PETG: for parts that have to last
PETG is a tough 3D printing plastic, a close relative of the material in PET bottles. Compared with PLA it withstands more heat, impact and moisture, so it suits technical parts and outdoor use.
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What PETG is
PETG is a modified version of polyethylene terephthalate, which plastic bottles are made from. The G means it is chemically modified with glycol, which makes it print well as a filament.
According to Prusa Research, PETG parts suit indoor use and most outdoor use, as long as the temperature does not exceed 80 °C. Water and damp do not bother them either.
What PETG is good for
- Holders, fasteners and clips that carry a load or flex a little during assembly.
- Things for outdoors, on a balcony, in the garden or on a bike.
- Parts in damp places, such as a bathroom.
- Parts near heat, where PLA would soften.
For parts that have to take a heavier load, we also recommend a strong 40% infill with PETG.
Where PETG is weaker
- Detail. Fine detail and sharp edges do not come out as cleanly as in PLA. PLA is better for figurines.
- Surface. It is glossier and can be left with fine hairs of plastic.
- Supports. It prints overhangs less well and supports are harder to remove from it, so the surface where they were is usually rougher.
What PETG printing costs
We charge €9 per kilogram of PETG, which is a euro more than PLA. On a single part that usually amounts to just a few cents: for a 50 g part it is 5 cents. You will see the exact price in the calculator right after uploading a model in STL, 3MF, OBJ or STEP format.
Common questions
Is PETG suitable for outdoors?
Yes, it is enough for most outdoor uses. If a part has to sit in direct sun for years, industry would choose ASA, but we do not print that at the moment.
Is PETG suitable for food?
We have no food-contact certificate. PET from bottles is a common food packaging material, but bacteria hide in the grooves between the layers of a print. We do not recommend it for direct contact with food.
Can PETG be printed in several colours?
Yes, in up to 4 colours. The easiest way to assign the colours is in a 3MF file.
Related terms
PLA
PLA (polylactic acid) is the most common 3D printing material, made from plant starch. It is cheap, accurate and easy to print, but it does not withstand heat above about 60 °C or long exposure to sun.
PLA vs PETG
PLA vs PETG is the most common choice in 3D printing. PLA is more accurate and enough for most things indoors, while PETG is tougher, withstands more heat and also suits outdoor use.
ASA
ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate) is an engineering plastic for 3D printing that withstands UV radiation, rain and heat well. It is used mainly for parts that have to last a long time outdoors.
Filament
Filament is a thin plastic strand wound on a spool, which an FDM 3D printer melts and layers into a part. The type of plastic decides the part's strength, heat resistance and price.
Infill
Infill is the sparse lattice that fills the inside of a part in 3D printing. It is given as a percentage, and the higher it is, the stronger, heavier and dearer the part.
SourcesSources checked 1 November 2026, 2
- Polyethylene terephthalate, Wikipedia, checked 2026-11-01
- PETG, Prusa Research, checked 2026-11-01
We will print it for you
Upload a model and see the price per piece, the total with shipping and the date at once. We print in Košice, Slovakia, from PLA and PETG.
No model? No problem, pick a ready one
These sites have thousands of free models. Download an STL or 3MF and upload it here. If you sell it or use it for business, check the model licence. How to pick a model and licence