PETG filament has rapidly become a favourite among 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals alike. Combining the durability of ABS with the ease of printing associated with PLA, PETG offers a versatile solution for various projects. However, as with any material, PETG comes with its own set of challenges. In this post, we’ll explore some common PETG printing issues (like warping, stringing, and more) and provide actionable tips to help you achieve the best possible results.
Warping: Keep Your Prints Stuck
Warping is one of the most frustrating issues when printing with PETG. This occurs when the edges of your print start to lift off the bed, leading to a distorted final product. The good news is that with proper bed preparation and temperature management, warping can be significantly reduced or even eliminated.
Tips to Prevent Warping:
- Bed Temperature: Ensure your bed is heated to the correct temperature (PETG typically adheres well at around 70-80°C).
- First Layer Adhesion: A strong first layer is crucial. Consider using a glue stick, PEI sheet, or blue painter’s tape to enhance bed adhesion.
- Brims and Rafts: Adding a brim or raft to your print can increase bed contact, helping to anchor the print and prevent warping.
- Enclosed Printing Environment: If you’re printing large parts, consider using an enclosure to maintain a consistent ambient temperature around the print.
Stringing: Those Pesky Filament Hairs
Stringing occurs when small, thin threads of plastic are left behind as the nozzle moves between different parts of the print. While PETG is known for its tendency to string, this issue is relatively easy to manage with the right settings.
Tips to Reduce Stringing:
- Retraction Settings: Fine-tuning your retraction settings is key. Increase the retraction distance and speed until stringing is minimised.
- Temperature Control: Lowering your print temperature can reduce stringing. Try decreasing the nozzle temperature by 5-10°C at a time until you find the sweet spot.
- Travel Speed: Increasing the travel speed can help reduce the time the nozzle spends moving between print areas, minimising stringing.
Blobbing and Oozing: Controlling Excess Material
Blobbing and oozing are issues where excess material accumulates on the surface of your print, causing unsightly bumps and uneven surfaces. PETG’s sticky nature can exacerbate this, but proper adjustments can keep it under control.
Tips to Prevent Blobbing and Oozing:
- Temperature Calibration: If your print temperature is too high, the filament can become overly fluid, leading to oozing. Dial in the correct temperature for your filament.
- Coasting Settings: Activating coasting can reduce blobbing by stopping the extrusion just before the end of a segment, using the pressure in the nozzle to finish the line.
- Flow Rate Adjustment: Ensure your flow rate is set correctly – too much filament extrusion can cause buildup and lead to blobbing.
Poor Bed Adhesion: Ensuring a Strong Start
Even if you’ve nailed your settings for other issues, poor bed adhesion can ruin a print from the very beginning. PETG is known for adhering very well to surfaces, but there are steps you can take to avoid either too much or too little adhesion.
Tips for Optimal Bed Adhesion:
- Surface Preparation: Make sure your print bed is clean and free of any dust or grease. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the surface before each print.
- Nozzle Distance: Adjust the distance between your nozzle and the bed. A slightly larger gap than what you’d use for PLA can prevent PETG from bonding too tightly.
- Adhesion Enhancers: If your prints are sticking too well, consider using a release agent like a glue stick to create a barrier between the bed and the PETG filament.
Ready to Master PETG Printing?
While PETG can be challenging to work with, understanding these common issues and how to resolve them can lead to consistently successful prints. Whether you’re battling warping, stringing, or bed adhesion problems, these tips should equip you with the knowledge to tackle each issue head-on. Happy printing!