When you need a 3D printed part, two of the most popular thermoplastic materials you’ll encounter are PLA (polylactic acid) and PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol). 

While the cost of each material is comparable, PLA is our go-to at Accurate CNC Services because it prints faster and cleaner. With little to no post-processing required, it’s a more cost-effective option overall, which customers tend to appreciate. 

That said, PETG’s durability and chemical resistance make it an excellent choice for applications that must withstand harsh environments or greater stress. 

When to Use PLA for 3D Printed Parts

Here are some of the applications where PLA is preferable: 

Prototypes

For rapid prototyping services, 3D printing is the fastest and most cost-effective way to test the fit of your product before finalizing your design and moving on to production. Because PLA prints easily and consistently, it’s the perfect choice for printing disposable prototypes.

Drill fixtures

We frequently use 3D printing to create drill fixtures that support our CNC machining services. For instance, recently, we were machining a part that was too long to stand upright in our mill, so we printed a PLA cap for the end of the part that would allow us to drill and tap the end holes.

Final parts

In addition to being useful for rapid prototyping services, PLA can be used for final parts requiring minimal strength and durability. We recently used PLA to print aquatic research tools for Cope Aquatic Instruments. The customer wanted their parts to be white in color, and with PLA, we didn’t have to worry about the color fading over time. 

When to Use PETG for 3D Printed Parts

Here are some examples of when PETG is a better alternative to PLA: 

Tools and tool trays

We’ve printed custom tool trays for customers seeking to increase their efficiency. The trays are bolted into a machine and must carry a relatively heavy load, so we selected PETG for its strength and durability. 

Final parts exposed to the elements

Known for its high UV resistance, PETG is an excellent choice for outdoor applications where parts will be exposed to regular sunlight. The PETG fog light bezels we made for one of our customers should maintain their black coloring for years to come.

Final parts requiring moderate strength

When parts require moderate strength, PETG is a great solution. For even higher strength, we’ll likely recommend PA6, a high-performance engineering plastic.

Get 3D Printed Parts from Accurate CNC Services

Whether you need rapid prototyping services or final parts, 3D printing can be a fast and cost-effective alternative to CNC machining. The team at Accurate CNC Services is always happy to make recommendations regarding materials or anything else. Request a quote today!