CoPet (PETG) filament for 3D printer

PETG or CoPET?

Many users when choosing type of filament to purchase, surprisingly find out that the same plastic is often called by different names. CoPET and PETG are derivatives of the popular PET plastic with various additives, making them copolymers, to be more precise. Both types of filament are widely used in 3D printing and are very popular.

It is commonly believed that CoPET filament is more impact-resistant and has a slightly higher melting temperature, but this is not always the case. Different manufacturers may recommend varying printing parameters, which often depend more on the raw materials and colorants used than on the plastic’s name. You can purchase either filament without worrying too much about the specific label.

3D Printer Settings for Printing with PETG (CoPET) Filament

It is recommended to print PETG (CoPET) plastic on a printer with a heated bed. This ensures good adhesion of the model. The bed temperature can vary between 60°C and 80°C, depending on the plastic manufacturer and the uniformity of your 3D printer's bed heating. The print temperature typically ranges from 220°C to 250°C, which is the range recommended by most plastic manufacturers.

Here’s a quick summary of the settings for PETG (CoPET) plastic:

• Bed temperature: 60°C to 80°C
• Print temperature: 220°C to 250°C
• Heated chamber (closed chamber) is not required

Characteristics of PetG (coPET) Filament

This filament is stronger than ABS and PLA and is often used for manufacturing technical components such as gears, housings, and guides. Semi-transparent and transparent versions are commonly used for decorative items like vases, lamps, and light fixtures. The plastic is chemically resistant to many solvents, acids, and petroleum products. However, it is difficult to process with mechanical methods.

Here’s a brief list of key characteristics of this type of filament:

• Easy to print
• Impact-resistant
• Wear-resistant
• Chemically resistant
• Low material shrinkage
• Difficult to machine
• Requires a heated bed for printing
• Safe (does not emit harmful substances during printing)