ABS and PETG filament are completely different, yet they are often compared, why is that? Today we look at these two different thermoplastics.
Print temperatures ABS and PETG filament
In recent years,PETG filament has overtaken ABS filament in popularity. There are several reasons for this, all of which we will highlight. First of all, it is the sensitivity to fluctuations in temperature during the processing of both filaments. Let's start with ABS filament. This requires a temperature at the print head of approximately 250 degrees Celsius and 100 degrees Celsius on the print surface. To guarantee optimal adhesion to the bed, the environment should not be too cold, ideally around 35 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, a clean printing surface is also essential for good adhesion. You will want to have the cooling fan off to ensure that the layers bond together properly. The disadvantage of this is that printing details with ABS filament is often not suitable. PETG filament, on the other hand, requires slightly lower temperatures, namely 230 - 240 degrees Celsius on the print head and about 80 degrees Celsius at the print surface. PETG is less sensitive to temperature fluctuations and a heated environment is not necessary. The cooling fan for PETG filament will be set to approximately 20 – 70%, depending on the print and the level of detail required. It is possible to print details with PETG at relatively high speed. PETG naturally flows through the print head more easily, so it may be wise to set the retraction settings slightly higher for successful printing.
Processing ABS and PETG filament
Processing both ABS filament and PETG filament is easy to do. However, there are some necessary steps that should not be forgotten while 3D printing it. The most important thing about ABS filament is the fact that toxic substances are released when printing it. Fine dust in ABS filament is a health risk and therefore an open connection must be prevented. This can be solved by using special filters or extraction equipment when processing it. With PETG the risks are much smaller to almost non-existent. PETG needs a little more adjustment for a successful print because the material is more difficult to process. This also partly explains the difference in price between ABS filament, which is relatively cheap, and PETG filament, which is relatively expensive.
The difference in appearance between ABS and PETG filament
There are a number of differences between 3D printed ABS filament and 3D printed PETG filament . The first difference is that PETG filament will always have a glossier appearance, this is purely due to the raw materials and the temperature at which it is processed. A lower printing temperature often also results in a slightly more matte appearance. ABS filament , on the other hand, will often not appear shiny. Due to the lack of a cooling fan and the higher temperature at which it is processed, ABS filament gives a matte color, which can still be treated afterwards. If you want to reproduce the gloss of PETG filament on ABS filament, you can always choose to 'smooth' ABS filament. Due to a chemical reaction of ABS filament with acetone vapors, the layers will melt together to give a shiny appearance, without showing the 3D printed layers. Please note, acetone is dangerous and we do not recommend it for the beginner. ABS smoothing will be discussed in another article.
Variations in ABS and PETG filament
Both ABS filament and PETG filament have come onto the market in more and more variations in recent years. PETG filament is known for its glossy appearance and the ability to 3D print transparently. Manufacturers are responding to this by marketing variations that are (semi) transparent and available in multiple colors. ABS, on the other hand, is cheap and readily available, but few new innovations will come from it. Many manufacturers are slowly but surely saying goodbye to ABS filament and replacing it with 3D printer filaments that are non-toxic and easier to process.
Conclusion differences between ABS and PETG filament
Below you will find a brief overview of the major differences between ABS filament and PETG filament. Before purchasing one of these filaments, it will be necessary to consider whether it is necessary to use ABS filament or PETG filament and whether it is necessary to consider alternatives (PLA, ASA, TPU, nylon or polycarbonate). Need filament? Then take a quick look at our webshop!
| ABS filament | PETG filament |
| Advantages | |
| Cheap | UV stable and therefore suitable for outdoor use |
| Available in all colours | Can food safe products be printed, depending on the type of PETG filament |
| Can absorb quite a bit of stretch before it breaks | Can be printed transparently |
| Cons | |
| Needs a heated environment for successful printing | Not available in all colours |
| Toxic substances are released during processing | Brittle material, breaks with relatively little elongation |
| Untreated, it cannot withstand UV radiation | Often needs some post-treatment for finishing |