Published on Fri Apr 08 2022 16:58:11 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Alex

Hatchbox PETG: A Deep Dive into a Versatile 3D Printing Filament

Hatchbox PETG has become a popular choice among 3D printing enthusiasts for its blend of strength, flexibility, and ease of use. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Hatchbox PETG filament, exploring its specifications, offering practical usage tips, and evaluating its performance across key characteristics.

What is PETG?

PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified, is a thermoplastic polymer. It’s a modified version of PET (the material used in water bottles), with the addition of Glycol. This modification makes it less brittle and easier to print. Compared to PLA, PETG offers improved strength, temperature resistance, and flexibility. Unlike ABS, it doesn’t require a heated enclosure and produces fewer fumes.

Hatchbox PETG: Specifications

• Material: PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified)
• Diameter: Typically available in 1.75mm and 2.85mm (verify before purchasing)
• Diameter Tolerance: +/- 0.03mm (consistent diameter is crucial for print quality)
• Spool Weight: 1kg (2.2lbs)
• Printing Temperature: 230-250°C (Adjust based on your printer and environment)
• Bed Temperature: 70-80°C (Heated bed required)
• Tensile Strength: 50 MPa (Indicative of its ability to withstand pulling forces)
• Elongation at Break: 50% (Indicates flexibility before breaking)
• Density: 1.27 g/cm³

Why Choose Hatchbox PETG?

Hatchbox has built a reputation for delivering consistent quality and reliable performance. Their PETG filament is known for its:

• Good Layer Adhesion: Leading to strong and durable prints.
• Reduced Warping: Making it easier to print larger objects compared to ABS.
• Good Impact Resistance: Offering better durability than PLA.
• Food Safe: (When printed properly and with a suitable nozzle – always verify regulatory compliance before using for food contact applications).
• Wide Color Range: Available in a variety of colors, including translucent and opaque options.

Usage Tips for Optimal Printing

Here are some tips to ensure successful prints with Hatchbox PETG:

1. Temperature Tuning: Start with a nozzle temperature of 235°C and a bed temperature of 75°C. Fine-tune based on your printer’s performance.
2. Print Speed: PETG typically prints well at speeds between 40-60mm/s. Reduce speed for intricate details or bridging.
3. Cooling Fan: Use a moderate cooling fan (30-50%) after the initial layers to prevent stringing. Excessive cooling can lead to layer adhesion issues.
4. Bed Adhesion: Ensure a clean and level print bed. Apply a bed adhesive such as hairspray, glue stick, or painter’s tape.
5. First Layer: A well-laid first layer is crucial for success. Ensure proper bed leveling and Z-offset. A slightly squished first layer usually provides good adhesion.
6. Retraction Settings: Experiment with retraction settings to minimize stringing. A retraction distance of 4-6mm and a retraction speed of 40-60mm/s can be a good starting point.
7. Moisture Control: PETG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Store the filament in an airtight container with desiccant when not in use. Drying the filament before printing can improve print quality if you suspect moisture absorption.
8. Nozzle Choice: Stainless steel nozzles work well with PETG.
9. Avoid Overtightening: Don’t overtighten the filament feeder mechanism as it can deform the filament.

Evaluating Hatchbox PETG

Here’s a detailed evaluation of Hatchbox PETG across key characteristics, rated on a scale of 1 to 10:

• Print Quality: 8 - Delivers smooth surfaces and good detail when printing settings are properly tuned.
• Toughness: 9 - Significantly more durable and impact resistant than PLA.
• Flexibility: 7 - Offers a degree of flexibility, making it suitable for parts that need to bend or flex slightly.
• Warping: 7 - Less prone to warping compared to ABS, but can still occur on large prints if the bed adhesion isn’t optimal.
• Adhesion: 8 - Excellent layer adhesion, resulting in strong and durable parts.
• Moisture Sensitivity: 6 - More sensitive to moisture than PLA, requiring proper storage and drying if necessary.
• Color Range: 9 - Available in a wide variety of colors, including translucent and opaque options.
• Temperature Range: 8 - Offers a good printing temperature range, typically between 230-250°C.
• Odor & Fumes: 7 - Produces minimal odor compared to ABS, making it more pleasant to print with indoors.
• Spool Winding Quality: 8 - Generally well-wound spools, minimizing tangles and ensuring smooth filament feeding.

Average Score: 7.7

Conclusion

Hatchbox PETG is a versatile and reliable 3D printing filament suitable for a wide range of applications. Its blend of strength, flexibility, and ease of use makes it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced users. By following the usage tips outlined in this article, you can achieve high-quality prints with Hatchbox PETG and unlock the full potential of your 3D printer.

Written by Alex