As a beginner in the world of 3D printing, choosing the right filament can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the numerous types of filaments, each with its own unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Two of the most popular filaments among 3D printing enthusiasts are PLA (Polylactic Acid) and PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol). In this article, we’ll delve into the world of PLA and PETG, exploring their differences, advantages, and disadvantages, to help you decide which one is best for you as a beginner.
Understanding PLA and PETG Filaments
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a brief look at what PLA and PETG filaments are made of and their basic characteristics.
PLA Filament
PLA is a biodegradable, plant-based filament made from corn starch, sugarcane, or potato starch. It’s a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts due to its ease of use, low cost, and environmentally friendly nature. PLA is a thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and reformed multiple times without undergoing any significant chemical change.
Advantages of PLA Filament
- Easy to print with: PLA has a low melting point, making it easy to print with, even for beginners.
- Low cost: PLA is one of the most affordable filaments on the market.
- Environmentally friendly: PLA is biodegradable and made from renewable resources.
- Low warping: PLA has a low shrinkage rate, resulting in minimal warping during the printing process.
Disadvantages of PLA Filament
- Brittle: PLA is prone to cracking and breaking, especially when subjected to stress or impact.
- Sensitive to heat: PLA can deform or melt when exposed to high temperatures.
- Not suitable for outdoor use: PLA can degrade when exposed to sunlight, moisture, or extreme temperatures.
PETG Filament
PETG is a thermoplastic filament made from a combination of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and glycol. It’s a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to heat and chemicals. PETG is also a thermoplastic, meaning it can be melted and reformed multiple times without undergoing any significant chemical change.
Advantages of PETG Filament
- Durable: PETG is more resistant to impact and stress than PLA.
- Flexible: PETG has a higher flexibility than PLA, making it suitable for printing parts that require some give.
- Heat resistant: PETG can withstand higher temperatures than PLA without deforming or melting.
- Chemical resistant: PETG is resistant to many chemicals, including water, acids, and bases.
Disadvantages of PETG Filament
- More expensive than PLA: PETG is generally more expensive than PLA.
- More difficult to print with: PETG has a higher melting point than PLA, making it more challenging to print with, especially for beginners.
- May require a heated chamber: PETG can warp or deform if not printed in a heated chamber.
Comparison of PLA and PETG Filaments
Now that we’ve explored the characteristics of PLA and PETG filaments, let’s compare them in terms of their printing requirements, post-processing, and applications.
Printing Requirements
| Filament | Printing Temperature | Bed Temperature | Printing Speed |
| — | — | — | — |
| PLA | 190-220°C | 50-60°C | 30-60 mm/s |
| PETG | 230-260°C | 70-80°C | 20-40 mm/s |
As you can see, PETG requires a higher printing temperature and bed temperature than PLA. PETG also requires a slower printing speed to prevent warping or deformation.
Post-Processing
Both PLA and PETG can be post-processed using various techniques, including sanding, painting, and applying a finish. However, PETG is more challenging to post-process due to its higher melting point and flexibility.
Applications
PLA is suitable for printing prototypes, models, and decorative items that don’t require durability or flexibility. PETG, on the other hand, is suitable for printing functional parts, mechanical components, and outdoor items that require durability and resistance to heat and chemicals.
Which Filament is Best for Beginners?
Based on our comparison, PLA is the better choice for beginners. Here’s why:
- Easier to print with: PLA has a lower melting point and is less prone to warping, making it easier to print with, even for beginners.
- More forgiving: PLA is more forgiving than PETG, meaning it can withstand minor printing errors and still produce a decent print.
- Less expensive: PLA is generally less expensive than PETG, making it a more affordable option for beginners.
However, if you’re looking to print functional parts or outdoor items that require durability and resistance to heat and chemicals, PETG may be the better choice. Just keep in mind that PETG is more challenging to print with and may require a heated chamber.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both PLA and PETG filaments have their advantages and disadvantages. While PLA is easier to print with and more affordable, PETG is more durable and resistant to heat and chemicals. As a beginner, PLA is the better choice due to its ease of use and forgiveness. However, if you’re looking to print functional parts or outdoor items, PETG may be the better choice. Ultimately, the choice between PLA and PETG depends on your specific needs and preferences.
What is PLA filament and what are its characteristics?
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is a biodegradable and renewable thermoplastic derived from natural resources such as corn starch, sugarcane, or potato starch. It is one of the most widely used 3D printing filaments due to its ease of use, low cost, and environmentally friendly properties. PLA has a relatively low melting point, which makes it suitable for printing at lower temperatures.
PLA is also known for its high stiffness, glossiness, and minimal warping, making it ideal for printing objects that require a smooth finish and precise details. However, PLA is brittle and prone to cracking, which can be a limitation for printing functional parts or objects that require flexibility. Additionally, PLA is sensitive to moisture and can absorb water from the air, which can affect its printing quality.
What is PETG filament and what are its characteristics?
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) is a thermoplastic filament that is known for its durability, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and moisture. PETG is a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts due to its ease of use, low shrinkage, and high layer adhesion. It has a slightly higher melting point than PLA, which makes it suitable for printing at higher temperatures.
PETG is also known for its high impact resistance, making it ideal for printing functional parts, mechanical components, and objects that require flexibility. Additionally, PETG is less prone to warping and has a lower risk of cracking compared to PLA. However, PETG can be more expensive than PLA and may require a heated bed to print successfully.
Which filament is easier to print with for beginners?
For beginners, PLA is generally considered easier to print with due to its lower melting point and minimal warping. PLA is also less prone to stringing and oozing, making it easier to achieve a smooth finish. Additionally, PLA is more forgiving when it comes to temperature and humidity fluctuations, which can be beneficial for beginners who are still learning to calibrate their 3D printers.
However, PETG can also be a good choice for beginners who are willing to invest in a heated bed and take the time to calibrate their printer. PETG is relatively easy to print with, and its high layer adhesion makes it less prone to delamination. With proper calibration and settings, PETG can produce high-quality prints with minimal effort.
Which filament is more durable and long-lasting?
PETG is generally considered more durable and long-lasting than PLA due to its high impact resistance and flexibility. PETG is less prone to cracking and breaking, making it ideal for printing functional parts and objects that require mechanical strength. Additionally, PETG is more resistant to chemicals and moisture, which can extend its lifespan.
In contrast, PLA is more brittle and prone to cracking, which can limit its durability and lifespan. However, PLA can still be a good choice for printing decorative objects or prototypes that do not require mechanical strength. With proper care and handling, PLA prints can last for a long time, but they may not be as durable as PETG prints.
Can I use PETG filament on a printer without a heated bed?
While it is possible to print PETG without a heated bed, it is not recommended. PETG requires a higher temperature to melt and bond properly, and a heated bed can help to achieve this temperature. Without a heated bed, PETG prints may be prone to warping, delamination, and poor layer adhesion.
However, some 3D printers may have a specialized build plate or adhesive that can help to improve PETG adhesion without a heated bed. In these cases, it may be possible to print PETG successfully without a heated bed. But for most printers, a heated bed is recommended to achieve optimal results with PETG.
Is PETG filament more expensive than PLA filament?
Generally, PETG filament is more expensive than PLA filament due to its higher production costs and material properties. PETG requires a more complex manufacturing process, which can drive up its cost. Additionally, PETG is often made from higher-quality materials that are more resistant to chemicals and moisture, which can also contribute to its higher cost.
However, the price difference between PETG and PLA can vary depending on the brand, quality, and location. Some PETG filaments may be priced similarly to PLA, while others may be significantly more expensive. Beginners may want to consider starting with PLA and then upgrading to PETG once they gain more experience and confidence in their 3D printing skills.
Can I use PLA and PETG filaments interchangeably on the same printer?
While it is technically possible to use PLA and PETG filaments interchangeably on the same printer, it is not recommended. PLA and PETG have different material properties and printing requirements, which can affect the printer’s calibration and performance.
Switching between PLA and PETG can require adjustments to the printer’s temperature, speed, and retraction settings, which can be time-consuming and may affect the print quality. Additionally, PETG can leave behind residue on the printer’s nozzle and build plate, which can affect PLA prints. It is recommended to dedicate a printer to a single filament type or to thoroughly clean and calibrate the printer before switching between PLA and PETG.