PETG vs ABS: which should you choose?
PETG and ABS are both strong, functional filaments. PETG is easier and safer to print; ABS goes higher in temperature but needs more experience and an enclosed printer. Below are the differences.
| Property | PETG | ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Printability | Fairly easy, no enclosure needed | Hard: warping, enclosure needed |
| Heat resistance | ±70-80 °C | Higher (±100 °C) |
| Strength | Tough, good impact resistance | Strong and stiff, easy to post-process |
| Fumes | Hardly any odour | Stronger fumes, ventilation needed |
| Outdoor | Reasonable | Poor (discolours in UV — choose ASA) |
| Typical use | Holders, functional parts, outdoors | Automotive, enclosures, heat-exposed parts |
When PETG
Choose PETG when you want a strong, functional part without the hassle of warping and fumes — by far the most practical material for everyday use.
When ABS
Choose ABS when the part truly has to withstand high temperatures or gets post-processed (gluing, sanding, acetone). Factor in an enclosed printer and ventilation.
Our take
For most functional parts PETG wins on ease of use; ABS only when heat or post-processing demand it. Needs to be outdoors and UV-stable too? Then ASA beats ABS.
More comparisons
- PLA vs PETG: which should you choose? — PLA and PETG are the two most-used filaments for 3D printing.
- PLA vs ABS: which should you choose? — PLA and ABS sit at the two extremes: PLA is the easiest and cleanest to print, ABS the strongest and most heat-resistant but the hardest.