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)

1. Print speed (PLA vs PETG)
2. Visual surface quality and detail (box, parts tray, column-pattern bin)
3. Dimensional accuracy (25 mm calibration cube)
4. Bridging performance
5. Large-print behavior (mushroom models)
6. Moisture sensitivity and storage reliability
7. Bed adhesion / first-layer reliability
8. Mechanical strength (triangular tube, 1.8 mm wall, human weight test)
9. Heat resistance (softening temperature)
10. 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.