PLA vs PETG: Which Filament Should You Use?
By 3DPrintMates Editorial · Published
PLA vs PETG comes down to one question: will the part see heat, impact or the outdoors? If not, PLA is easier to print and gives crisper detail. If yes, PETG is tougher and keeps its shape at higher temperatures.
Quick answer
- Choose PLA for prototypes, figurines, decorative prints, cosplay pieces and anything that stays indoors at room temperature.
- Choose PETG for functional parts: brackets, clips, enclosures, planters, car interior parts in mild climates and anything that gets dropped or flexed.
- Choose neither for parts in direct sun all summer or inside a hot car - look at ASA or ABS instead.
PLA vs PETG at a glance
| Property | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easiest common filament | Easy, but strings more |
| Typical nozzle temperature | ~190-220 °C | ~220-250 °C |
| Typical bed temperature | ~50-60 °C (or unheated) | ~70-85 °C |
| Softens around (glass transition) | ~55-65 °C | ~75-80 °C |
| Stiffness | Stiff, can snap | Slightly flexible |
| Impact toughness | Low to moderate | Higher |
| Outdoor / UV use | Poor | Moderate |
| Typical density | ~1.24 g/cm³ | ~1.27 g/cm³ |
Exact values vary by brand and additives. Always start with the temperatures printed on your spool.
Which is stronger, PLA or PETG?
It depends on what “strong” means. PLA is stiffer - it resists bending - and can show higher tensile strength in some tests. But it is brittle: when it fails, it snaps. PETG bends before it breaks and absorbs impacts much better. For a part that clips, flexes or might be dropped, PETG is usually the stronger choice in practice.
Heat resistance: why PLA parts warp in cars
PLA starts to soften at roughly 55-65 °C. A car interior on a sunny day can exceed that, so PLA phone mounts and dashboard parts often sag or warp. PETG holds up to roughly 75-80 °C, which covers many indoor and mild outdoor uses but not the hottest dashboards.
Can PETG be used outdoors?
PETG handles moisture and sunlight better than PLA, so it is a reasonable choice for garden parts, planters and outdoor fittings that are not under constant stress. For long-term UV exposure, ASA was designed for outdoor use and is the safer pick.
Printing PLA vs printing PETG
PLA forgives almost everything: no enclosure, low temperatures, sharp overhangs and bridges, very little warping.
PETG needs a little more care:
- Stringing: increase retraction slightly and lower the nozzle temperature in 5 °C steps until strings stop.
- Bed adhesion: PETG can bond too well to smooth PEI or glass. A thin layer of glue stick acts as a release agent.
- Cooling: use less part-cooling fan than PLA (often 30-50%) for better layer adhesion.
- First layer: don’t squish it as hard as PLA; a slightly higher first layer avoids nozzle drag.
Cost
PLA and PETG are usually priced in a similar range per kilogram. PETG is slightly denser, so the same model uses a few percent more grams. To price a specific print, use the 3D print cost calculator.
Summary
Start with PLA. Switch to PETG when the part has to survive heat, impacts or the outdoors. If you don’t own a printer, many local shops print both - we’re building a board where they can quote on your file.