While PLA filament is the most popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts and ABS is favored for its strength, PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a lesser-known material with numerous beneficial properties.
PETG offers excellent UV resistance, which is a notable disadvantage of ABS. Consequently, it’s an ideal choice for outdoor prints. Moreover, it can endure higher temperatures, making it suitable for warmer environments, such as inside computers. Compared to the brittle PLA, PETG boasts superior impact resistance and shows better durability against solvents. For certain projects, opting for PETG might not just be preferable but essential, due to these advantages.
Making Parts and Upgrades for Your 3D Printer
Getting Closer to a Self-Sustaining Machine
Many users overlook the capacity of their 3D printer to produce components for itself. Some printers are even programmed with additional parts like side spool holders that can be printed as soon as you have the filament on hand.
Brands like Prusa provide downloadable part files, many of which specify the use of PETG as the filament due to its durability and heat resistance. This makes it a sensible choice for components that undergo frequent movement or are exposed to temperatures high enough to warp PLA or ABS over time.
Durable Storage Cases with Flexible Latches
PETG Simplifies the Design
This scenario exemplifies how 3D-printed items don’t have to be entirely uniform in material. For instance, when constructing a rugged storage case, the latches can be printed separately from the main body using PETG to withstand repeated bending and twisting.
For example, in the rugged case featured above, users may print the entire structure in PETG or opt for different materials for the case while using PETG for the latches, possibly even incorporating TPU for the seal due to its flexibility.
The practical aspect of printing smaller components or stressed elements in PETG is that you can easily reproduce these parts without needing to remake the entire item whenever a moving part fails.
Garden Clips for Supporting Plants
Is It Possible to Print a Green Thumb?
PETG’s resistance to sunlight and water makes it an excellent option for creating practical garden items. For instance, I’ve designed planters, but gardeners who are invested in plant cultivation will find tools like Rene Czerner’s Plant Support Clip extremely beneficial.
While similar clips are available for purchase, printing them can be more cost-effective on a per-clip basis. Furthermore, creating your designs allows for customization that fits your individual requirements, like adjusting the size through any slicing program with just a few clicks.
It’s worth mentioning that ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) offers even better UV and moisture resistance; however, it’s more challenging to work with and emits unpleasant fumes, making PETG the preferable choice under most circumstances.
Spool Supports for Filament Dryers
It’s Getting Warm in Here…
Pictured above is an example of a common modification for filament dryers, known as a spool support. Filament can absorb moisture over time, leading to issues like stringing during printing if not used quickly.
A filament dryer, like the one shown, can mitigate these problems. Many are structured to allow filament to be drawn directly while keeping the spool turning on internal bearings. This enhancement reduces friction, making it easier to print directly from the dryer. However, considering the heat involved, using PETG is wise; otherwise, the printed supports could deform, undermining the modification’s purpose!
The Underappreciated Value of PETG
While it’s true that PETG may present a learning curve compared to PLA, once you identify your preferred brand and settings, it can be just as reliable for printing.
Although PLA remains the go-to filament for most projects, it’s beneficial to keep a roll of PETG on hand for times when your printing requirements call for its unique combination of durability and ease of use.
