Summary of "The End of PLA? Testing the "New" PETG"
The End of PLA? Testing the “New” PETG
Context
Two new PETG developments were tested using manufacturer-recommended profiles in Bamboo Studio:
- Polymaker’s updated PETG formula (claims better layer adhesion and easier printing).
- Bamboo Labs’ new “high flow” PETG (PTG HF), which replaced their PETG basic line.
What was tested (short guide / checklist)
- Print speed (PLA vs PETG)
- Visual surface quality and detail (box, parts tray, column-pattern bin)
- Dimensional accuracy (25 mm calibration cube)
- Bridging performance
- Large-print behavior (mushroom models)
- Moisture sensitivity and storage reliability
- Bed adhesion / first-layer reliability
- Mechanical strength (triangular tube, 1.8 mm wall, human weight test)
- Heat resistance (softening temperature)
- Chemical / real-world durability (long-term PLA exposure test)
Key findings and product features
Print speed
- New PETG profiles print at nearly the same speeds as PLA — no major speed penalty.
Surface quality & detail
- PLA: best surface finish, sharpest details, minimal stringing or defects — overall the cleanest prints.
- Polymaker PETG: generally good prints; glossy finish and occasional small “gloopy” seam/top defects.
- Bamboo Labs PTG HF: good prints but showed small surface bubbles and slightly more stringing in fine details.
Dimensional accuracy
- All three filaments produced comparable dimensional accuracy (calibration cubes ~25 mm).
Bridging
- Both PETGs bridged well, nearly matching PLA.
Large prints
- PETG performed well on larger prints with only minor defects.
Moisture sensitivity
- PETG remains more moisture sensitive than PLA.
- Both PETGs benefit from dry storage; Bamboo Labs PTG HF appeared more sensitive (visible bubbles).
Bed adhesion / first-layer reliability
- Polymaker PETG: very reliable bed adhesion — no print failures observed in testing.
- Bamboo Labs PTG HF: several first-layer / bed-adhesion failures requiring restarts — less reliable.
Mechanical strength and failure modes
- PLA: broke under load and tended to fracture along layer lines.
- Bamboo Labs PETG: failed quickly and shattered into many pieces — indicates improved layer adhesion versus PLA but a brittle failure mode.
- Polymaker PETG: notably tough — survived standing and jumping tests without breaking (flexible and strong).
Heat resistance
- PLA softens at about 55–60 °C.
- PETG retains shape to about 80 °C (suitable for sun-exposed parts but below engineering filaments like nylon).
Chemical / real-world durability
- Contrary to some expectations, PLA held up well in long-term real-world tests (e.g., outdoor/soil/fertilizer exposure for ~2 years showed no wear). PLA is more durable in practice than its reputation implies.
Conclusions / Recommendation
- PLA is not obsolete: it remains the easiest to print and the best choice for surface finish and fine detail. Keep PLA as the default for crisp-looking prints.
- For functional, tough parts, Polymaker’s new PETG is recommended — strong, reliable bed adhesion, and affordable (~€20/kg).
- Bamboo Labs PTG HF prints well but has greater moisture sensitivity and bed-adhesion reliability issues; it may require better drying and bed setup.
Main speakers / sources referenced
- Video host / reviewer (unnamed in subtitles) — conducted all tests and comparisons.
- Polymaker — new PETG formulation.
- Bamboo Labs — PTG HF (high flow) PETG and Bamboo Studio slicing/profile software.
Category
Technology
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