What is the difference between PLA and PETG filament?

PLA and PETG filament are often mentioned in the same sentence, but when do you use them? Filamentz is happy to tell you more about these two excellent 3D filaments.

Print temperatures PLA and PETG

PLA and PETG are both thermoplastics, which means that they melt at a high temperature and solidify again at a lower temperature. At first glance, these materials look very similar, but there are indeed differences between PLA and PETG filament. First of all, the print temperature of both. PLA is best printed at a range of 190 – 220 degrees, depending on speed, layer height and shape of the object. PETG, on the other hand, is more likely to print successfully in the range of approximately 230 - 260 degrees Celsius. There is also a difference in the temperature resistance between PLA and PETG. In general, PLA has a transition point of about 50 – 60 degrees Celsius. Above this, the 3D print will become a bit softer and can be changed in shape. This is slightly higher with PETG filament. The standard PETG can withstand approximately 75 degrees Celsius before it starts to deform, but there are materials in circulation that can even withstand 100+ degrees Celsius.

Processing PLA and PETG filament

In general, a printer that can print PLA filament can also print PETG filament well. However, there are a number of steps that you should not forget to include in that process. First of all, the print temperature of both materials. The printer nozzle will have to be increased by approximately 30 - 40 degrees Celsius for the step from PLA to PETG. It is also important to set the temperature of the print bed of your 3D printer a little higher. Where PLA filament normally suffices at 50 - 60 degrees Celsius on the print bed, PETG filament will want this at approximately 80 degrees Celsius to provide optimal adhesion. After these settings you will also have to make some changes in your print preparation program in advance. To prevent 'stringing' with PETG filament, loose threads throughout your 3D print, it is an idea to set your 'retraction' in your print head slightly higher than with PLA filament. It may also be worthwhile, if you suffer from stringing, to lower the print temperature slightly. It's good to experiment with this a bit, within reason.

The difference in recycling between PLA and PETG filament

If you look at what is better for nature, PLA comes first. PLA filament is characterized by the fact that it is made from corn and is therefore easily recyclable. If you leave PLA filament in nature long enough, it will return to its natural components. Be warned, this will take quite a while. The advantage of recycling PLA filament is that it can be done more often and that the quality of the PLA filament is not lost. PETG filament is of course known from PET bottles. Although PETG filament is somewhat more difficult to process into new filament, it can be completely recycled.

Variations in PLA and PETG filament

In recent years, both PLA and PETG filaments have become increasingly popular in the 3D printer world. Because they are both easy to work with, bring the best of both worlds and are quite cheap to do. PETG filament performs quite well as a replacement for ABS and PLA filament is enough for almost everyone to start 3D printing. Partly due to this increase in popularity, the range has also increased. Both PLA and PETG filament are available in many colors and finishes. The big difference lies in a number of things. First of all, RAL colors for PLA filament are easier to obtain and more available. There are several platforms where you can have PLA filament custom made if you have a RAL or Pantone color code, this is not (yet) available at PETG. For the rest, PETG filament distinguishes itself from the rest with the fact that they can provide (semi) transparent colors and looks. This way you can make almost transparent vases with PETG filament at the right temperature, cooling, speed and layer height and thus create surprising effects. This form of transparency is virtually impossible with PLA filament.

Conclusion differences between PLA and PETG filament

In recent years, both materials have become increasingly popular in the 3D printer world and for good reason. Both are attractively priced, come in many variations and colors and are easy to process . PETG filament is characterized by its strength, the shine it gives and the fact that it can be used perfectly in environments where the temperature is slightly higher. PLA filament, on the other hand, is perfect for rapid prototyping, is largely biodegradable and comes in every color you can imagine.