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PETG & PCTG filament

Strong, tough and more heat-resistant than PLA: the filament for functional parts.

After PLA, PETG is the most popular 3D printing filament: stronger, tougher and more heat-resistant, yet still easy to print. PCTG is the even more impact-resistant variant. Below you will find all our PETG and PCTG from Fiberlogy and our own brand Fill 3D: Easy PETG, PETG Matte, PCTG, reinforced with carbon or glass fibre, and special types such as ESD and PTFE. Which one suits your project? Below the products we set out the differences. Read more…

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What is PETG filament?

PETG stands for polyethylene terephthalate glycol. It is related to PET, the plastic used for soft drink bottles; the added glycol makes the material less brittle, clearer and easier to print. PETG combines the ease of printing of PLA with more strength and toughness: a part will bend before it breaks. It resists moisture and many chemicals and keeps its shape up to around 70 °C.

PETG or PCTG?

PCTG is a copolyester from the same family. It prints almost the same, but is far more impact-resistant: Fiberlogy PCTG reaches around 90 kJ/m² in the notched Izod test, against 5–8 kJ/m² for PETG. It is also slightly more heat-resistant (up to around 76 °C) and clearer. Choose PETG for most functional printing and PCTG for parts that have to withstand knocks, vibration or a fall. Our article PCTG vs PETG covers the differences in detail.

Which type should you choose?

TypeSuitable for
PETGMost functional printing: holders, enclosures and parts. Easy PETG from Fiberlogy and Fill 3D PETG, also in transparent colours.
PETG MatteStrong prints with a matte finish on which layer lines barely show.
PCTGImpact-resistant parts that need to take a knock, also in clear transparent colours.
PETG + CFStiff, dimensionally stable parts with carbon fibre and a matte, technical look.
PCTG + CF / GFTechnical parts with carbon or glass fibre, for extra stiffness and heat resistance.
PETG specialESD against electrostatic discharge, PTFE for low friction and CPE HT for temperatures up to 110 °C.

Fiberlogy or Fill 3D?

Fiberlogy makes premium filament with a diameter tolerance of ± 0.02 mm and a roundness tolerance of 0.01 mm. Easy PETG prints almost as easily as PLA, with little stringing, and many colours are also available as a refill. A few colours also come in 2.85 mm, and R PETG is made from 100% recycled material. Fill 3D is our own brand: a reliable, good-value PETG in solid and transparent colours, on 0.5 and 1 kg spools.

Printing PETG and PCTG: the right settings

  • Nozzle: PETG usually between 230 and 260 °C (Fiberlogy Easy PETG 230–250 °C, Fill 3D PETG 230–260 °C). PCTG, PETG Matte and the reinforced types 250–270 °C.
  • Print bed: PETG around 70–90 °C, PCTG 90–110 °C.
  • Adhesion: PETG can stick so well to a smooth PEI sheet that it damages the surface. Print on a textured sheet or use a layer of glue stick as a release agent.
  • Cooling: less than with PLA, around 30–50%. Too much cooling weakens the bond between layers.
  • Nozzle for CF and GF: carbon and glass fibre wear a brass nozzle quickly; use a hardened steel nozzle.
  • Enclosure: not needed for PETG and PCTG.

The exact temperatures are listed with each product. Something going wrong? Our article on solving 3D printing problems covers the most common problems and how to fix them.

Properties of PETG: the pros and cons

Pros

  • Stronger and tougher than PLA
  • Keeps its shape up to around 70 °C, PCTG up to around 76 °C
  • Resists moisture and many chemicals, and suitable for outdoor use
  • Little shrinkage and warping, no enclosure needed
  • Good bonding between layers
  • Also available in clear, transparent colours

Cons

  • A little trickier than PLA: more prone to stringing
  • Can stick too well to a smooth print bed
  • Absorbs moisture and then prints less well, so store it dry
  • Less stiff than PLA; for stiff parts choose a CF variant

Uses of PETG and PCTG

  • Functional parts: holders, brackets, clips and hinges.
  • Enclosures: for electronics, sensors and project boxes.
  • Outdoors: parts for the garden, bike, boat or camper.
  • Mechanical: gears and guides with PETG + PTFE, impact-resistant parts with PCTG.
  • Transparent: lampshades, vases and light diffusers.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is the difference between PETG and PLA?

    PETG is stronger, tougher and more heat-resistant than PLA: it keeps its shape up to around 70 °C, PLA up to 55–60 °C. It does print hotter and strings more easily. Choose PLA for models and decoration, and PETG for parts that are put under load or used outdoors.

  • Which is better, PETG or PCTG?

    That depends on the use. PCTG is far more impact-resistant, slightly more heat-resistant and clearer, but also a little more expensive. PETG is enough for most parts; for parts that have to withstand knocks or a fall, choose PCTG. In PCTG vs PETG we set out the differences.

  • Can I use PETG outdoors?

    Yes. PETG resists moisture and weather and is much better suited to outdoor use than PLA. For parts that stand in full sun for years or get very hot, ASA is even more resistant to UV light and heat.

  • Is PETG food safe?

    Some types are made from raw material approved for food contact, such as Fiberlogy PCTG Pure Transparent and CPE HT. A 3D print does have tiny grooves between the layers where bacteria can settle. We therefore advise against it for cups, plates or storage containers that you use often.

  • Why is my PETG stringing?

    PETG is more fluid than PLA and therefore strings more easily. It helps to keep the filament dry, print 5–10 °C cooler and tune the retraction. You will find more tips in solving 3D printing problems.

  • Do I need to dry PETG?

    PETG absorbs moisture from the air. If you hear crackling while printing, or see bubbles or a lot of stringing, the filament is probably damp. Dry it for 4–6 hours at around 65 °C in a filament dryer and store spools sealed with silica gel beads.