PETG filament properties
Data taken from 27 datasheets from manufacturers in Spain, Europe, the United States and China, reviewed on October 26, 2026. The shaded bar marks the median of the declared values and each colored tick is a different datasheet. The scales are the same across the whole library, so you can compare materials at a glance.
PETG filament temperature and print settings
| Setting | Typical value | Range in datasheets |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 230–260 °C | 190–280 °C |
| Bed | 65–80 °C | 60–110 °C |
| Print speed | 50–200 mm/s | 20–600 mm/s |
| Drying temperature | 65 °C | 60–65 °C |
| Drying time | 6 h | 5–8 h |
PETG vs PLA, ABS, and PCTG: comparison
Medians from each material's datasheets. Click a material to see its full range.
Meters of PETG per spool
Calculated with the median density from the datasheets (1.27 g/cm³). Real spools can vary by a few meters because of diameter tolerance.
What is PETG filament and how it differs from PET
PETG is a copolyester: the same PET used in water bottles, modified with glycol during polymerization. That modification stops the material from crystallizing, which makes it more transparent, less brittle and much easier to print than pure PET. That is why it is the second most used filament after PLA and the first choice when the part has to do real work.
The 27 datasheets analyzed print it with a nozzle at 230–260 °C and a bed at 65–80 °C, about 30 °C more at the nozzle and about 20 °C more at the bed than PLA. In return, its median glass transition rises to 80 °C, so it takes considerably more heat without deforming.
PETG material: properties compared with PLA and ABS
- Tougher than PLA. Its median elongation at break (11 %) lets it bend a little before breaking, so it handles impacts and flexing clips better.
- More heat-resistant than PLA, though less than ABS or polycarbonate.
- Barely shrinks as it cools, so it does not need an enclosed printer, unlike ABS.
- Good chemical and water resistance, useful for bathroom and kitchen parts or outdoor parts in the shade.
- Median density of 1.27 g/cm³, somewhat higher than PLA. A 1 kg spool of 1.75 mm holds about 325 meters.
If the part will spend long periods in the sun, ASA resists ultraviolet radiation better.
Clear PETG filament
Natural PETG is almost colorless, and three of the datasheets analyzed declare a light transmission of 90%. That does not mean the printed part comes out like glass: the layers scatter light and the result is translucent. To get closer to transparency, print with thick walls, tall layers, 100% infill and low speed, so the lines fuse into each other.
HF PETG and high-speed PETG
Fast printers have brought PETG variants formulated to flow better through the nozzle, which manufacturers sell as HF (high flow) or high-speed. They allow higher flow rates without losing layer adhesion. Some datasheets for these variants give lower mechanical values for the printed part than standard PETG, partly because each manufacturer tests in its own way. Always compare them within the same datasheet.
How to dry PETG filament before printing
PETG absorbs moisture more readily than PLA. Datasheets that state it put saturation water absorption at around 0.4–0.5%. Wet PETG produces bubbles, popping sounds and lots of stringing. The datasheets recommend drying it at 65 °C for 6 h, then storing it in a sealed box with desiccant.
Common problems when printing PETG
- It sticks too well to the bed. On a smooth PEI sheet it can rip off chunks when you remove the part. Use textured PEI or a thin layer of glue stick as a release agent.
- Strings and blobs. They are the most common defect. Adjust retraction, lower the temperature a few degrees and dry the filament.
- Dragged first layer. PETG does not want to be squashed as much as PLA. Leave the nozzle slightly higher on the first layer.
- Fan at full speed. It improves overhangs but reduces bonding between layers. For strong parts, use a moderate fan speed.
Frequently asked questions about PETG
What temperature do you print PETG at?
The datasheet median is 230–260 °C at the nozzle and 65–80 °C at the bed. Manufacturers declare a nozzle range of 190–280 °C.
Does PETG need an enclosed printer?
No. It shrinks little as it cools and prints well on an open-frame printer. Some datasheets recommend a warm chamber for large parts, but it is not essential.
What temperature can a PETG part withstand?
Its median glass transition is 80 °C and its heat deflection temperature (HDT at 0.45 MPa) is 69 °C. It takes more heat than PLA, but it is not suitable for parts near a motor or in a car in the sun.
Why does PETG string so much?
It is a sticky material when molten. Strings are usually caused by a high temperature, too little retraction or wet filament. Drying it at 65 °C often improves the result a lot.