Nozzle Hub Prusament PETG Prusa Orange

Published on Sat Jan 23 2021 16:41:08 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Prusament PETG Prusa Orange: A Deep Dive into a Filament Favorite

Prusament PETG Prusa Orange. The name itself evokes a certain level of quality and reliability, synonymous with Prusa Research. But beyond the brand reputation, how does this specific filament hold up in the real world? Let’s take a detailed look at its specifications, offer some practical usage tips, and see why it’s a popular choice for many 3D printing enthusiasts.

What is PETG, and Why Prusa Orange?

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a thermoplastic known for its balance of strength, flexibility, and ease of printing. It’s often considered a middle ground between the rigidity of PLA and the higher temperature resistance of ABS. Prusa Orange is Prusament’s signature color, a vibrant, eye-catching hue that has become recognizable within the 3D printing community.

Detailed Specifications:

Material: PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)
Color: Prusa Orange
Diameter: 1.75mm (typically +/- 0.02mm tolerance)
Spool Weight: Typically 1kg (including spool)
Printing Temperature: 230-250°C (Prusa Research recommends 240°C)
Bed Temperature: 80-90°C (Prusa Research recommends 85°C)
Fan Speed: 30-50% (for optimal surface finish)
Layer Height: Compatible with a wide range, typically 0.1mm - 0.3mm.
Density: ~1.27 g/cm³
Tensile Strength: ~ 50 MPa
Elongation at Break: ~ 5%
Impact Strength: ~ 7.5 kJ/m²
Heat Deflection Temperature: ~ 70°C (at 0.45 MPa)

Usage Tips for Optimal Results:

Printing with Prusament PETG Prusa Orange can be a rewarding experience, but following these tips will increase your chances of success:

Bed Adhesion is Key: PETG is known for its strong adhesion, which can sometimes lead to difficulties removing prints from the bed. Consider using a PEI sheet, glass bed with glue stick, or a dedicated PETG release agent to prevent damage to your print surface.
Temperature Tuning: While the recommended temperatures are a good starting point, your ideal settings may vary slightly depending on your printer and environment. Start with the recommended values and adjust in small increments (5°C at a time) to find the sweet spot for your specific setup.
Stringing Control: PETG can be prone to stringing. Reducing your retraction distance, increasing retraction speed, and adjusting your travel speed can help minimize this issue. Drying the filament also helps significantly.
Moisture Sensitivity: PETG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Storing your filament in a dry environment (with desiccant) and drying it before printing (if necessary) will significantly improve print quality and prevent issues like bubbling or popping. A filament dryer is a worthwhile investment if you print frequently with PETG.
Cooling Considerations: Using a moderate amount of cooling fan (30-50%) can improve the surface finish of your prints, especially for overhangs and bridging. However, excessive cooling can lead to warping.
First Layer Calibration: Ensure your first layer is properly calibrated. The nozzle should be slightly closer to the bed than for PLA, creating a good “squish” for optimal adhesion.
Avoid Direct Drafts: Keep your printer away from drafts, as temperature fluctuations can cause warping, especially with larger prints.
Clean Bed Regularly: Keep your print bed clean. Residue from previous prints or fingerprints can hinder adhesion. Isopropyl alcohol is typically sufficient.

Prusament PETG Prusa Orange - Judgement Time!

Let’s rate this filament based on key performance indicators (out of 10):

Print Quality: 9/10. Consistently provides smooth surfaces and detailed prints when properly tuned.
Toughness: 8/10. Significantly stronger than PLA, offering good impact resistance and durability.
Flexibility: 6/10. Offers some flexibility but is not as flexible as TPU or similar materials. It has some give which is useful.
Warping: 7/10. Less prone to warping than ABS, but large prints can still exhibit some warping if not properly managed.
Adhesion: 9/10. Excellent bed adhesion, sometimes requiring careful removal to prevent damage.
Moisture Sensitivity: 6/10. Moderate sensitivity to moisture, requiring proper storage and potentially drying before use.
Color Range: 7/10. Prusa Orange is a vibrant and consistent color. But not the biggest range in orange alone.
Temperature Range: 8/10. Relatively wide printing temperature range, offering some flexibility in settings.
Odor & Fumes: 8/10. Lower odor and fewer fumes compared to ABS, making it more suitable for indoor printing.
Spool Winding Quality: 10/10. Known for its impeccable spool winding, minimizing tangles and print failures.