When it comes to 3D printing, PLA and PETG filaments are the two most popular choices. A crucial part of working with either is knowing the right temperature. Printers and filament are easy to buy; perfecting the process takes an understanding of how each material reacts to heat. Here is a guide to setting the ideal PLA and PETG temperatures and the common issues you will see when you print too hot or too cold. Starting values for every material we sell are on our temperature guide.
A Guide To Help You 3D Print At the Right Temperature!
Common Issues Encountered During 3D Printing
Warping
Warping is the curling of corners away from the bed, which leaves the finished print out of shape. It happens when a layer cools and shrinks unevenly after extrusion, usually because the bed is too cold, the part is cooling too fast, or there is a draft. PLA rarely warps; PETG and especially ABS need a warmer bed and still air.
Heat Creep
Heat creep happens when heat travels up the hot end past the melt zone, softening the filament before it reaches the nozzle. The result is clogs, under-extrusion and deformed prints. Keep the hot-end fan clean, do not set PLA or PETG temperatures higher than they need to be, and avoid long pauses with a hot nozzle.
Droopy, Stringy or Messy Prints
If your 3D prints look saggy or have fine hairs between features, the nozzle is too hot. If the first layer does not stick, the bed is too cold or the nozzle is too far from it.
Top Tips to Perfect PETG and PLA Temperatures
Working With PLA
- PLA is the easiest material to print, but you still need a quick temperature test to find the sweet spot for your printer. The ideal nozzle range is 190 to 220 ℃; our EconoFil PLA is happiest around 200 to 215 ℃. Too hot and the filament goes soft and stringy.
- The best bed temperature is 55 to 65 ℃.
- Run the part-cooling fan at 100% after the first couple of layers.
Working With PETG
- PETG runs hotter than PLA. Keep the nozzle between 220 and 260 ℃; EconoFil PETG is happiest around 240 ℃ and gets stronger toward the hot end of that range.
- PETG rarely warps but it is prone to stringing, so turn retraction up a little and run the part fan at 30 to 50% rather than 100%. Too much cooling makes layers delaminate.
- Set the bed between 70 and 80 ℃, and use a glue stick or a textured PEI sheet: PETG bonds so well to smooth PEI that it can tear the surface.
- Dry it. PETG absorbs moisture quickly; a few hours in a filament dryer removes pops and bubbles.
Get High-Quality, High-Strength 3D Filaments From Us!
At Filaments.ca we make our own PLA and PETG in Canada, stocked in Brampton, Ontario and shipped within 24 hours. Along with 3D printers and filament, we also carry dryers, nozzles and other 3D printing supplies.
For expert guidance, contact us today at 1-844-465-7684 or email hello@filaments.ca.
Also Read:
Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printing & PLA Temperature