Published on Wed Jan 05 2022 21:40:57 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Prusament PETG Gentlemen’s Grey: A Deep Dive

Prusament PETG is a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts for its balance of strength, durability, and ease of printing. The “Gentlemen’s Grey” color is a sophisticated, muted grey that’s suitable for a wide range of projects, from functional parts to aesthetic prints. This article provides a comprehensive overview of this specific filament, covering its specifications, best practices for usage, and a detailed assessment.

Filament Specifications

• Material: PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)
• Color: Gentlemen’s Grey (A muted, warm grey)
• Diameter: Typically 1.75mm +/- 0.02mm (Prusament’s stated tolerance)
• Spool Size: Usually 1kg
• Density: Around 1.27 g/cm³
• Glass Transition Temperature: ~80°C
• Recommended Nozzle Temperature: 230-250°C
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 80-90°C
• Tensile Strength: ~50 MPa
• Elongation at Break: ~50%

Printing with Prusament PETG Gentlemen’s Grey: Tips and Tricks

Getting the most out of your Prusament PETG Gentlemen’s Grey prints requires attention to a few key areas:

• Temperature is Key: PETG is sensitive to temperature. Start with the recommended nozzle and bed temperatures, but be prepared to fine-tune based on your printer and environment. Too high a temperature can lead to stringing, while too low can cause layer adhesion issues.
• Fan Speed: PETG generally requires less cooling than PLA. Start with little to no cooling for the first few layers, then gradually increase to 20-50% for the remaining layers. Excessive cooling can cause warping.
• Print Speed: A moderate print speed (40-60mm/s) usually yields the best results with PETG. Experiment to find the sweet spot for your specific printer.
• Bed Adhesion: A clean and level print bed is crucial. A PEI sheet or glass bed with a thin layer of glue stick or hairspray can significantly improve adhesion. Make sure your Z-offset is dialed in correctly.
• Retraction Settings: Stringing can be a common issue with PETG. Adjust your retraction distance and speed to minimize it. A retraction distance of 3-6mm and a speed of 40-60mm/s are good starting points.
• Drying: PETG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. If you experience stringing, popping, or poor layer adhesion, drying the filament is essential. Use a filament dryer or an oven at a low temperature (around 50-60°C) for several hours.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Stringing: Reduce nozzle temperature, increase retraction distance/speed, and ensure the filament is dry.
• Warping: Increase bed temperature, use a brim or raft, reduce cooling fan speed, and ensure a clean print bed.
• Poor Layer Adhesion: Increase nozzle temperature, decrease print speed, and ensure the filament is dry.
• Elephant’s Foot: Reduce the initial layer temperature and adjust the Z-offset.
• Clogging: Make sure the nozzle temperature is high enough and the filament is clean. Consider using a filament filter.

Prusament PETG Gentlemen’s Grey: A Detailed Evaluation

Here’s a breakdown of Prusament PETG Gentlemen’s Grey based on the specified criteria:

• Print Quality (9/10): Produces smooth, detailed prints with good surface finish when dialed in correctly.
• Toughness (8/10): PETG offers excellent impact resistance and durability, making it suitable for functional parts.
• Flexibility (6/10): PETG is more flexible than PLA but less flexible than TPU. It provides some give without being overly pliable.
• Warping (7/10): PETG is less prone to warping than ABS but more prone than PLA. Careful temperature control and bed adhesion are important.
• Adhesion (8/10): Excellent layer adhesion when printed at the correct temperature. First layer adhesion is good with a prepared bed.
• Moisture Sensitivity (6/10): PETG is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture, leading to printing issues. Drying is often necessary.
• Color Range (N/A): This evaluation focuses solely on Gentlemen’s Grey.
• Temperature Range (8/10): The recommended temperature range is relatively wide, making it compatible with most printers.
• Odor & Fumes (7/10): PETG produces a mild, slightly sweet odor during printing, less offensive than ABS but more noticeable than PLA.
• Spool Winding Quality (10/10): Prusament is known for its impeccable spool winding, minimizing tangles and print failures.

Average Score: 7.9/10

Conclusion

Prusament PETG Gentlemen’s Grey is a high-quality filament that delivers excellent results when used correctly. Its balanced properties make it a versatile choice for a wide range of 3D printing applications. While it requires some attention to temperature and moisture control, the resulting prints are durable, aesthetically pleasing, and well-suited for both functional and decorative purposes. The Gentlemen’s Grey color is a particularly attractive option for projects where a sophisticated, understated look is desired.

Written by Alex