{"id":164876,"date":"2022-06-11T15:29:10","date_gmt":"2022-06-11T07:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=164876"},"modified":"2022-08-12T10:42:09","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T02:42:09","slug":"the-clear-petg-filaments-of-2021","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/the-clear-petg-filaments-of-2021","title":{"rendered":"The Clear PETG Filaments of 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Clear PETG is perfect for printing translucent objects like lampshades or vases. Read on for the best options for clear PETG filament!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Full Transparency<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Different clear PETG filaments range in how transparent they are (Source: Rygar1432 via PrusaPrinters)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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3D printing filaments<\/a>\u00a0come in many different colors and finishes, and one of the most interesting options is the color (or lack thereof) clear. Clear filament is unique because it enables you to\u00a0print transparent objects<\/a>, which can be used for objects that benefit from light or color passing through, like\u00a0lampshades<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0flower vases<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to mention that, although commonly advertised as yielding transparent objects, clear filaments produce parts that are really more\u00a0translucent<\/em>\u00a0than transparent. That\u2019s because 3D printers print parts layer-by-layer, and those layer lines obscure the part\u2019s transparency. So, even if a filament is completely see-through, objects printed in that filament still won\u2019t be completely clear.<\/p>\n

Depending on the brand and base material, certain clear filaments are more transparent than others. For example, a clear PETG filament is typically much more see-through than a\u00a0clear PLA filament<\/a>. Transparent PETG filaments yield some of the clearest prints compared to other 3D printing materials, so if you\u2019re after true transparency, you\u2019re in the right place!<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll be going over the best brands of clear PETG filament, reviewing each filament\u2019s specs and features. Before we get into the brands, though, we\u2019ll also go over the general properties of PETG as a 3D printing material.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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What Is PETG?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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PETG filament is more prone to stringing than other 3D printing materials (Source: peterbenz via Reddit)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, known as PETG<\/a>, is a modified version of the plastic PET found in many everyday products, like water bottles. The glycol modification in PETG makes it a little more flexible and impact-resistant. As such, PETG is more common as a 3D printing filament than PET.<\/p>\n

PETG is often looked at as a\u00a0new and improved ABS<\/a>\u00a0in terms of 3D printing because it provides the strength and durability of ABS without the printing difficulties or hardware requirements, like the need for an\u00a0enclosure<\/a>. In fact, PETG is well known for its ease of use and\u00a0isn\u2019t much harder to print than PLA<\/a>, the current king of 3D printing materials. PETG requires a\u00a0hot end temperature between 220 and 265 \u00b0C<\/a>\u00a0and a bed temperature of 70 to 80 \u00b0C, which is great because most 3D printers can reach these values.<\/p>\n

Although PETG is usually easier to print than ABS and isn\u2019t as sensitive to air drafts or temperature changes, it\u2019s still a moderately difficult material to print. That\u2019s because\u00a0PETG tends to string<\/a>\u00a0a lot on parts because of how much it\u00a0sticks to the nozzle and oozes<\/a>. Moreover, many users also experience too much\u00a0bed adhesion<\/a>\u00a0with PETG, with some claiming that PETG prints took chunks of glass from the build plate when removed.<\/p>\n

PETG is also a\u00a0relatively hygroscopic material<\/a>\u00a0compared to other 3D printing materials, meaning it absorbs moisture pretty easily. When 3D printing filaments absorb moisture, the filament degrades and yields lower-quality prints. For this reason, it\u2019s crucial that you\u00a0properly store your filament<\/a>\u00a0away from all moisture.<\/p>\n

As clear is simply a specific color of PETG filament, so there shouldn\u2019t be any drastic differences between how you print it and other PETG filaments. However, if you want to achieve the most transparent parts, you should use a lower\u00a0infill density<\/a>\u00a0and a larger\u00a0layer height<\/a>, reducing the amount of visual obstruction.<\/p>\n

Lastly, even if you\u2019ve printed PETG before, it\u2019s always a good idea to start by\u00a0printing a temperature tower<\/a>\u00a0because different brands and even colors tend to like slightly different temperatures. For example, black PLA filaments typically\u00a0need a higher nozzle temperature<\/a>, most likely due to specific additives used to give the material its color.<\/p>\n

Now, let\u2019s get to the brands!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Polymaker<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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Polymaker’s PolyLite transparent PETG is very clear, but is also extra hygroscopic (Source: MakeIt)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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Our first option for clear PETG filament comes from Polymaker, a popular manufacturer of various 3D printing filaments in different colors and materials.\u00a0PolyLite PETG<\/span>\u00a0comes in a transparent colorway, and Polymaker boasts how this filament has great mechanical properties while being easy to use.<\/p>\n

Reviewers on Amazon noted how this filament, like most PETG materials, is very hygroscopic, and any absorbed moisture has drastic effects on print quality. For this reason, it\u2019s probably best to have a\u00a0sealed bag or special filament storage container<\/a>\u00a0to keep this filament enclosed in, even when you\u2019re printing with it. Besides being hygroscopic, PolyLite PETG is known for its amazing ease of use and toughness.<\/p>\n