Off the PETG hype train and back to PLA (+/Pro)

I want to preface this with the fact that I print mostly functional parts and not high detail artwork/statues, etc.Like everyone, I started off with PLA and ABS. I liked the additional strength of ABS but hated the warping. After 4-5 spools I switched entirely to PETG. It almost never failed, never warped, and produced really strong parts.I got a second printer and decided to try PLA+ because the hot end wasn’t really designed for the 250c that PETG needs.I’m super impressed and I’m done with PETG (under normal use).While PETG is great, it has 2 major issues; Oozing and stringing. I was able to eliminate both issues with tuning, but I found that even ambient temperatures or relative humidity would re-introduce one or both of the issues.Stringing wasn’t bad because it could easily be cleaned up in post processing.Oozing was another story. If my settings were not perfect, a black glob of burnt PETG would normally find it’s way into any print longer than 2-3 hours. This made printing PETG parts in white almost impossible. I also got into the habit of cleaning my nozzle after every print because it would be covered with burnt PETG.PLA+ or PLA Pro prints just like PLA but is stronger. I use to accidentally crack PLA parts all the time. So far I haven’t cracked any PLA+. It also prints clean, no oozing. I do notice more stringing than PLA but it’s minor. Parts come off the bed much easier too.TL;DR – PLA+ / Pro improves a lot of the area where PLA fell short. It’s good enough for me to replace PETG as my main filament.When would I use PETG? 1) if I needed a part that was going to be in a heat range that PLA can’t handle. (North of 50c), 2) if I needed some transparency in a print, 3) if I needed a part to be stronger than PLA+. 4) if I need a part relied upon friction to interface with other parts.4 probably needs some explaining. PETG is much more “elastic” than PLA. The parts are very hard but under stress PETG will flex rather than break (to an extent). This works great for parts that snap together and hold via friction. For example, PETG will hold a hex nut in place, and it will remain in place after long term use.Any thoughts or other comparisons on these 2 filaments? Anyone else change from PETG or another filament to PLA Pro/+? http://ift.tt/2yhA6ym

Leave a Reply