PLA vs PETG: Which Filament Should You Use
PLA and PETG are the two most common filaments in any Australian print queue. They look similar, they print on the same hardware, and most beginners reach for whichever spool is closest. They are very different materials in use.
Quick comparison
| Property | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Print temp | 190 to 220 C | 220 to 250 C |
| Bed temp | 50 to 60 C | 70 to 85 C |
| Heat resistance | Soft above 55 C | Holds to ~75 C |
| Strength | Stiff, brittle | Tougher, slight flex |
| Layer adhesion | Good | Excellent |
| UV resistance | Poor | Fair |
| Print difficulty | Easiest | Moderate, stringy |
| Transparency | Cloudy | Best clarity for FDM |
| Food contact | Generally safe | Generally safe |
When to pick PLA
- Miniatures, figurines and detail-heavy prints
- Cosplay props that live indoors
- Prototypes and visual mock-ups
- Anything that needs the sharpest detail and the easiest print
- Beginners on any printer
When to pick PETG
- Parts that sit in a hot car, garage or shed
- Outdoor brackets, planters and signage
- Mechanical parts that need impact resistance
- Transparent or translucent prints
- Anything that needs a bit of flex without going to TPU
Print settings that matter
PETG stringing is the most common complaint. A slightly lower retract speed (around 25 mm/s), a slightly higher retract distance and a 5 to 10 C drop from the supplier's recommended temp usually fixes it. Slow first layer for both; PETG sticks aggressively, so a smooth PEI sheet with glue stick saves you ripping the surface off.