Short answer

PETG print settings run hotter and slower than PLA, with more retraction and less cooling. A safe start is a 230 to 250 C nozzle, a 70 to 90 C bed, retraction tuned for your extruder, and cooling that stays off for the first layers. The numbers come straight from the Polymaker and Prusament PETG datasheets.

Starting PETG settings

PETG is stickier and stringier than PLA, so it wants a hotter nozzle, a warmer bed, and gentler cooling. The Polymaker PETG datasheet sets a 240 to 260 C nozzle and 60 to 70 C bed; Prusament lists 250 plus or minus 10 C and 80 plus or minus 10 C. The middle of those ranges is a reliable start across printers.

Starting PETG print settings (cross-printer)
SettingRecommendedWhy
Nozzle temp230 to 250 CToward the cool end to cut stringing. Bump up for under-extrusion.
Bed temp70 to 90 CPETG grips PEI hard. 80 C is a safe middle from the Prusament TDS.
Retraction0.5 to 2 mm DD, 4 to 7 mm BowdenPETG strings; tune by extruder type. See the retraction page.
Part coolingOff, then 30 to 50%Low cooling keeps layer adhesion strong. Too much makes it brittle.
Print speed40 to 60 mm/sSlower than PLA. Slow the first layer to 20 mm/s.
Flow ratio0.93 to 0.96PETG wants a slight flow cut. The Bambu PETG guide lists this range.

Adjusting PETG settings

Start from the table, then fix one thing at a time. Stringing means more retraction or a cooler nozzle; poor bed adhesion means a warmer bed and a cleaner sheet; weak layers mean less cooling. For the deep dive on the stringing side, the PETG retraction page covers distance and speed by extruder, and the PETG guide covers the material. A specific machine profile, like the Ender 3 PETG settings, applies these numbers to one printer.

Frequently asked

What temperature should I print PETG at?
Start at a 230 to 250 C nozzle and a 70 to 90 C bed. Polymaker lists 240 to 260 C and 60 to 70 C for its PETG; Prusament lists 250 plus or minus 10 C and 80 plus or minus 10 C. The middle of those ranges is a safe start across printers.
Why does my PETG string so much?
PETG is sticky and oozes. The fixes are a tuned retraction (short on direct drive, longer on Bowden), a nozzle toward the cool end of its range, and a dry spool. Wet filament strings more than any setting choice.
Does PETG need a sealed print chamber?
No. PETG prints fine on an open frame, unlike ABS. It does want a warm bed and low part cooling for strong layer adhesion, but it does not warp the way ABS does.

Related guides

Related

More in this area

Sources & methodology

3 citations · reviewed 2026-07-09
  1. 01Bambu Lab PETG Usage Guide (wiki)accessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
  2. 02Polymaker PETG Technical Data Sheet (TDS V2.0 PDF)accessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
  3. 03Prusament PETG Technical Datasheet (TDS PDF)accessed 2026-07-06Tier 1
How we vetted this: every claim traces to a tiered source, Tier 1 (manufacturer, slicer, standards) first. Read the full sourcing and conflict-of-interest policy.