PETG Filament from a PLA Buyer Perspective: PETG Comparison
PETG bridges PLA and ABS in performance. For buyers evaluating PETG Filament alongside PLA procurement, understanding PETG properties and positioning is essential.
PLA vs PETG Properties
| Property | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Print Temp | 195-220 C | 220-250 C |
| HDT | 55 C | 70 C |
| Izod Impact | 2-3 kJ/m2 | 7.5 kJ/m2 |
| Food Contact | No | Yes |
When PETG Outperforms PLA
Our PETG Clear 1.75 mm: 92% light transmission, food contact (EU 10/2011, FDA), Izod 7.5 kJ/m2 (3x tougher), shrinkage below 0.3%. HDT 70 C. Better for transparency, impact, food contact.
When PLA Remains Better
PLA: easier printing, better surface, lower temp, biodegradable. Stiffer than PETG. No odor. For visual models and rigid prototypes.
Food Contact Applications
PETG food safe per EU 10/2011 and FDA 21 CFR 177.1630. PLA not food certified. PETG for packaging prototypes, food containers.
Transparency
PETG 92% transmission at 3mm. PLA transparent grades 85-88%. PETG superior for optical clarity.
Impact Resistance
PETG 7.5 kJ/m2, three times tougher than PLA. For functional stress-bearing parts.
Print Settings Differences
PETG: 220-250 C, bed 70-80 C, speed 30-50. PLA: 195-220 C, bed 50-60, speed 40-80. Neither needs enclosure.
Distributor Range Strategy
PLA entry-level 50-60%, PETG mid-tier 15-20%, ABS 15-25%. Mixed pallets. PETG Clear and PLA Matte Black complement each other.
FAQ
When PETG over PLA?
Impact, food contact, transparency, HDT above 55 C. Our PETG: 92%, EU 10/2011, 7.5 kJ/m2.
PETG food safe?
Yes. EU 10/2011, FDA 21 CFR 177.1630. PLA not certified.
Strength comparison?
Tensile similar. PETG 3x tougher (Izod 7.5 vs 2-3). PETG flexible, PLA rigid.
Print settings?
PETG 220-250 C, bed 70-80, speed 30-50. PLA 195-220, bed 50-60, speed 40-80.
PETG warping?
Low, shrinkage below 0.3%. No chamber needed.
Transparency?
92% at 3mm. PLA transparent 85-88%.
MOQ for PETG?
200 spools. Mixed pallets with PLA. CE per batch.
PETG odor?
Slight. PLA minimal. Ventilate. No VOCs like ABS.