The Best PETG Temperature For 3D Printing

PETG Temperature, & Bed and Print Settings 

PETG filaments usually require a moderate printing temperature of 230°C to 250°C, but the optimal printing temperature may vary depending on the specific printer and brand of filament being used.

PETG is a type of plastic derived from PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) and contains glycol. It is the most popular material in the PET family of plastics because the glycol component enhances its printability and toughness, making it the preferred choice for 3D printing. Pure PET filaments are rarely used because of PETG’s superior properties and popularity.

PETG material is known for its improved mechanical and thermal properties compared to PLA Plastic while maintaining excellent printability and reliability. Although it is not a direct replacement for ABS, PETG is a good option for individuals who experience difficulties printing ABS due to warping or cracking and need improved mechanical properties compared to PLA, with excellent dimensional stability.

However, PETG has some limitations, such as low chemical and moderate temperature resistance. The temperature at which PETG becomes soft is 80°C, commonly called the Glass Transition temperature.

PETG is an appealing material due to its compatibility with nearly all FDM printers, favorable characteristics, and reasonable cost. However, as PETG is a relatively new material, many individuals may not know how to print it correctly.

While some general temperature ranges can be provided, no universal print temperature is perfect for PETG. Each brand of filament has slight variations, and it is best to try the settings the manufacturer recommends initially.

In the event that the manufacturer does not provide recommended settings or if you are not achieving desired results, there is no need to be concerned. I am available to assist you.

In this article, we will cover all the necessary information to help you determine the optimal PETG temperature for the specific brand that you are using.

Ideal Bed Surface 

To print PETG, it is necessary to have a heated bed with a temperature range of 70°C to 80°C.

It’s crucial to use the appropriate bed surface when 3D printing with PETG. I suggest starting with the surface that your 3D printer was specifically designed to use.

Find the Optimal Temperature 

While there is a general temperature range that is known to work well for PETG, it is vital to determine the precise temperature for the specific spool of filament being used.

The most straightforward method to find the optimal temperature is through trial and error. Conduct numerous test prints at a low speed to ensure that temperature is the only variable being tested. Start at the lowest temperature in the suggested range and gradually increase the temperature in increments of five degrees.

Keep an eye out for the common effects of temperatures that are too high or too low, which we will discuss below. Once you have tested the entire range of temperatures, compare the prints to determine which temperature produced the best results for your filament.

If you are comfortable working with G-code, using a temperature tower is an even quicker way to determine the ideal temperature. If all goes well, you must only run a single test.

Hot End Temperature 

Like ABS, PETG temp is higher than PLA. Typically, the hot end should be heated to a temperature between 220 and 250 °C. If the layers of the print are not adhering, it indicates that the temperature is too low.

This is a common issue, so ensuring the hot end temperature is adequately high is essential. The temperature is likely too hot if you notice stringing on the print or clumping around the nozzle.

However, PETG should generally print without defects within the recommended temperature range.

Establish Platform Temperature 

PETG doesn’t warp as much as ABS, so a heated bed isn’t required, but bed adhesion can still be an issue depending on the quality of the PETG. To ensure proper adhesion, it’s recommended to heat the bed to a temperature between 50°C and 80°C, with some makers even suggesting temperatures as high as 100°C.

Starting in the middle of the temperature range at 65°C, test how well the first layer adheres to the bed. Adjust the temperature up or down by 5°C depending on the results.

Incorrect bed temperatures can result in certain defects, such as elephant’s foot if the bed is too hot or poor adhesion if the bed is too cold. Consider using an adhesive like a glue stick or blue painter’s tape on the print surface to solve poor adhesion issues.

Utilize a Fan

When 3D printing with PETG, it’s essential to use a cooling fan to help with retractions by cooling the filament at the hot end (nozzle). This rapid cooling can prevent stringing and blobbing, resulting in detailed prints.

It’s best to print the first one or two layers without the fan on to aid in super-strong layer adhesion, then turn the fan on for the rest of the print.

Print Speed

The suggested printing speed range for PETG is typically 60 to 100 mm/s. However, printing at higher speeds can negatively impact print quality. To achieve a higher-quality output, you may consider slowing down the print speed to 30 to 60 mm/s.

The travel speed, or the speed at which the printhead moves along the X and Y axes without depositing material, is perhaps more crucial in 3D printing. It is recommended that the travel speed be fast, around twice the print speed, i.e., 120 mm/s, to avoid oozing and stringing. When the printhead moves slowly across the print area, it has more time to drip excess material onto the part, causing imperfections and possibly leading to print failure.

Retraction 

Printing enthusiasts would be very well accustomed to PETG stringing and oozing, caused by the plastic’s low viscosity. To counteract these issues, it’s essential to adjust the retraction settings. Retraction is when the nozzle pulls back a small amount of filament before moving along the X and Y axes. Here are some tips for adjusting retraction settings:

• Set retraction distance to 3-7mm, increasing it in increments of 1mm until stringing stops. The space should be slightly higher for Bowden extruders.
• Set retraction speed to around 20mm/s, increasing it in increments of 5mm/s if necessary.
• Reduce or remove the minimum travel distance for retraction. Disable any vertical lift feature (such as Z-Hop in Cura).

General 3D Printing properties of PETG

How to 3D print Using PETG Filament?

The Conclusion

To sum up, PETG filament is highly flexible and long-lasting and is a preferred choice for various 3D printing projects. Nonetheless, obtaining optimal outcomes requires comprehensive knowledge and regulation of the temperature when printing. PETG temperature is usually higher than other filaments, and it is crucial to sustaining uniform temperatures to avoid any complications, such as warping or insufficient extrusion. To obtain impressive and dependable prints, it is crucial to adhere to recommended temperature guidelines and employ a top-quality printer while using PETG filament.

That is all from my side. I would love to read your questions and thoughts in the comment section.