PETG vs ABS for 3D printing
Choose PETG for containers, bottles, and organizers; choose ABS for enclosures and housings.
Side by side
| Property | PETG | ABS |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | High, tougher than PLA | High, impact-resistant |
| Flexibility | Slight | Slight |
| Heat resistance | Medium | High |
| Water / food | Food-safe and water-resistant | — |
| Finish | Glossy; slight stringing up close | Acetone-smoothable to a gloss |
| Outdoor / UV | — | Poor (choose ASA) |
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ | 1.04 g/cm³ |
| Starting price | $8.99 / part | $10.00 / part |
Choose PETG when…
- Containers, bottles, and organizers
- Brackets and parts that flex without cracking
- Food-contact parts (with a food-safe finish)
- Parts that need water and chemical resistance
Reach for something else for
- Ultra-fine detail display models — PLA prints crisper
Choose ABS when…
- Enclosures and housings
- Mechanical parts that get drilled or tapped
- Parts that need a smooth, glossy finish
- Moderate-heat environments
Reach for something else for
- Outdoor parts — ASA resists UV where ABS yellows and gets brittle
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