PET filaments for the 3D printer

Polyethylene terephthalate, commonly known as PET, is a versatile thermoplastic widely utilized in 3D printing and various other industries. One of the defining characteristics of thermoplastics like PET is their ability to transition into a liquid state when heated to their melting point, approximately 260 degrees Celsius. What makes this material particularly valuable is its capacity to be repeatedly heated to this temperature, cooled down, and reheated without experiencing significant degradation. This durability has established PET as a popular choice across numerous sectors, including food packaging and textiles. Its accessibility and adaptability contribute to its ubiquity, making it a material that surrounds us in our everyday lives.

What are PET filaments

PET filaments are made with a material that combines the best characteristics of ABS and PLA filaments. This type of filament manages to excel in the 3D printing process, being easy to handle, having good adhesion and high resolution. They are preferred for making food containers or packaging, being one of the food-safe materials.

Properties of 3D PET filaments

PET filaments are popular for 3D printing due to the properties they have:

• • chemical resistance: PET filament does not react with water or other foods, therefore it is accepted for use in food preservation;

• • weight resistance: PET filaments are among the most resistant in terms of the weight they can support;

• • Tear Resistance: One of the most tear-resistant 3D filaments, PET filament will resist tearing, scratching or chipping over time;

• • color: 3D PET filaments are transparent.

Types of PET filaments

Polyethylene terephthalate is divided into different categories based on its properties and usefulness. We can therefore talk about simple PET, PET-G or PET-CF.

PET

Plain polyethylene terephthalate is a thermoplastic material available in a variety of colors and transparencies that greatly aids in easy 3D printing. It is a resistant and flexible material, popular for 3D printing and because it is the least smelly (compared to ABS and PLA). It is mainly used for the packaging of food products, both for its chemical properties and its low price.

PET-G

PET-G filaments have the same properties as normal PET filaments, but also make some changes; the letter «G» in the name comes from modified glycol, the element that makes PET-G filaments more resistant and at the same time easier to use than the previous version. Another thing that PET-G filaments bring beyond PET is that the added glycol helps strengthen the material, making it much less brittle than PET. PET-G manages to combine the resistance of ABS filaments and the reliability of PLA.

PET-CF

PET-CF filaments have the same properties as the variants presented above, but bring some improvements. The “CF” in the name comes from carbon fiber, so we have a filament made of polyethylene terephthalate with carbon fiber. What PET-CF filaments add is extra strength, but it weighs even less. This makes PET-CF filaments more suitable for applications where strength and weight are equally important, such as making drones.

In which sectors do we recommend the use of 3D PET filaments?

PET 3D filaments can be successfully used for three-dimensional printing in various industries. Here are the areas of business where 3D PET filaments excel:

In the food industry

PET filaments are non-toxic, making them food safe; it is also one of the most used materials in the food industry, because it is a material that can be sterilized, so sanitization will not be a problem. Helps protect food/drinks and is impact resistant, strong and flexible. It is the ideal solution for food packaging especially because it does not react to food and water. We can confirm that PET is the most used material in the industry by comparing the variety of products available on the shelf packaged in this way.

In the textile industry

PET filaments are also widely used in the textile sector, even if you perhaps don’t know it; If you’ve heard of polyester, then you definitely know what we mean. In the textile industry, polyester (yes, it’s a plastic) turns fabrics into something very tear-resistant, yet flexible – which is why it’s a beloved material in this industry. It can also be combined with other materials such as cotton; polyester wrinkles quite quickly (but in combination with other materials this aspect decreases), and the fabric is resistant to tearing.

In medicine

The medical industry has a reliable ally in PET filaments, precisely due to the chemical properties of this material. Its strength and durability over time make it the perfect material for tools, medical equipment and prosthetics. Another advantage of PET filaments in the medical sector is that they can be sterilized, which makes them even more suitable.

In architecture

The varied range of colours, flexibility and resistance over time make PET a material also used in architecture. PET filaments can be used in the construction of kiosks, greenhouses and solar homes are some of the projects where polyethylene terephthalate can be used.

In the auto industry

Due to its resistance, but also due to the fact that PET has a lower cost than pure resin, it is also used in the automotive industry. Its most common automotive utility? PET is used to make car coatings. And other car parts are made of PET, due to its resistance to moisture, tearing, but also the fact that it is easy to recycle.

Which 3D printers are PET filaments compatible with?

In order for the final print to meet expectations, the use of PET filaments with a printer equipped with a heated bed is ideal. While not a necessity, a heated bed ensures that the print does not warp on a large scale. To find the practice that’s right for you, you can start with a temperature of 80 degrees, to see if the first layer can stick to the bed.

Differences between PET filaments and other types of 3D filaments

PET versus PLA 3D filaments

Polylactic acid – PLA – is also a thermoplastic material, being considered more similar to polyester plastic, being also the best known material for 3D printing. PLA is a biodegradable material and, in addition to PET/PET-G, is easier to handle. Although PET is more durable and resistant, it is also easier to scratch than PLA.

3D PET Filaments vs. SO

Acrylic acrylonitrile – ASA – is a 3D printing material that has gained ground in recent years, and in terms of comparison with PET it is gaining ground because it is UV resistant and easy to handle in post-processing. However, ASA is a material that has an unpleasant odor when printing and makes the printing process more difficult than PET.

3D PET Filaments vs. ABS

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene – ABS – is among the most popular 3D printing filaments, being cheap and flexible; Compared to PET, ABS is soluble in acetone. At the same time, PET is food safe and ABS is not.

Frequently asked questions about PET 3D filament

Are PET filaments biodegradable?

PET filaments are not biodegradable. But they are recycled, and it is really advisable to do so, to avoid the intensification of ocean pollution.

Is PET filament toxic?

PET filament is thus used in many sectors (starting with the food sector), precisely because it is non-toxic, being safe for food. That’s why so many drinks are bottled in PET.

What is the recommended temperature for printing with PET filaments?

Optimal printing settings may vary; usually the printing temperature will be between 220 degrees and 250 degrees and the print bed will need to be heated between 50 and 75 degrees.

What does post-processing of 3D printed objects with PET filament consist of?

Objects obtained from 3D printing with PET/PET-G filaments can be polished with an abrasive material (sandpaper). They can also be painted and/or varnished. Compared to ABS filaments, PET is not sensitive to acetone, which means the use of sandpaper is mandatory. Don’t forget that there may be differences in quality and strength between different colors of PET filament, even if they are small differences; natural filaments are more durable, while colored ones contain pigments, which contribute to a (minor) decrease in the quality of the final result.

How are PET filaments stored?

PET filaments must be stored in a dry environment, protected from light and humidity; the material is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air, which will result in a failed print. PET filaments can be stored in cool places in sealed bags