Printing PETG: The Complete Australian Guide

Harry S.

Australia's Outdoor Filament

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) has built a strong reputation as one of the best all round filaments for Australian conditions. Compared to PLA, it offers noticeably better heat resistance, improved toughness and impact strength, stronger chemical resistance, and far better long term durability outdoors. PETG also has natural UV stability, making it a genuinely practical choice for parts exposed to Australian sun and changing weather conditions.

One of PETG’s biggest advantages is that it delivers this extra performance without requiring specialised hardware. Unlike more demanding engineering materials, PETG can be printed successfully on most standard FDM printers without an enclosure or upgraded hotend. While it is slightly more demanding than PLA, it remains approachable for both beginners and experienced users alike.

That said, PETG does come with its quirks. Stringing is one of the most common frustrations, and its strong bed adhesion can sometimes make prints difficult to remove cleanly. With the right settings and surface preparation, though, PETG becomes an incredibly reliable material that comfortably outperforms PLA for most functional applications.

Optimal Settings for PETG

PETG generally prints best with nozzle temperatures between 230 and 250°C and a heated bed temperature around 70 to 85°C. Running a temperature tower is highly recommended, as PETG is particularly sensitive to temperature changes, especially when it comes to stringing and surface finish.

For print speed, slower outer walls tend to produce the best results. Around 40 to 60 mm/s for perimeters works well for most setups, while infill can usually be pushed higher depending on the printer and cooling setup.

Partial cooling is where PETG often requires some balancing. Too much cooling can weaken layer adhesion, while too little can lead to sagging overhangs and increased stringing. Starting around 50% fan speed is usually a reasonable middle ground, with adjustments made depending on the print geometry and desired finish.

Retraction settings are also commonly overadjusted with PETG. It is best to start conservatively and fine tune only if needed. Excessive retraction can cause grinding, inconsistent extrusion, and poor print quality. See our advanced PETG stringing guide for a more detailed breakdown of tuning techniques specific to PETG.

Bed Adhesion: The PETG Puzzle

PETG is known for bonding extremely well to certain print surfaces, particularly smooth PEI. While this property helps create reliable first layers, it can sometimes grip so strongly that removing the print risks damaging the build surface itself.

On smooth PEI sheets, a light layer of glue stick works well as a release layer. Instead of bonding directly to the PEI, the PETG bonds to the glue, making removal much safer once the bed cools down.

Textured PEI is often a better option for PETG, as the reduced surface contact naturally lowers adhesion while still maintaining excellent first layer reliability. Many users can print directly onto textured PEI without additional preparation.

For glass beds, a glue stick also works well to improve adhesion while still allowing the part to release once fully cooled. Avoid forcing PETG parts off the bed while still warm, as this stage is when damage is most likely to occur.

PETG for Specific Australian Applications

PETG is particularly well suited to functional outdoor parts used around the home, workshop, and garden. Components exposed to moisture, changing temperatures, or occasional sunlight generally perform very well in PETG thanks to its low moisture absorption and strong durability.

For irrigation fittings, outdoor brackets, utility covers, and marine related accessories, PETG offers a solid balance between printability and real world performance. For applications involving constant direct sunlight or extreme UV exposure, ASA remains the stronger long term option. See our ASA guide for more information on outdoor specific materials.

PETG also performs well inside vehicles where temperatures can regularly climb during Australian summers. Console organisers, mounting brackets, and storage accessories all benefit from PETG’s improved heat resistance compared to PLA.

For kitchen tools or food adjacent applications, make sure to review our food safe printing guide for proper material handling, printing considerations, and post processing recommendations.