{"id":164883,"date":"2022-06-13T15:50:15","date_gmt":"2022-06-13T07:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=164883"},"modified":"2022-08-12T10:42:52","modified_gmt":"2022-08-12T02:42:52","slug":"matterhackers-build-series-petg-filament-review","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/matterhackers-build-series-petg-filament-review","title":{"rendered":"MatterHackers Build Series PETG Filament Review"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking for something better than PLA without the problems presented by ABS? MatterHackers has a material for you, and it’s competitively priced, too! Let’s test out the MH Build Series PETG!<\/p>\n

What’s Special?<\/h3>\n
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Two of our test prints, spool in rear. Source: Emmett Grames \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

MatterHackers<\/a>, the American company based in Southern California, sells a vast variety of high-quality filaments, printers, tools, and parts to makers around the globe.<\/p>\n

Their\u00a0Build Series PETG<\/span>\u00a0has a dimensional accuracy of \u00b10.05 mm and is created to balance quality with price. Marketed to makers on a budget, this filament is said to be \u201cexceptionally tough and sturdy\u201d, but in a wallet-friendly package.<\/p>\n

A 1-kg spool of MatterHackers Build Series PETG will cost approximately $25 (with free shipping in the USA). It is available in both 1.75-mm and 3.0-mm diameters and comes in a variety of colors, from which we chose a spool in yellow for our review.<\/p>\n

Verdict<\/h3>\n
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Our first test, the 3DBenchy. Source: Emmett Grames \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Overall, we enjoyed using this material quite a bit. Throughout our tests, results were consistent, with well-defined detail and good finish.<\/p>\n

The PETG came sealed with a desiccant pouch in a plastic wrapper. Unfortunately, this was not resealable, so the filament must be stored in a dry box in humid climates. One of the things we like about the MatterHackers materials we have received is that they did not come in individual boxes, but rather bundled in a single, larger box, reducing waste.<\/p>\n

We tested our spool using an\u00a0Original Prusa i3 MK3S<\/a>\u00a0in stock configuration. The finish on our prints was primarily quite smooth and glossy, and the color was uniform, vibrant, and slightly translucent.<\/p>\n

Test #1: 3DBenchy<\/h3>\n
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The close-up photo of the cabin shows excellent, even layers. Source: Emmett Grames \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As per our standards, our first test was a\u00a03DBenchy<\/a>. This test completed successfully on the first try.<\/p>\n

One thing we noted is that this PETG has very little of the typical stringing that the material is known for, being very light with little effect on the model. Inspecting our close-up photo, one can see that the layers are very uniform and smooth, with good adhesion.<\/p>\n

There were no other notable issues with this print.<\/p>\n

Test #2: Top Hat Duck<\/h3>\n
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This duck printed easily and without issues. Source: Emmett Grames \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our second test print was the\u00a0Top Hat Rubber Duck<\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0Sarah Calvillo<\/a>. This print also finished on the first try without issue.<\/p>\n

Indeed, we did not see any problems \u2013 even the overhangs on the beak and hat turned out quite well with little drooping or warping.<\/p>\n

Once again, the finish was quite smooth and shiny.<\/p>\n

Test #3: Yellow Submarine<\/h3>\n
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A tribute to the Beatles, the color of this filament suits this model quite well. Source: Emmett Grames \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our third and final test, inspired by the vibrant color of this material, was a\u00a0Yellow Submarine<\/a>\u00a0by\u00a0Perry Engel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This print utilized some supports on the lower portions, which came off fairly easily, but left something to be desired on the surface finish of the model, which was a bit rough on the underside. We also saw some very slight stringing between the periscopes on the upper part of the print. Aside from these two issues, though, the model came out well.<\/p>\n

Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n
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Another angle of our Benchy test. Source: Emmett Grames \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

All things considered, we found this to be a great material to work with, and it provided good results without any hassle.<\/p>\n

Based on its competitive pricing and the aforementioned great results, this is certainly a material worth considering if you want to print things stronger than PLA but without the issues of ABS (see our\u00a0PETG guide<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Compared to the\u00a0AmazonBasics PETG<\/a>\u00a0that we reviewed previously, the MatterHackers equivalent is slightly more expensive, but with that higher price tag comes a filament that has significantly less warping and stringing issues.<\/p>\n

So, to wrap up, we\u2019d definitely say that this stuff is worth a shot if you want to try out PETG without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n

Specs & Settings<\/h3>\n
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Indeed, a duck as posh as this wouldn’t allow small errors to marr his image. Source: Emmett Grames \/ All3DP<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We tested our MH Build series PETG on an Original Prusa i3 MK3S in stock configuration, using PrusaSlicer to prepare our models.<\/p>\n

We used the \u201c0.15mm Quality MK3\u201d and \u201cGeneric PETG\u201d profiles, with the following changes:<\/p>\n