BEST TIPS FOR BETTER PRINTS WITH PETG | Everything you need to succeed with PETG filament

Summary

In this video, Alec explores the versatile 3D printing material PTG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol), known for its durability, ease of use, and heat resistance. He explains how PTG combines the benefits of PLA and ABS, making it ideal for everything from functional 3D printer parts to cosplay items. The video covers essential tips for printing with PTG, such as optimal temperature settings, support structure adjustments, and moisture handling. Alec also discusses its applications and advantages, including its minimal fumes, flexibility, and strength, making it a go-to material for various 3D printing projects.

Takeaways

• 😀 PTG combines the ease of PLA with the thermal and wear resistance of ABS, making it a versatile filament for various applications.
• 😀 PTG prints are easy to manage with a hotend temperature range of 240°C to 250°C and a bed temperature of around 65°C.
• 😀 This filament offers excellent thermal resistance up to 80°C, making it ideal for automotive and cosplay parts that may be exposed to heat.
• 😀 PTG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can impact print quality, so it should be kept dry.
• 😀 Unlike ABS, PTG emits minimal fumes during printing, making it a safer choice for indoor printing spaces.
• 😀 PTG is great for printing stress-tested parts such as 3D printer components due to its durability and strength.
• 😀 When printing with PTG, use an all-metal hotend to avoid degradation from the high printing temperatures.
• 😀 For smooth prints, PTG adheres well to blue tape, but with surfaces like BuildTak, careful Z offset adjustments are necessary to prevent permanent adhesion.
• 😀 For optimal support separation, increase the gap between the print and supports, especially with PTG, which can weld itself to supports.
• 😀 PTG is clear when printed in natural or clear variants, making it ideal for projects requiring transparency, such as cosplay or light diffusion.
• 😀 PTG has a lower glass transition temperature (70-80°C) compared to ABS (around 110°C), meaning it’s suitable for a wide range of environments, especially where extreme heat isn’t a concern.

Q & A

What is PTG, and why is it considered a versatile material for 3D printing?

PTG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a popular 3D printing material known for its balance of ease of printing and excellent thermal and wear resistance. It combines the simplicity of PLA with the durability and heat resistance of ABS, making it suitable for a wide range of applications such as car fixtures, cosplay parts, and functional 3D printer components.

How does PTG compare to PLA and ABS in terms of printing difficulty and properties?

PTG is easier to print than ABS but shares similar thermal and wear-resistant properties, making it more durable than PLA. PLA is easier to print with, but PTG offers superior thermal performance, with a glass transition temperature of 70–80°C, which is much lower than ABS at 110°C.

What are some of the unique advantages of PTG when printing functional parts?

PTG is ideal for functional parts due to its strength, resistance to wear, and ability to handle higher temperatures than PLA. It's commonly used for 3D printing car parts, printer components, and tools because of its durability, especially in environments with heat, such as in cars during summer.

How does PTG behave in terms of clarity when used for printing clear or translucent objects?

PTG can produce very clear prints, especially when using natural or clear PTG. A one-perimeter print results in better transparency, making it ideal for objects like vases or cosplay parts that require light diffusion or transparency.

What types of issues might occur if PTG is printed with the wrong printer settings or equipment?

PTG requires an all-metal hotend due to its high printing temperatures. Using PTFE-lined hotends, which degrade at temperatures above 245°C, can cause clogging and poor prints. Additionally, improper bed adhesion or moisture absorption can negatively affect print quality.

What printing conditions and settings are ideal for achieving successful prints with PTG?

For successful PTG prints, it’s important to use a bed temperature of around 65°C, with a hotend temperature of 240–250°C. Additionally, a slight Z offset is required for proper adhesion to the bed, and some form of adhesive like glue stick or hairspray may be necessary to prevent the print from sticking too aggressively to surfaces like PEI.

Why is PTG considered hygroscopic, and what precautions should be taken during storage?

PTG absorbs moisture from the air, which can impact its print quality by making it less glossy and weaker. To prevent this, it's recommended to store PTG in airtight containers with desiccant, and to dry the filament before printing, either in a vacuum oven or a home oven at appropriate temperatures.

How does PTG behave when printing parts with supports, and what adjustments should be made for optimal results?

PTG tends to weld to its own support structures, which can make removing supports difficult. To address this, it’s recommended to increase the gap between the support and the print by about 2-3 times the layer height. This ensures that supports are easier to remove without damaging the printed object.

What are the most common uses for PTG in 3D printing beyond general models?

PTG is commonly used for functional parts in 3D printers, such as motor mounts, bed supports, and legs. It's also used for car accessories like cup holders and hooks, as it can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for environments like the interior of a car in hot weather.

Can PTG be used in a wide range of 3D printers, and are there any compatibility concerns?

PTG is compatible with most 3D printers, provided they have an all-metal hotend capable of handling temperatures above 245°C. It's important to ensure that the printer is capable of achieving the necessary extrusion temperatures without relying on PTFE-lined hotends.