ABS vs PETG for 3D Printing – Which is Better and Why?

ABS and PETG are two of the most common filaments used in 3D printing today. Both offer benefits like durability, temperature resistance, and flexibility over basic PLA plastic. But when it comes to choosing ABS vs PETG, which works best for your projects and offers the right balance of properties?

In this detailed filament comparison guide, we’ll examine the key differences between ABS and PETG to help you select the right material for your specific application and printing needs.

What is ABS Filament?

ABS or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is an oil-based thermoplastic that has been used for decades in injection molding applications. As one of the earliest materials used in 3D printing, ABS emits a mild toxic smell when heated.

But it produces durable parts able to withstand higher temperatures up to 80°C compared to PLA. Printed ABS parts also have more flex which allows bending before fracturing.

Key Properties of ABS:

• High impact strength and toughness. Withstands physical forces well.
• Heat resistance up to 80°C. Doesn’t deform easily at higher temps.
• Good bending strength and flexibility.
• Nice glossy smooth finish when polished.
• Easy post-processing and smoothing with acetone.
• Comparatively higher temperature printing around 240°C.

In terms of applications, ABS is great for prototypes, end-use parts and housings, mechanical components, automotive fittings, phone cases, toys, and more.

What is PETG Filament?

PETG or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol is a modified version of the PET plastic used in water bottles. It has generally replaced ABS as the plastic of choice for durable and engineering prints.

PETG is considered a higher quality material than ABS with improved interlayer adhesion and significantly reduced warping. It also does not require a heated print bed.

Key Properties of PETG Filament:

• Excellent interlayer adhesion reducing layer splits.
• Higher overall print strength than ABS.
• Minimal warping due to lower shrinkage.
• Easy support removal without damaging prints.
• Higher impact, bend, and wear resistance.
• Naturally glossy transparent or colored prints.
• Food safe and recyclable.

Common uses of PETG include tool handles, snowboard helmets, drone parts, water bottles, cosplay armor, kitchenware, prosthetics, and more.

ABS vs PETG – Key Difference and Comparison

Now let’s dive into a detailed comparison between these two versatile thermoplastics:

• Print Difficulty – PETG is generally easier to print with due to good adhesion and reduced warping. ABS tends to warp more easily and requires dialed in settings.
• Print Temperature – ABS requires a higher nozzle temp of 230°C to 250°C compared to PETG at 220°C to 240°C. Heated beds are highly recommended for ABS while PETG can print on room temp surfaces.
• Bed Adhesion – PETG sticks incredibly well to most print surfaces like PEI, glass, and buildtak. ABS warping can cause bed adhesion issues without the right surface.
• Interlayer Bonding – PETG offers much stronger bonding between layers leading to higher tensile strength. ABS layers are more prone to splitting.
• Post-Processing – ABS can be smoothed extremely well with acetone giving glossy parts. Smoothing PETG is more difficult and gives matte finish.
• Weather Resistance – PETG maintains its mechanical properties and has UV stability better than ABS over time.
• Chemical Resistance – PETG also offers good chemical resistance and won’t react with substances like acetone. ABS can be damaged.
• Food Safety – PETG is considered food safe and BPA free. ABS emits toxic fumes when heated so not recommended for food items.
• Odor – When heated, ABS gives off a strong unpleasant smell while PETG has minimal odor during printing.
• Flexible Properties – ABS has more elasticity than PETG allowing it to bend and flex more before breaking.

In summary, PETG generally prints more reliably with smoother surfaces, higher part strength, and reduced odors. But ABS offers more flexibility, glossy smooth finish, and easier smoothing post print if properly dialed in.

Best Uses for ABS Filament

Given its properties, here are the top applications where ABS outperforms PETG:

• Concept Models – Smooth ABS models with polished looks make impressive prototypes.
• Automotive Parts – Bumper covers, trims, vent assemblies are molded well using durable ABS.
• LEGO Compatible Prints – ABS has the perfect finish and clutch power for interlocking LEGO parts.
• Phone Cases – Versatile ABS makes colorful, flexible, and glossy phone cases.
• Cosplay Costumes – With smoothing and painting, ABS makes stunning glossy cosplay parts.

So for models, functional prototypes, snap-fit parts, and applications needing more flexibility choose ABS over PETG.

Best Uses for PETG Filament

PETG tends to excel in applications where higher strength, smooth prints, and temperature resistance are needed:

• Mechanical Parts – PETG produces super strong components like gears, tool handles, clamps, fixtures.
• Outdoor Objects – With UV resistance PETG works for outdoor prints like lawn decor, signs etc.
• Drone/RC Parts – Durable PETG is perfect for FPV camera mounts, frames, struts to withstand crashes and forces.
• End-Use Parts – PETG machining qualities allow it to be used for end functional parts across industries.
• Wearables – Smooth and flexible PETG shines for wearable prints like cosplay armor, prosthetics.

So choose PETG over ABS for engineering prints, end-use parts, outdoor prints, and advanced applications.

Pro-Tips for Printing ABS and PETG

To get great results with either ABS or PETG, follow these pro tips:

• Always dry filament before use as moisture causes quality issues.
• Print the first layer hot and slow for maximum adhesion.
• Use a textured PEI spring steel sheet for easy detachment and sticking.
• Enclose the printer to avoid lifting at corners due to cooling.
• Enable a filament cooling fan after the first few layers to improve overhangs.
• For ABS use a heated chamber if possible to reduce warping and cracking.
• PETG may ooze more, so retract and wipe nozzle during travels to reduce stringing.

With some tuning and the right settings, both ABS and PETG can produce exceptionally strong and precise 3D printed parts.

ABS vs PETG – Which is Better for You?

So between these two materials, how do you choose ABS vs PETG? Consider these factors:

• If you need smooth surface finish and flexibility, ABS is better.
• For high strength, interlayer bonding, and outdoor use, PETG is superior.
• ABS emits unpleasant odors during printing. PETG has minimal smell.
• PETG generally prints easier with less warping or calibration needed.
• ABS can be easily smoothed and polished to glossy finish.
• PETG offers higher UV and temperature resistance over the long term.
• PETG is a safer choice over ABS for food contact applications.

For most needs, PETG offers the best balance of strength, ease of printing, and performance. But don’t count ABS out for models and prototypes needing smoothness and flexibility.

Both filaments have a place in 3D printing. We recommend trying both PETG and ABS with sample prints to see which suits your specific applications better. With the right techniques, high quality prints are certainly achievable with either material.

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