Protective Cases
Phone cases, equipment enclosures, and protective covers.
Our Top PETG Recommendations
Based on our testing and community reviews, here are our top picks:
1. Prusament PETG - Excellent consistency and color options
2. eSUN PETG - Great value with reliable performance
3. Overture PETG - Budget-friendly with good quality
4. Polymaker PolyLite PETG - Easy to print with great results
Storage Tips
PETG absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause printing issues. Always store your PETG in:
- Airtight containers with desiccant packets
- Dry boxes with humidity indicators
- Vacuum-sealed bags when not in use
Conclusion
PETG is an incredibly versatile filament that bridges the gap between PLA's ease of use and ABS's strength. With the right settings and proper storage, it can produce beautiful, durable prints for a wide range of applications.
Whether you're making functional parts, outdoor projects, or protective cases, PETG is an excellent choice that's well worth adding to your filament collection.
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