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PET filament

Polyethylene terephthalate

PET is the plastic used in drinks bottles. As a filament it is tough, stiff and chemically resistant, and some versions are made from recycled bottles, but most people print its easier-going variant, PETG, instead.

17 PET filaments from 13 brands, in 79 colours.

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At a glance

Our rating
Ease of printing
Toughness
Stiffness
Heat resistance
Outdoor and UV
Flexibility
  • No enclosure or special setup needed

Typical settings

Median values across all PET filaments. Always check the maker's recommendations for a specific filament.

Nozzle
220–250 °C
Bed
70–90 °C
Density
1.34 g/cm³
Max drying temperature
Not listed

Diameters: 1.75 mm (79 colours), 2.85 mm (17 colours)

Colours

Popular PET filaments

Browse all 17

Top PET brands

About PET

Properties

  • Tough and stiff, with good layer strength.
  • Good chemical and water resistance.
  • Can crystallise as it cools, which can make parts stiffer and more heat resistant but also more prone to warping and cloudiness.
  • Often recycled from post-consumer bottles in "rPET" filaments.

Good for

  • Functional parts similar to those printed in PETG
  • Sustainable prints using recycled filament
  • Parts that need good chemical resistance

Less suited to

  • Beginners: PETG prints more predictably
  • Parts that must be crystal clear

Printing tips

  • Nozzle around 230–270 °C and bed around 70–90 °C; follow the maker's settings, as grades differ.
  • Treat it much like PETG: moderate cooling, and a textured or glue-coated bed so parts release cleanly.
  • Dry before printing if it has absorbed moisture.

PET questions

What is the difference between PET and PETG?

PETG is PET with glycol added, which stops it crystallising. That makes PETG easier and more predictable to print, while PET can be stiffer and more heat resistant but is fussier. See PETG vs PET.

Should I use PET or PETG?

Most people should use PETG: it is easier to print and widely available. Choose PET for recycled filament or when a specific grade offers properties you need.

Is recycled PET filament any good?

Good rPET filaments print well and perform close to virgin material, and they reuse plastic that would otherwise be waste. Quality varies more between makers, so check reviews and specs.

Can I make filament from plastic bottles?

It is possible with a bottle-cutting tool and a converter that turns strips into filament, but results vary. Buying rPET filament is far more reliable.