When choosing the best 3D printing material, people often debate between PETG Filament and PLA. This leaves fans, hobbyists, and professionals wondering which one has more advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will look at the main features of PLA and PETG and talk about the differences that make them stand out. We'll share helpful information to help you choose the best one for your needs.
What Is PETG Filament?
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a type of filament used in 3D printing. It is essentially PET (the stuff water bottles are made from) enhanced with glycol to eliminate potential hazing and brittleness during the 3D printing process. This makes the 3D printed output durable, strong, and highly functional.
Pros and Cons of PETG
Advantages of PETG
- Durability & Strength: PETG filaments have high durability and strength, ensuring that the models printed from them can withstand high stress levels.
- Flexibility:PETG strikes a good balance of flexibility and toughness, which is advantageous in applications requiring some degree of pliability.
- Heat resistance & Waterproof: PETG filament exhibits good heat resistance and is waterproof, making it excellent for printing objects that will encounter heat or moisture.
- Chemical Resistance: It is also resistant to many chemicals, broadening its application area.
Disadvantages of PETG
- Print Speed: PETG typically prints more slowly than other filaments.
- Difficulty to Print: It can be challenging to print with PETG for beginners due to its high printing temperature and slower printing speed.
- Adhesion Issues: PETG filament can sometimes adhere too strongly to the print bed, causing damage to it.
What Is PLA Filament?
PLA (Polylactic Acid)is a biodegradable filament material derived from renewable resources like cornstarch and/or sugar cane. It's an eco-friendly 3D printing material noted for its ease of use, making it a popular choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.
Benefits and Drawbacks of PLA
Benefits of PLA
- Ease of Printing: PLA is very beginner-friendly. It doesn't warp much and doesn't require a heated bed, making it easy to print.
- Odorless: When heated, PLA gives off a faint, sweet odor that is not overpowering.
- High Detail: PLA is ideal for models with intricate details because it's less prone to retraction issues.
Drawbacks of PLA
- Limited Applications:PLA lacks strength and flexibility compared to other filaments, limiting its use to mostly decorative and less functionally demanding models.
- Low Heat Resistance: PLA doesn't resist heat well and can warp at higher temperatures.
- Biodegradable: While eco-friendly, the biodegradable nature of PLA may not be ideal for long-term applications.
Difference Between PETG and PLA
Here is a detailed comparison of the difference between PLA and PETG Filament:
| Property | PETG | PLA |
|---|---|---|
| Strength & Durability | High | Lower |
| Flexibility | More flexible | More rigid |
| Heat Resistance | Higher (~70°C+) | Lower (53-56°C) |
| Chemical Resistance | Good | Poor |
| Ease of Printing | More challenging | Easier |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Appearance | Glossy | Matte |
| Biodegradability | No | Yes |
| Best for | Functional parts | Decorative items |
Material Properties
PETG is a strong, flexible and chemically resistant plastic that can withstand higher temperatures. It is durable and has a glossy surface.
PLA, which is made from plant-based materials, is more rigid and brittle, but prints with excellent detail. It has a lower melting point and is biodegradable.
Both are thermoplastics, but PLA has a more crystalline structure, while PETG is more amorphous. PETG generally offers greater strength and flexibility than PLA.
Ease of Printing
PLA is one of the easiest materials to print in 3D. It has a low printing temperature, which makes it easier to stick to the bed and reduces the chance of it warping.
PETG is a more challenging thermoplastic to print than PLA, but it can still be handled effectively with the correct printer settings. It's also more forgiving when it comes to rough calibration and sticks well to different print bed surfaces.
Price
PLA is usually cheaper than PETG. The price difference comes from how they're made and what goes into making them. PLA comes from renewable sources, while PETG requires more complicated chemistry, which makes it more expensive.
Here's a guide with more information about filament costs.
Appearance
PLA has a more matte finish with an extensive range of color options and even special aesthetic versions like wood-filled or metallic. PETG, on the other hand, boasts a glossy finish, delivering prints with a unique shine and transparency. Some users prefer the glossy result of PETG, while others like the matte quality of PLA.
Flexibility
Is PLA or PETG stronger? PLA is fairly sturdy, but it's not very flexible and can break easily, which can lead to failures when it's under a lot of stress or impact. PETG is more flexible and resistant to impact, making it better suited for applications that require flexibility or resistance to strain without breaking.
Temperature Resistance
PLA's resistance to heat is quite low and begins to lose its shape above temperatures of 53-56°C. This makes it unsuitable for high-temperature applications. PETG exhibits better resistance to high temperatures, with a heat distortion temperature around 70 °C and above, making it a suitable choice for applications needing thermal stability.
Chemical Resistance
PETG can withstand chemicals better than PLA. It can also resist many solvents, which makes it durable and suitable for different environments. PLA is less resistant to chemicals and may break down faster when in contact with some chemicals.
Applications
PLA is a popular material for making detailed prototypes, educational models, and decorative items because it is easy to print and finish. It is also popular for its environmental benefits.
For example, you can use PLA filament with our AnkerMake 3D Printer which comes with precise printing (0.1mm) and a high-speed output of 500mm/s, enabling you to print any models efficiently for education or decoration.
On the other hand, PETG, a combination of durability and heat resistance, is desirable for functional prototypes and end-use parts that require a balance of strength and ease of printing.
Post-Processing
Post-processing for PLA objects can be achieved using various methods, including sanding, priming, painting, or even chemical smoothing with solvents like Tetrahydrofuran (THF). PETG prints, on the other hand, can be challenging to smooth through sanding due to their sturdy nature, and they don't respond very well to common solvents. Yet, they can still be painted or coated for aesthetic purposes.
Conclusion
To sum up, PETG and PLA are both great options for 3D printing. If you prioritize strength and flexibility, choose PETG. If ease of use and detail are your main concerns, go for PLA.
No filament is the only thing that determines the success of your printing project, but knowing the differences between them can help you achieve your goals.
So, learn about these differences, and get started on your 3D printing adventure!
FAQs about PETG vs PLA
Is PETG harder to print than PLA?
Yes, PETG is harder to print than PLA. PETG is known for being strong and flexible, but it can be sensitive to the settings you use when you print it. It needs a higher extruder temperature and careful management to prevent problems like stringing and oozing. On the other hand, PLA is easier to print because it doesn't require as high a temperature, doesn't warp as easily, and is more forgiving of mistakes.
Will PETG melt in the sun?
No, PETG is known for its resistance to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations, making it a robust choice for outdoor applications. These filaments can withstand sun exposure without significant deformation or color fading. However, it's worth noting that while they won't melt in the sun, prolonged exposure to very high temperatures might soften them slightly.
Is PETG or PLA easier to print for beginners?
PLA is generally easier to print for beginners because it's more forgiving in terms of printing settings. While both materials have their pros and cons, PLA has a lower melting point, which makes it easier to use with most 3D printers. On the other hand, PETG requires more specific settings to prevent issues such as stringing or oozing, making it a more complex material for beginners to work with.
