Pla vs Petg Filament: Differences and Comparison

1. Introduction

The thermoplastics PLA and PETG are inventions that might not be new to you if you have been working with 3D printing projects. Pla vs Petg, are materials that are mostly used in 3D printing.

In this article, we will discuss their benefits and drawbacks in various scenarios. You can also find out about the areas of application and the advantages, and disadvantages of the two filaments. We will also talk about what your 3D printer needs to be able to do so it can make the best things. We are covering all the necessary points in this post.

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2. What are PLA materials?

Polylactic acid, or PLA, is a thermoplastic preferred for 3D printing. It is an organic bioplastic created by plants that degrade over time. The plant from which it is derived is cornstarch or sugar cane. Cling wraps, plastic boxes, and utensils are some of the items made from them. This plastic is also responsible for making plastic shrink packing, and removable components for medical equipment.

3. What are PETG materials?

PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is a popular kind of plastic. The majority of plastic cans are manufactured from it. Containers and plastic bottles are some examples of additional items you can create from them. PET is too fragile and stiff to be used for 3D printing, so PET manufacturers add glycol to make a filament that is stronger and more flexible. Continue reading to find out more on petg vs. pla.

4. PLA vs. PETG: What are the differences?

The most necessary technical attributes for PETG and PLA are listed below.

PLA Filament

• Vicat pliable temperature: 55 ºC or 131 ºF
• Heat-based shape-changing temperature: 55 ºC (131 ºF)
• Impact strength: 16 kJ/m2
• Flexural modulus: 3500 MPA
• Density: 1.24 g/cm
• Melt Flow Index: 6 g / 10 min

PETG Filament

• Vicat pliable temperature: 85 ºC (185 ºF)
• Heat-based shape-changing temperature: 70 ºC (158 ºF)
• Impact strength: 11 kJ/m2
• Flexural modulus: 1880 MPA
• Density: 31.27 g/cm3
• Melt Flow Index: 11 g / 10 min

Because PLA and PETG are different and have different technical properties, you should print them at different temperatures. We are describing the primary distinctions between 3d printing PETG vs PLA:

PLA

• Printing temperature: 200–230 ºC
• Bed temperature: 60 ºC
• Printing space: Open

PETG

• Printing temperature: 230–250 ºC
• Bed temperature: 60–80 ºC
• Printing space: Closed

At a Glance

Now we will explain the different applications for PLA and PETG. Because of their unique qualities, these products can be used in many different industries. Thus, continue with us to find out about PETG versus PLA.

While PETG typically facilitates big-scale manufacturing, PLA is more suitable for early-stage design development, displaying models, and rapid fittings. It is often used to make mechanical parts, home improvements, electronic gadgets, and things that are clear. Contrarily, PETG’s water resistance makes it ideal for 3D printing containers and bottles. However, exposure to moisture or water can cause PLA to degrade.

Strength

A bio-based, biodegradable substance known as PLA is created from natural sources. It prints the output easily, has a low melting point and emits no harmful emissions. Additionally, PLA is durable and long lasting, making it perfect for constructing models, toys, and other items that don’t require fortification.

PETG is a thermoplastic substance popular for its toughness and transparency. It is a common option for creating products that are strong and weather-resistant because of its excellent resistance against any type of strain and moisture. Moreover, PETG is flexible, which makes it ideal for printing products like phone cases and bottle holders that require a certain amount of elasticity. Thus, that was the strength comparison for PETG vs PLA.

Material Flexibility

PLA is a strong, stiff material that works well for building toys and models with durable structures. Regardless of its low flexibility, it is ideal for items that need to be slightly bent, such as iPhone cases or toys. However, because of its stiffness, it cannot support heavy-bending things like a flexible straw.

The material PETG, on the other hand, is highly flexible and can be bent and stretched without breaking. Because of this, it is perfect for flexible goods like phone covers, water bottles, and other items that must bend and accommodate themselves to the shape of their contents. PETG is appropriate for easily flexible objects due to its great strain resistance. You are now well-versed in the distinctions between PETG and PLA.

Dimensional Accuracy

A well-known property of PLA is that it keeps its shape and size while it is being printed. Because of this, it is the best choice for toys and models that need to be very accurate. Also, PLA doesn’t change shape very much, so it’s less likely to get bigger or change shape while it’s being printed. This makes it best for printing big, complicated things.

On the contrary, PETG is popular for its top-class printing reliability and accuracy. It is a flexible material that keeps its shape well while printing. This makes it the best choice for products that need to be both precise and flexible.

In the above description, we gave you a comparison of dimensional accuracy for PETG versus PLA. Now we will tell you about its warping capabilities.

Warping

Because PLA is notable for having low warping, it is less likely to become de-shaped or contract during printing. That makes it perfect for intricate, large-scale models, where warping can have detrimental effects. Additionally, PLA is a rigid material, which facilitates keeping its shape while being printed.

The flexibility of PETG, on the other hand, makes it less prone to warp during the cooling phase because of its resistance to shrinking and deforming. But, PETG is more prone to warping than PLA, particularly when printing large or complexly-shaped objects. To prevent warping when printing with PETG, it’s important to have a build platform with strong adhesion. When making models, use a place to build that sticks well, like a bed that has been heated or one that has been wrapped in Kapton tape.

Thus, we described the warping aspects for difference between PETG and PLA

Print Temperature

The low melting temperature of PLA is suitable for printing. According to the specific brand and type of PLA being used, a print temperature that is between 190 and 230°C is typically advised. Higher temperatures produce a more flexible end product, whereas lower temperatures produce a more brittle one.

PETG, on the contrary, requires a higher print temperature because it is a more temperature-sensitive material. Depending on the brand and type of PETG being used, a printing temperature of about 220-250°C is often recommended. With PETG, you need to use a high print temperature to make sure that the layers stick together well and to reduce bending and deformation.

Print Speed

Because PLA is a strong material, printing at reasonably fast speeds can be done without decreasing quality. Relying on the precise brand and type of PLA used, a print speed of between 50 and 100 mm per second is typically advised. While faster print speeds save completion times, they might also cause reduced details in the finished product.

While PETG is flexible and needs slower print speeds to ensure that the layers adhere properly. Depending on the precise brand and type of PETG being used, a print speed of between 30 and 60 mm per second is typically advised. A stronger link between the layers is created during slower print speeds, which helps to reduce bending and distortion.

Filament Price

For many individuals who like to work with 3D printing, the cost of filament is an important factor. Two of the most broadly used filament materials are PETG and PLA, each with a varied pricing range. In general, PLA filaments are cheaper, costing between $20 and $50 per kilogram. PETG filaments, on the other hand, are usually more expensive, costing between $30 and $70 per kilogram. Depending on the brand, quality, and region, there may be broad differences in the price range of the two materials.

What are the similarities between PLA and PETG filament materials?

Both materials are easy to work with, don’t tend to warp and make prints that are very good. Both materials are eco-friendly as they are manufactured from recycled or biodegradable resources. Both of these materials are easy to find, come in different colors and finishes, and can be used for different things. Despite their similarities, PLA and PETG have great advantages and disadvantages. Thus, it’s crucial to consider the needs of a project while deciding between them.

Filament Buyer’s guide

There are several things to consider while deciding between PLA and PETG filament for 3D printing:

1. Think about how the finished product will be used. Because of its greater flexibility, PETG might be better if it is stressed or bent.
2. Think about the print quality you want. PETG might be preferable if fine details and flawless surface finishes are needed.
3. Take into account the price and accessibility of the materials.

Even though PLA is often less expensive, PETG might be a better value because it makes better prints. Before making a choice, it’s critical to research and compare various brands and filament types.

PLA vs PETG: Which is better?

A project’s particular requirements and objectives will eventually determine which filament to use for 3D printing—PLA or PETG. PETG is more flexible and yields prints of superior quality, whereas PLA is a rigid substance that is simple to use and reasonably priced. PETG might be preferable if a project demands a high level of flexibility and durability, whereas PLA might be better suited for easier applications with less precision. When making a choice, it’s crucial to learn about the intended purpose, preferred print quality, and cost of the materials. We hope our post answers your question: is PETG better than PLA?

PLA vs PETG: Which is cheaper?

Generally, PLA filament is considered to be more affordable than PETG filament. Prices for PLA can range from $20 to $50 per kilogram, while PETG prices typically range from $30 to $70 per kilogram. However, it’s important to compare prices from different brands and consider the overall value of the material in terms of quality and performance. In some cases, investing in a higher-priced PETG filament may offer better value for money in the long run due to its superior performance.

Pla vs Petg: Can I use PETG in a PLA printer?

Yes, PETG filament can be used in printers with PLA filaments. It’s crucial to check that the printer can achieve the higher temperatures needed for PETG and whether print settings modifications are necessary. Before using a different type of filament in your printer, it’s best to look at the instructions from the maker.

Pla vs Petg: Conclusion

If you have any previous experience with 3D printing, you might have knowledge about thermoplastics called PLA and PETG. PLA and PETG are the two most common materials used for 3D printing. Both have pros and cons, depending on the situation.

Do you want to know more? This post talked about how PETG and PLA are different physically, what uses are best for each, what these filaments are made of, and what requirements your 3D printer must meet. Comment below on which one you prefer?