Is PCTG the New PETG? Strength, Clarity & Durability Compared

Is PCTG the New PETG? Strength, Clarity & Durability Compared

June 27, 2025
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PETG has long been a favorite among 3D printing enthusiasts — known for its toughness, flexibility, and ease of use. But recently, PCTG has emerged as a new contender, offering similar performance with noticeable advantages in specific areas.

So, is PCTG the new PETG? In this blog, we’ll break down their differences in strength, clarity, durability, and printability, so you can decide which one suits your next project.

🔍 What Is PETG?

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is a glycol-modified version of PET (the same plastic used in water bottles). The glycol modification makes it:

  • Less brittle

  • Easier to print

  • More impact resistant

Best known for:
✅ Strength
✅ Chemical resistance
✅ Printability
✅ Slight flexibility

🔍 What Is PCTG?

PCTG (Polycyclohexylenedimethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified) is part of the same PET family but offers:

  • Improved toughness

  • Greater clarity

  • Higher impact resistance

  • Better dimensional stability

It’s often used in medical devices, packaging, and durable consumer goods.

Best known for:
✅ Optical clarity
✅ Better toughness than PETG
✅ Slightly easier to print at high speeds

⚖️ PCTG vs PETG: Side-by-Side Comparison

Property PETG PCTG
Impact Strength High Higher
Flexibility Moderate Slightly more
Clarity Semi-transparent Highly transparent
Heat Resistance ~80°C ~76–80°C (similar)
Chemical Resistance Excellent Excellent
Ease of Printing Easy Easy (less stringing)
Durability Great Better toughness
Price Affordable Slightly more expensive

 

🧪 Which One Should You Use?

✅ Use PETG If:

  • You need a strong, affordable, and durable material for everyday functional prints.

  • You’re printing outdoors or need chemical resistance.

  • You’re looking for broad compatibility with AMS or third-party filaments.

✅ Use PCTG If:

  • You need maximum impact resistance (think enclosures, snap-fit parts, high-stress applications).

  • You want better transparency (great for LED housings, display parts, etc.).

  • You need better dimensional accuracy with less post-processing.

🖨️ Printability on Bambu Lab Printers

Both PETG and PCTG print well on Bambu Lab X1C, P1S, and P1P, but here are a few differences:

Setting PETG PCTG
Nozzle Temp 240–250°C 250–260°C
Bed Temp 75–90°C 80–90°C
Cooling 30–50% 20–30%
Stringing Risk Moderate Lower
Bed Adhesion Easy (PEI, glue) Excellent on PEI

💡 Tip: Use a textured PEI plate and apply glue stick for easy part removal with both materials.

🌡️ Storage & Handling

  • Both PETG and PCTG are hygroscopic, so store them in sealed bags with desiccants.

  • Dry at ~65°C for 4–6 hours before printing if moisture is present (you’ll hear popping sounds if filament is wet).

🏁 Final Thoughts

So, is PCTG the new PETG?

Not quite — but it’s an excellent alternative. If you value better clarity, improved toughness, and smoother finishes, PCTG is a smart upgrade. PETG remains a dependable, affordable go-to for most functional prints.

Verdict:

  • PETG = Affordable, reliable, and great all-rounder

  • PCTG = Premium durability + optical clarity for demanding applications

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