PCTG Filament Guide: The Better PETG?
PCTG vs PETG
| Property | PETG | PCTG |
|---|---|---|
| Impact resistance | Good | Better |
| Clarity (transparent) | Good | Best for FDM |
| Stringing tendency | Common | Lower |
| Brittleness over time | Some | Less |
| Print temp | 230 to 245 C | 240 to 255 C |
| Price | Lower | Slightly higher |
When to choose PCTG over PETG
- Transparent or translucent prints where you want maximum clarity
- Functional parts that take impact
- Long-term outdoor or sun-exposed parts (slightly better UV stability)
- Anything that needs to be tougher than PETG but does not warrant ABS or PC
Print settings
- Nozzle 240 to 255 C
- Bed 70 to 90 C, PEI or gluestick
- Layer fan 50 to 80 percent
- Standard PETG retraction settings
- Dry the spool if it has been open a few weeks