PETG is the step up when a part needs to survive real use. It combines near-ABS toughness with easy, reliable printing, shrugs off water and most household chemicals, and handles more heat than PLA — all at a small price premium.
Why print in PETG
PETG bends before it breaks. Where PLA can crack under sharp impact, PETG absorbs it, which makes it the right choice for brackets, clips, enclosures, planters, and anything that lives outdoors part-time or gets handled daily. Its translucent variants also pass light beautifully for diffusers and accent pieces.
PETG material properties
| Property | Rating |
|---|---|
| Tensile strength | Very good — tough with high impact resistance |
| Stiffness | Good — slightly more flex than PLA |
| Heat resistance | Good — stable to roughly 165°F (75°C) |
| UV / outdoor use | Good — handles moisture well; limited long-term UV |
| Flexibility | Moderate — ductile, bends before breaking |
| Detail & finish | Good — slightly glossier, softer detail than PLA |
Best uses for PETG
- Functional brackets, mounts, clips, and enclosures
- Planters, outdoor-adjacent decor, and garage parts
- Translucent diffusers and light-passing pieces
- Parts exposed to water, oils, or cleaning products
Colors and pricing
PETG prints at $0.12 per gram in 19 colors: fourteen solid PETG HF colors — from black, white, and gray to lake blue, forest green, and peanut brown — plus five translucents (teal, orange, purple, brown, and clear). $15 minimum order.
Design tips for PETG
- Use 30–50% infill for load-bearing parts.
- PETG strings slightly more than PLA — very fine lattices come out cleaner in PLA.
- For sustained sun exposure, step up to ASA.
Upload your file for an instant PETG quote, or browse the full materials guide.