In the context of 3D printing, choosing the appropriate filament can be a success or a failure of your project. Among the most popular materials used are PETG filament vs ABS, both providing different pros and cons. Whether you’re designing a functional prototype, a durable part, or a visually appealing model, understanding the differences between these materials is essential for success.
PETG Filament vs ABS: Key Properties Compared
Both PETG and ABS are thermoplastics widely used in FDM/FFF 3D printing, yet they cater to different needs based on their mechanical properties, printability, and environmental impacts. Below is a comparison of how these materials compare with one another:.
ABS Filament: Durable but Demanding
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is highly regarded for strength, rigidity, and thermal resistance. It is one of the popular materials used in automotive and electronics industries, etc. ABS boasts a high tensile strength of 42 MPa and a glass transition temperature of 105°C, making it ideal for parts that need to endure mechanical stress or elevated temperatures.
It is susceptible to waviness and produces objectionable smells during operation. Correct ventilation and the heated bed (95-110°C) are essential for successful prints.
PETG Filament: Versatile and User-Friendly
Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) is a modified PET, being more flexiable and suitable for 3D printing purposes. PETG offers a unique combination of strength, flexibility, and excellent layer adhesion. With a tensile strength of 50 MPa and reduced warping tendencies, PETG is easier to print than ABS, even for beginners.
Chemical resistance and UV stability of PETG confer the possibility for outdoor‐based uses and food contact applications. Nevertheless, the glass transition temperature of its lower value (80∘C) restricts its application in high-temperature situations, and the tendency to string during the printing process can damage surface finish.
ABS vs PETG Filament: Applications and Performance
ABS Filament vs PETG shines in different contexts:
- ABS is of most interest in automotive parts, electronic housings and functional parts needing bracing and thermal resistance.
- PETG is highly suitable for construction of medical devices, outdoor signs, and deformable items, owing to its impact resistance and ease of processing.
Printability and Post-Processing: PETG Filament vs ABS
- Print Settings: ABS requires greater extruder and bed temperatures, while PETG prints best with even lower temperatures and less warping.
- Post-Processing: ABS is more easily sanded and painted with the possibility of acetone vapor smoothing. PETG’s excellent layer bonding properties can sometimes complicate sanding, but its toughness at the expense of somewhat poorer post-processing freedom of movement.
Environmental and Health Considerations: Filament ABS vs PETG
From an eco-perspective, neither ABS nor PETG is biodegradable. Yet PETG can be more easily recycled and gives off less toxic gas during the printing process, hence making PETG more environmentally friendly option. Adequate ventilation is a vital requirement for ABS printing, as it releases styrene, a potentially toxic substance.
Cost Comparison
Although the ABS is a little more expensive (about $15–$30/kg), the added features of PETG, e.g., the reduction in warping and the promotion of better layer adhesion, are frequently balanced for a higher cost of PETG (around $20–$40/kg).
Choosing Between ABS and PETG
Les choix entre ABS et PETG en filament dépendent des besoins de la commande. If a rigid, heat resistant material is required for functional parts, then ABS is the solution. On the other hand, PETG offers greater versatility, impact resistance, and ease of printing, making it ideal for a wide range of applications.