Published on Sat Nov 27 2021 01:53:16 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Sunlu PETG: A Deep Dive into This Popular 3D Printing Filament

Sunlu PETG has become a popular choice for 3D printing enthusiasts, and for good reason. It offers a compelling balance of ease of use, strength, and flexibility. But what exactly makes Sunlu PETG stand out, and how can you get the best results when using it? Let’s explore this versatile filament.

What is Sunlu PETG?

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, clarity, and resistance to chemicals. The “G” in PETG indicates that it’s glycol-modified, which reduces brittleness and improves printability compared to standard PET. Sunlu’s PETG filament is a widely available and relatively affordable option, making it attractive to both beginners and experienced users.

Sunlu PETG: Detailed Specifications

• Diameter: Typically 1.75mm or 2.85mm (ensure compatibility with your printer)
• Diameter Tolerance: Usually +/- 0.02mm
• Recommended Printing Temperature: 230-250°C (446-482°F)
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 70-80°C (158-176°F)
• Tensile Strength: Around 50 MPa (varies slightly depending on print settings)
• Elongation at Break: Around 200% (indicating decent flexibility)
• Density: Approximately 1.27 g/cm³
• Spool Weight: Typically 1kg
• Available Colors: Sunlu offers a wide range of colors, including transparent, opaque, and even specialty blends.

Usage Tips for Optimal Results

Printing with Sunlu PETG doesn’t have to be complicated, but following these tips can significantly improve your prints:

1. Temperature is Key: Finding the optimal printing temperature is crucial. Start within the recommended range (230-250°C) and adjust in 5°C increments to find the sweet spot for your specific printer and the color of PETG you’re using. Too hot, and you’ll get stringing and blobbing. Too cold, and you’ll have poor layer adhesion.
2. Bed Adhesion Matters: PETG tends to stick well to most surfaces, but a heated bed is essential. Clean your build plate thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol before each print. Common build plate surfaces that work well with PETG include PEI, glass with hairspray or glue stick, and Kapton tape.
3. Cooling Considerations: Unlike PLA, PETG doesn’t require excessive cooling. In fact, too much cooling can lead to warping. Start with minimal fan settings (20-40%) and adjust as needed. Experiment with turning off the fan for the first few layers for better bed adhesion.
4. Retraction Settings: Stringing can be a common issue with PETG. Experiment with retraction speed and distance to minimize stringing. Start with a retraction distance of 4-6mm and a retraction speed of 40-60mm/s.
5. Print Speed: A moderate print speed generally yields the best results. Start with a speed of 40-60mm/s and adjust as needed.
6. First Layer Height: Ensure your first layer is slightly squished onto the bed for good adhesion. A first layer height of 0.2-0.3mm is a good starting point.
7. Keep it Dry: PETG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Moisture can lead to stringing, popping, and poor print quality. Store your filament in an airtight container with desiccant packs when not in use. Consider drying your filament in a filament dryer or oven at a low temperature (around 50°C) before printing if it has been exposed to humidity.

Considerations: Potential Downsides

• Stringing: As mentioned earlier, stringing can be a common issue with PETG if retraction settings are not properly dialed in.
• Adhesion to Bed: While generally good, PETG can sometimes adhere too well to certain surfaces, potentially damaging the build plate when removing prints. Use a release agent like glue stick or hairspray on glass beds to prevent this.
• Surface Finish: PETG tends to be more glossy than PLA, which some users may not prefer.

Scoring Sunlu PETG

Here’s a breakdown of Sunlu PETG based on the specified categories, scored out of 10:

• Print Quality: 8/10 - Can produce detailed prints with the right settings.
• Toughness: 9/10 - Significantly stronger than PLA, suitable for functional parts.
• Flexibility: 7/10 - More flexible than PLA, but not as flexible as TPU.
• Warping: 6/10 - Less prone to warping than ABS, but can still occur with poor bed adhesion or inadequate cooling.
• Adhesion: 9/10 - Excellent bed adhesion when printed correctly.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 5/10 - Prone to absorbing moisture, requiring proper storage and drying.
• Color Range: 9/10 - Sunlu offers a wide variety of colors and finishes.
• Temperature Range: 8/10 - Relatively wide and forgiving temperature range.
• Odor & Fumes: 7/10 - Low odor compared to ABS, but some faint fumes may be noticeable.
• Spool Winding Quality: 8/10 - Generally well-wound spools, minimizing tangles.

Average Score: (8+9+7+6+9+5+9+8+7+8)/10 = 7.6/10

Conclusion

Sunlu PETG offers a solid balance of properties, making it a great choice for a wide range of 3D printing projects. While it may require some fine-tuning of settings to achieve optimal results, its strength, flexibility, and ease of printing make it a valuable addition to any 3D printing arsenal. By understanding its characteristics and following the usage tips outlined above, you can unlock the full potential of Sunlu PETG and create durable, high-quality prints.

Written by Alex