PETG versus ABS, a profound 3D printing filament comparison
To begin with, we need to understand what materials are compared in this blog.
- ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is a thermoplastic polymer. It is the second most widely used polymer material in the 3D printing world. First is PLA which we will
discuss separately in another blog. The main characteristics of the ABS is that it is strong, durable and very lightweight. Can you think of one simple example of ABS use in global scale? Lego blocks! They are unbelievably durable – has anybody tried to break a Lego? – and that is why Lego blocks pass from generation to generation. ABS is also cheap to manufacture and this is the main reason is used widely in millions of consumer products.
- PETG or Polyethylene terephthalate or PET is the foundation to form PETG. The G stands for the glycol additive that serves the purpose of adding extra strength and
durability to the mixture. The biggest example of PETG usage is the water bottles. PETG is also transparent.
Both ABS and PETG are the most popular 3D printing filaments for FDM printing technology. We have also dedicated two documents to 3D printing technologies in ‘Our Platform’ and
‘Materials’.
PETG versus ABS – Main properties
Thermal Behaviour
ABS is very difficult to stick to the bed of 3D printers. It will require temperatures above 100oC otherwise excessive warping deformation and peeling will occur leading to a very disappointing result.
On the other hand, PETG responds much better, as warping and deformation are significantly reduced. This allows the bed heating to be lower at around 80oC.
An important tip here is that PETG due to its behaviour to the heated bed, it might stick quite solidly there leaving chunks of material out of the model. Therefore, coating the bed plate is
important.
Applications
ABS material is widely used as we mentioned above in Lego bricks but also in bicycle protective accessories such as helmets. ABS is also used in the automotive industry and for
manufacturing toys due to its strength and durability. On the contrary, PETG is a material that is less susceptible to heat. Therefore, it is used in the food industry for food storage containers and drinking bottles.
It is also considered as food- safe material.
Odor and Particle emission
In the battle PETG versus ABS it seems that this one is an easy win for PETG as it does not produce any odour during 3D printing an object, while the particles and VOC emissions are at minimal levels. ABS is exactly the opposite as it
produces both particles and odour and hence is considered important to take health and safety measures while 3D printing with it. Adequate ventilation system is required to avoid causing health issues to people nearby.
Post Process
ABS is considered to be much a easier material to post process than PETG especially when it comes down to glue and paint. Both materials are behaving just fine in cleaning and deburring post-processes.
Mechanical Properties and UV resistance
ABS offer hardness (that’s why it is used in housing parts and toys), rigidity and can withstand temperatures up to 100oC without shrinking or warping.
PETG is more ductile material, can withstand shock absorption and generally turns out to be stronger and can survive in temperatures up to 80oC. It is also affected less under UV radiation compared to ABS which will be get weakened.
Filament Cost
PETG filament is slightly more expensive than ABS one. Also, it is possible to find various blends of PETG which will bring different types of strength or different 3D printing quality.
PETG versus ABS – Conclusion
Most of the time PETG is the first choice compared to ABS. When it comes to strength, easiness to 3D print and durability, then PETG is the winner. However, for a product that requires higher heat resistance then ABS is the only option. Although both materials are very good, the choice is yours and only if you play with the 3D printer’s settings you will be able to appreciate the printing quality each material can offer. We hope this PETG versus ABS comparison to assist you in your project.
Further sources to read about PETG versus ABS filaments:
