The Ultimate Guide to PET 3D Printing Filament

Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide on PET 3D printing filament! This comprehensive exploration takes you into the world of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a versatile polymer gaining popularity in 3D printing. Distinct from its counterpart PETG, PET filament offers a higher working temperature and rigidity, making it ideal for applications requiring enhanced strength, although it may be more prone to brittleness under excessive stress.

Throughout this guide, we delve into a comparative analysis of PET and PETG, discuss the pros and cons of PET filament, and provide a curated list of factors to consider when selecting the right filament for your 3D prints. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced maker, our expert tips and tricks will empower you to master the art of PET 3D printing, ensuring successful and precise results.

What is PET 3D Printing Filament?

PET filament, also known as Polyethylene terephthalate filament, is a popular material used in 3D printing. It is a thermoplastic polymer that offers a unique combination of strength, rigidity, and heat resistance. PET filament is derived from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid, which are combined to form a durable and versatile material.

One of the key characteristics of PET filament is its higher working temperature compared to other filaments like PLA. This makes it suitable for functional 3D prints that require stability and durability. PET filament is more rigid, making it ideal for parts that need to maintain their shape under stress.

However, it is important to note that PET filament is also more brittle compared to other filaments. While it offers excellent rigidity, it is prone to breaking easily under significant stress. This means that PET filament may not be the best choice for parts that require flexibility or resistance to impact.

Another important aspect to consider when working with PET filament is its tendency to absorb moisture. This can affect the quality of your prints and lead to issues such as warping or poor adhesion. It is recommended to store PET filament in an airtight environment or dehydrate it before use to ensure optimal printing results.

PET vs PETG: A Comparison

When it comes to 3D printing filaments, PET and PETG are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same material. In this section, we will compare PET and PETG filaments to help you understand their differences and choose the right material for your 3D printing projects.

PET Filament

PET is a rigid material with a higher working temperature compared to PETG. It is ideal for prints that require rigidity and strength, similar to PLA. However, PET is more brittle and prone to breakage under stress. So, if your part will be subjected to a significant amount of stress, PET may not be the best choice.

PETG Filament

PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, is PET with glycol added. This addition makes PETG slightly more flexible and gives it greater impact resistance compared to PET. PETG is not as flexible as TPU or TPE, but it offers a good balance between rigidity and flexibility. However, PETG absorbs more moisture, so it is important to store it in an airtight environment or dehydrate it before use.

In summary, PET is more rigid and has a higher working temperature, while PETG is slightly more flexible and offers greater impact resistance. When choosing between PET and PETG, consider the specific requirements of your 3D printing project and the properties that best suit your needs.

Now that you understand the differences between PET and PETG filaments, let’s explore the pros and cons of PET filaments in the next section.

Pros and Cons of PET Filament

When it comes to PET filament for 3D printing, there are several pros and cons to consider. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about whether PET filament is the right choice for your 3D prints.

Pros

Higher working temperature: PET filament has a higher working temperature compared to PETG, making it suitable for prints that require rigidity. This means you can create sturdy and durable objects with PET filament.

Rigidity: PET filament is more rigid than PETG and similar to PLA. This makes it ideal for functional prints that need to withstand a considerable amount of stress.

Tensile strength: PET filament boasts superior technical properties, including excellent tensile strength. This means your prints will have a higher resistance to breaking or deforming under pressure.

Environmental benefit: Some PET filament options, like our ONE PET filament, contain 100% recycled content made from waste PET plastic bottles. Choosing PET filament can contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly 3D printing process.

Cons

Brittleness: While PET filament is rigid, it is also more brittle compared to PETG. This means that prints made with PET filament are prone to breaking easily, especially under sudden or excessive stress.

Limited availability: PET filament is not as widely available as PETG filament. While it can be purchased from several vendors, it may require some searching to find the right supplier.

Challenging to print: PET filament can be trickier to print compared to PETG. It requires higher printing temperatures, and its crystallization tendencies and hygroscopic nature can pose challenges. However, with proper adjustments and settings, successful prints with PET filament are achievable.

Considering these pros and cons, PET filament can be a suitable choice for functional 3D prints that require rigidity, tensile strength, and environmental sustainability. However, it is important to weigh these factors against your specific project requirements and printing capabilities.

How to Choose the Right PET Filament for Your 3D Prints

When it comes to choosing the right PET filament for your 3D prints, there are a few key factors to consider. These factors will help ensure that you achieve the best results and meet the specific requirements of your project.

Quality: Start by selecting a reputable filament supplier. Look for brands that have a proven track record of producing high-quality PET filament. This will ensure that you are using a reliable and consistent product.

Filament Diameter: Check the diameter of the filament you are considering. Most 3D printers use either 1.75mm or 2.85mm filament. Make sure the filament you choose matches the diameter supported by your printer.

Printing Temperature: PET filament requires higher printing temperatures compared to other materials. Check the recommended temperature range provided by the filament manufacturer. It is important to ensure that your printer can reach and maintain these temperatures for successful prints.

Bed Temperature and Adhesion: PET filament adheres well to heated print beds. Ensure that your printer’s bed can reach the required temperature for PET filament. Additionally, consider using a suitable adhesive such as painter’s tape or a specialized PET-specific bed adhesive to improve bed adhesion.

Environmental Considerations: PET filament is known for its durability and resistance to moisture. If your prints will be exposed to outdoor or high-moisture environments, consider using PETG filament instead. PETG has similar properties to PET but offers greater moisture resistance.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right PET filament that suits your specific needs and ensures successful 3D prints. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and experiment with different settings to optimize your prints. Happy printing!

Tips and Tricks for Successful PET 3D Printing

When it comes to 3D printing with PET filament, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you achieve successful prints. PET filament can be a bit trickier to work with compared to other materials, but with the right techniques, you can achieve high-quality results. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Optimize your printing settings: PET filament requires slightly higher printing temperatures compared to other materials. Experiment with different temperature settings to find the optimal range for your specific printer and filament. Additionally, adjust your cooling settings to ensure proper layer adhesion and minimize warping.

Use a heated bed: PET filament tends to adhere better to a heated bed. Set your bed temperature to around 50-70 degrees Celsius to improve adhesion and reduce the risk of warping. If you don’t have a heated bed, consider using a build surface like painter’s tape or a specialized PET adhesive.

Manage moisture: PET filament is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. This can lead to poor print quality and filament degradation. Store your PET filament in a dry environment or consider using a filament dryer to remove excess moisture before printing.

Experiment with print speeds: PET filament can handle higher print speeds compared to other materials. However, it’s important to find the right balance between speed and print quality. Start with moderate speeds and gradually increase or decrease as needed to achieve the desired results.

Consider using a larger nozzle: PET filament tends to flow better with a larger nozzle diameter. If you’re experiencing issues with clogging or inconsistent extrusion, try using a nozzle with a larger diameter, such as 0.6mm or 0.8mm.

Post-processing and finishing: PET prints can benefit from post-processing techniques such as sanding, polishing, or applying a clear coat. These steps can help improve the overall appearance and smoothness of your prints.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter challenges along the way. With patience and persistence, you can achieve excellent results with PET filament.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting for PET Filament

When it comes to 3D printing with PET filament, there are a few common issues that you may encounter. However, with the right troubleshooting techniques, you can overcome these challenges and achieve successful prints. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot common issues with PET filament:

Stringing and oozing: PET filament has a tendency to string and ooze during printing, which can result in messy prints. To minimize stringing, try adjusting the retraction settings in your slicer software. Increasing the retraction distance and speed can help reduce the amount of filament that oozes out between moves.

Warping and lifting: PET filament is prone to warping and lifting, especially when printing larger objects. To prevent this issue, make sure your print bed is properly leveled and the surface is clean. Additionally, using a heated bed and applying a thin layer of adhesive, such as hairspray or glue stick, can improve adhesion and reduce warping.

Clogging and nozzle jams: PET filament can sometimes cause clogs and nozzle jams, particularly if the printing temperature is too low or inconsistent. Ensure that your printer is set to the recommended temperature for PET filament and check that the nozzle is clean and free from any debris. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your printer can help prevent clogs and jams.

Brittleness and layer separation: PET filament can be more brittle compared to other materials, which can lead to layer separation and weak prints. To address this issue, try adjusting the printing temperature and speed. Increasing the temperature slightly and slowing down the print speed can improve layer adhesion and reduce brittleness.

Moisture absorption: PET filament has a higher tendency to absorb moisture from the air, which can affect print quality. To prevent moisture-related issues, store your PET filament in a dry and airtight container when not in use. If you notice that your filament has absorbed moisture, you can dehydrate it by placing it in a low-temperature oven or using a filament dryer.

By addressing these common issues and implementing the troubleshooting techniques mentioned above, you can achieve high-quality prints with PET filament. Remember to experiment and fine-tune your settings to find the optimal parameters for your specific printer and filament brand. Happy printing!