Discover the surprising differences between PETG and PLA+ 3D printing filaments and which one is right for you.
Novel Insight: PETG and PLA+ are two popular filaments used in 3D printing. PETG is stronger and more flexible than PLA+, but PLA+ produces better print quality. PETG has better layer adhesion and temperature resistance, but PLA+ is more environmentally friendly and cheaper. PLA+ also prints faster than PETG.
Risk Factors: None.
Contents
- What is 3D Printing and How Does it Work?
- Material Strength Comparison Between PETG and PLA+
- Layer Adhesion: A Key Factor in Choosing the Right Filament
- Environmental Impact of Using PETG and PLA+ for 3D Printing
- Printing Speeds: Which One is Faster -PETG or PLA+?
- Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
What is 3D Printing and How Does it Work?
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Design |
Create a 3D model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. |
The design must be suitable for 3D printing, with no overhangs or unsupported structures. |
| 2 |
Slicing |
Use digital slicing software to convert the 3D model into a series of 2D layers. |
The slicing software must be compatible with the 3D printer and the chosen filament. |
| 3 |
Preparation |
Load the filament into the 3D printer and heat the nozzle to the appropriate temperature. |
The filament must be of high quality and the nozzle must be clean and free of debris. |
| 4 |
Printing |
Extrude the filament through the nozzle and deposit it layer by layer onto the build plate or bed, following the instructions in the G-code. |
The printer must be calibrated correctly and the print speed and infill density must be appropriate for the chosen filament and design. |
| 5 |
Support |
Use support structures to hold up any overhangs or unsupported structures during printing. |
The support structures must be easy to remove after printing without damaging the final product. |
| 6 |
Finishing |
Remove the finished product from the build plate or bed and remove any support structures. |
The support material removal must be done carefully to avoid damaging the final product. |
| 7 |
Post-processing |
Sand, paint, or otherwise finish the final product as desired. |
The post-processing must be done carefully to avoid altering the dimensions or structural integrity of the final product. |
Note: Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most common type of 3D printing, in which the filament is extruded through a nozzle and deposited layer by layer onto the build plate or bed. Stereolithography (SLA) is another type of 3D printing that uses a liquid resin that is cured by a laser or other light source. Both types of 3D printing rely on layer-by-layer printing to create a 3D object. The build plate or bed is the surface on which the 3D object is printed. The nozzle is the part of the 3D printer that extrudes the filament. The print speed and infill density are important factors in determining the quality and strength of the final product. Support material removal can be a challenging and time-consuming process, especially for complex designs. Post-processing can greatly enhance the appearance and functionality of the final product.
Material Strength Comparison Between PETG and PLA+
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Understand the materials |
PETG and PLA+ are both 3D printing filaments that are commonly used in the industry. PETG is a glycol-modified version of PET, while PLA+ is a modified version of PLA. |
None |
| 2 |
Compare tensile strength |
PETG has higher tensile strength than PLA+. Tensile strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand before breaking under tension. |
None |
| 3 |
Compare flexural strength |
PETG has higher flexural strength than PLA+. Flexural strength is the maximum stress a material can withstand before breaking under bending. |
None |
| 4 |
Compare impact resistance |
PETG has higher impact resistance than PLA+. Impact resistance is the ability of a material to withstand sudden shocks or impacts without breaking. |
None |
| 5 |
Compare durability |
PETG is more durable than PLA+. Durability is the ability of a material to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time. |
None |
| 6 |
Compare chemical resistance |
PETG has better chemical resistance than PLA+. Chemical resistance is the ability of a material to resist damage from chemicals or solvents. |
None |
| 7 |
Compare heat resistance |
PETG has better heat resistance than PLA+. Heat resistance is the ability of a material to withstand high temperatures without deforming or melting. |
None |
| 8 |
Compare moisture absorption |
PLA+ has lower moisture absorption than PETG. Moisture absorption is the ability of a material to absorb moisture from the environment. |
PLA+ may be more prone to cracking or breaking in humid environments. |
| 9 |
Compare UV stability |
PETG has better UV stability than PLA+. UV stability is the ability of a material to resist damage from UV radiation. |
PLA+ may become brittle or discolored when exposed to UV radiation. |
| 10 |
Consider printability |
PETG may be more difficult to print than PLA+. Printability refers to how easy it is to print a material using a 3D printer. |
PETG may require higher temperatures and slower print speeds than PLA+. |
| 11 |
Consider adhesion |
PETG may have poorer adhesion than PLA+. Adhesion refers to how well a material sticks to the print bed during printing. |
PETG may require a heated print bed or special adhesion aids to prevent warping or detachment during printing. |
| 12 |
Consider surface finish |
PLA+ may have a smoother surface finish than PETG. Surface finish refers to the quality of the surface of the printed object. |
PETG may have a slightly rougher surface finish than PLA+. |
Layer Adhesion: A Key Factor in Choosing the Right Filament
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Understand the importance of layer adhesion in 3D printing |
Layer adhesion is crucial in ensuring the strength and durability of 3D printed objects. Poor layer adhesion can result in weak and brittle prints that are prone to breaking. |
Neglecting layer adhesion can result in wasted time, money, and materials. |
| 2 |
Consider the factors that affect layer adhesion |
Factors such as print bed adhesion, extrusion temperature, cooling rate, material strength, surface tension, interlayer shear strength, printing speed, layer height, warping resistance, and tensile strength can all impact layer adhesion. |
Ignoring these factors can lead to poor layer adhesion and weak prints. |
| 3 |
Choose a filament with good layer adhesion properties |
Filaments with high interlayer shear strength, good warping resistance, and low thermal expansion coefficient tend to have better layer adhesion. PETG and PLA+ are two filaments known for their strong layer adhesion properties. |
Choosing a filament solely based on its aesthetic properties can result in poor layer adhesion and weak prints. |
| 4 |
Optimize printing settings for better layer adhesion |
Adjusting printing speed, extrusion temperature, and layer height can improve layer adhesion. Increasing cooling rate can also help prevent warping and improve layer adhesion. |
Incorrectly adjusting printing settings can result in poor layer adhesion and weak prints. |
| 5 |
Test and iterate |
Testing prints and adjusting settings can help improve layer adhesion. Iterating and making small adjustments can lead to stronger and more durable prints. |
Failing to test and iterate can result in poor layer adhesion and weak prints. |
Note: Impact resistance and flexural modulus are also important factors to consider when choosing a filament, but they do not directly impact layer adhesion.
Environmental Impact of Using PETG and PLA+ for 3D Printing
| Step |
Action |
Novel Insight |
Risk Factors |
| 1 |
Understand the materials |
PETG and PLA+ are two commonly used 3D printing filaments. PETG is a thermoplastic polyester that is known for its strength and durability, while PLA+ is a biodegradable thermoplastic made from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane. |
None |
| 2 |
Assess biodegradability |
PLA+ is biodegradable, meaning it can break down naturally in the environment. PETG, on the other hand, is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose in a landfill. |
PETG can contribute to landfill waste and take up valuable space. |
| 3 |
Evaluate carbon footprint |
PLA+ has a lower carbon footprint than PETG because it is made from renewable resources and requires less energy to produce. PETG, on the other hand, is made from non-renewable resources and requires more energy to produce. |
PETG has a higher carbon footprint and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. |
| 4 |
Consider emissions |
PETG can emit harmful gases during production, while PLA+ emits fewer harmful gases. |
PETG can contribute to air pollution and harm human health. |
| 5 |
Analyze recycling potential |
Both PETG and PLA+ can be recycled, but PETG is more commonly recycled due to its durability. PLA+ can be more difficult to recycle due to its biodegradability. |
PLA+ may contribute to landfill waste if not properly disposed of. |
| 6 |
Conduct life cycle assessment |
A life cycle assessment takes into account the environmental impact of a product from its production to its disposal. PLA+ has a lower ecological footprint than PETG due to its renewable sourcing and biodegradability. |
PETG has a higher ecological footprint due to its non-renewable sourcing and longer decomposition time. |
| 7 |
Explore waste reduction |
PLA+ can contribute to waste reduction by being biodegradable and potentially compostable. PETG can contribute to waste reduction by being durable and recyclable. |
Improper disposal of either material can contribute to landfill waste. |
| 8 |
Consider eco-friendly materials |
PLA+ is considered an eco-friendly material due to its renewable sourcing and biodegradability. PETG is not considered an eco-friendly material due to its non-renewable sourcing and longer decomposition time. |
PETG may not be the best choice for environmentally conscious individuals or companies. |
| 9 |
Emphasize circular economy |
A circular economy aims to reduce waste and keep materials in use for as long as possible. Both PETG and PLA+ can contribute to a circular economy through recycling and proper disposal. |
Improper disposal can hinder the circular economy and contribute to landfill waste. |
| 10 |
Evaluate energy consumption |
PETG requires more energy to produce than PLA+ due to its non-renewable sourcing and manufacturing process. PLA+ requires less energy to produce due to its renewable sourcing. |
PETG can contribute to higher energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. |
Printing Speeds: Which One is Faster -PETG or PLA+?
Common Mistakes And Misconceptions
| Mistake/Misconception |
Correct Viewpoint |
| PETG and PLA+ are interchangeable filaments. |
While both PETG and PLA+ are popular 3D printing filaments, they have different properties and uses. PETG is more durable and heat-resistant than PLA+, making it suitable for functional parts such as mechanical components or outdoor applications. On the other hand, PLA+ is easier to print with and has a smoother finish, making it ideal for artistic or decorative objects. It’s important to choose the right filament based on your project requirements rather than assuming they can be used interchangeably. |
| All brands of PETG/PLA+ are the same quality. |
The quality of 3D printing filaments can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, even if they’re labeled as "PETG" or "PLA+". Factors like consistency, color accuracy, strength, and flexibility can differ between brands. It’s essential to research reviews from trusted sources before purchasing any filament brand to ensure you get a high-quality product that meets your needs. |
| Printing settings for PETG/PLA+ don’t matter much since they’re similar materials. |
Even though both filaments share some similarities in terms of ease-of-use compared to other materials like ABS or Nylon, their optimal printing settings still differ significantly due to differences in melting temperature range (PETG: 220-250 degree C; PLA+: 200-230 degree C), cooling rate requirements (PETG requires slower cooling), bed adhesion (PETG may require higher bed temperatures), etc.. Using incorrect settings could result in poor print quality or even damage your printer hardware over time so always refer to manufacturer recommendations when adjusting your printer settings for each material type. |
| There’s no need for post-processing with either filament type. |
While both PETG and PLA+ produce relatively smooth prints straight off the printer bed compared to other materials, they may still require some post-processing to achieve the desired finish. For example, sanding or polishing can help smooth out any layer lines or imperfections in the print surface. Additionally, PETG prints may benefit from annealing (heating up and cooling down slowly) to improve their strength and durability. |
| PETG is always better than PLA+. |
While PETG has some advantages over PLA+ in terms of durability and heat resistance, it’s not necessarily a "better" filament for every application. Depending on your project requirements, budget constraints, or personal preferences as a maker/artist/designer you might find that PLA+ is more suitable for your needs due to its ease-of-use properties such as lower printing temperature range which makes it less prone to warping/cracking during printing process compared with PETG. |