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Production and Characteristics of PETG
To understand PETG, it's essential to initially examine PET. PET, a widely recognized material in the industry, was estimated to be valued at approximately $44.3 billion in 2022. It has been extensively utilized in the production of bottles and packaging since the 1990s, gradually replacing PVC. Additionally, PET facilitates the creation of synthetic fibers for clothing. However, utilizing pure PET in 3D printing is uncommon. Instead, glycol (G) is incorporated into PET at a molecular level, enhancing the material's strength and durability, while simultaneously imparting greater flexibility.
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PETG is a copolymer that amalgamates the advantageous traits of PET and glycol. The inclusion of glycol addresses the overheating concerns inherent in PET, making it more suitable for additive manufacturing. Additionally, PETG overcomes PET's inherent brittleness. Noteworthy attributes of PETG encompass hardness, impact and chemical resistance, transparency, and ductility. Exhibiting excellent thermal stability, PETG is easily extrudable. Its commendable food compatibility further enhances its appeal.
3D Printing with PETG Material
Concerning printing parameters, PETG typically has an extrusion temperature ranging from 220°C to 260°C. It is recommended to use a heated printing bed set between 75°C and 90°C for optimal results. The ideal printing speed falls within the range of 40-60mm/s. It is advisable to refrain from using supports with PETG, as the material tends to adhere strongly to itself, making support removal challenging. Despite being more challenging to work with than PLA, PETG still exhibits favorable properties for 3D printing.
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However, PETG does have some drawbacks. Notably, it is susceptible to warping, and using a heating plate is essential to mitigate this issue. Even though the warping rate is generally low, employing a BuildTak sheet is recommended to ensure proper adhesion. PETG is also more prone to scratches compared to PLA. Additionally, it is hygroscopic and should be stored in a cool, dry environment to prevent moisture absorption. Given its high viscosity, PETG has the potential to clog print heads, requiring careful maintenance.
Applications With PETG
PETG finds applications in various industries, with its primary use being in the food industry. Given its association with PET, PETG not only possesses water resistance but also complies with FDA regulations, making it safe for contact with food. This characteristic makes PETG particularly suitable for packaging within the food industry. However, its versatility extends beyond this domain.
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PETG serves as an excellent aligner material and is utilized in medical equipment and prosthetics due to its sterilization capability. Beyond these applications, PETG is a popular choice for prototyping owing to its reasonable cost and satisfactory properties. Furthermore, its resistance to heat and chemicals enables its utilization in more robust applications, such as tooling, testing components, or creating end-use parts for machines. This broad range of attributes positions PETG as a versatile material suitable for diverse industrial and manufacturing needs.
PETG Variants Overview
PETG is the most well-known filament within its plastic family, it is a derivative of PET plastic—a widely used material present in items like water bottles and disposable plastics. The filament market offers various PET variations beyond the familiar glycol-added type, each sharing numerous properties but exhibiting some significant distinctions.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate):
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One of the most prevalent plastics globally, PET serves as the unaltered precursor to PETG.
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Melts at 260 °C and holds considerable potential for recycling, depending on local programs.
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Exhibits relatively lower layer adhesion when compared to PETG.
rPET (Recycled PET):
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Essentially identical to its base material, PET, but labeled with a lowercase "r" to signify its recycled origin.
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Previous recycling may not guarantee recyclability with the same efficacy.
CPE (Copolyester):
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Some brands opt to distinguish their PET-based products with the term "CPE," representing copolyester.
PETT (Polyethylene Co-Trimethylene Terephthalate):
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Slightly more rigid than PETG due to the absence of glycol modification.
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Less common in 3D printing but gained popularity through Taulman T-Glase.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of PET-G
* The above properties may be subject to change depending upon the material grade availability.