PP vs PCTG
How PP and PCTG compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PP is more heat resistant and more flexible; PCTG is easier to print, tougher and stiffer.
- PCTG typically prints about 20 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PP typically prints about 10 °C hotter on the bed.
- PP is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 124 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 28 PP filaments in 50 colours, and 26 PCTG filaments in 151 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PP | PCTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | Stiffer | |
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | ||
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | No enclosure or special setup needed |
| PP | PCTG | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polypropylene | Polycyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol |
| Filaments listed | 28 | 26 |
| Brands | 19 | 13 |
| Colours | 50 | 151 |
| Nozzle temperature | 210–240 °C | 230–260 °C |
| Bed temperature | 80–100 °C | 70–90 °C |
| Density | 0.90 g/cm³ | 1.23 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 462 m | about 338 m |
| Max drying temperature | 60 °C | – |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
4 brands make both PP and PCTG.