PETG Filament – Material Overview

At Print Layer UK, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is used for applications requiring increased durability, impact resistance, and environmental stability compared to standard PLA. PETG combines the strength and chemical resistance of PET with improved printability, making it a reliable material for functional, real-world components.

PETG is selected for parts that may be exposed to higher mechanical stress, moisture, or moderate temperature variation. Its reduced brittleness and enhanced flexibility allow it to absorb impact without cracking, while maintaining good dimensional accuracy when printed using optimised FDM settings.

From a manufacturing perspective, PETG offers strong layer adhesion and excellent inter-layer bonding, resulting in robust parts with improved load-bearing performance. It prints with minimal warping and does not require a fully enclosed printer, making it well-suited to controlled production environments.

Technical Characteristics

• High impact resistance and improved toughness
• Strong layer adhesion, reducing risk of layer separation
• Good dimensional stability with controlled shrinkage
• Increased heat and moisture resistance compared to PLA
• Good chemical resistance to oils, greases, and common solvents

Typical Applications

• Functional and load-bearing components
• Brackets, mounts, and enclosures
• Products exposed to moisture or humidity
• Semi-outdoor or utility-focused parts

Material Limitations

PETG is softer than some engineering-grade plastics and can be more susceptible to surface scratching. Fine details may appear slightly less sharp compared to PLA due to its more flexible nature. Sustained exposure to high temperatures beyond approximately 75–80°C is not recommended.

Print Layer UK Quality Notes

All PETG parts produced by Print Layer UK are manufactured using tuned print profiles and regularly calibrated equipment to ensure consistent extrusion, strong layer bonding, and repeatable dimensional accuracy. Minor surface texture and layer lines are inherent to FDM 3D printing and do not affect structural performance.