Definition

PETG

noun

PETG is a glycol-modified polyester filament that sits between PLA and ABS. The glycol makes it clearer, tougher, and less brittle than raw PET, so it prints durable parts without the heated chamber that ABS needs.

What the name means

PETG stands for glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate. The PET base is the same plastic used in water bottles. The glycol modifier lowers brittleness and raises clarity, which is what turns rigid PET into a printable, tough filament.

Diagram showing a PET polymer backbone with a glycol modifier unit added, resulting in lower brittleness and higher clarity.
PETG is PET with a glycol unit added, and that modifier lowers brittleness and raises clarity over raw PET.

Where PETG sits

PETG bridges PLA and ABS. It is tougher and more heat resistant than PLA, but easier to print than ABS. It needs no heated chamber and emits little odor, which is why it replaced ABS for many makers who want a durable part.

PETG properties

PETG material properties

Nozzle range

240 to 260°C

Per Prusament and Polymaker TDS.

Heat deflection

68 to 69°C

Prusament 68, Polymaker 69, ISO 75.

Glass transition

71°C

Per Polymaker PETG TDS.

Density

1.27g/cm³

Per Prusament PETG TDS.

Frequently asked

What does PETG stand for?
Glycol-modified polyethylene terephthalate. The glycol modifier lowers brittleness and raises clarity over raw PET.
Is PETG stronger than PLA?
Yes for practical use. PETG is tougher, less brittle, and handles more heat and impact than PLA.
Is PETG easy to print?
Moderately. It prints at 240 to 260 °C with no heated chamber, but it needs dry filament and retraction tuning to avoid stringing.
Does PETG need a heated chamber?
No. PETG prints in open air. A heated chamber helps ABS and ASA, not PETG.

For the full material guide, read PETG filament. For settings, see the PETG temperature guide. The PLA versus PETG comparison breaks down the trade.

Related guides

Related

More in this area

Sources & methodology

5 citations · reviewed 2026-07-09
  1. 01Prusament PETG Technical Datasheetaccessed 2026-07-06Tier 1
  2. 02Polymaker PETG Technical Data Sheetaccessed 2026-07-06Tier 1
  3. 03Bambu Lab PETG Usage Guideaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 1
  4. 043DSourced PETG Filament Guideaccessed 2026-06-29Tier 2
  5. 05All3DP PETG Comprehensive Guideaccessed 2026-06-30Tier 2
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.