Photopolymer resins
How to choose a photopolymer resin for the task
Casting, heat, strength, elasticity or static dissipation — choosing a resin starts with the function of the part and ends with post-processing.
Blog · Filaments
PLA or PETG: which filament to choose
PLA and PETG are the two most popular filaments for everyday and professional printing. AddiNova makes both on its own equipment with a diameter of 1.75 ± 0.02 mm, and every batch is checked in the testing laboratory. The choice between them depends on what the part has to do.
When to choose PLA
PLA (polylactide) is a material for concept models, mock-ups, design items, teaching and quick geometry checks. It prints at lower temperatures and forgives imperfect settings.
- Nozzle temperature — 190–220 °C.
- Bed temperature — 40–60 °C.
- Colours — black and white.
When to choose PETG
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol) is a more viscous material for functional prototypes, housings and mounts with low shrinkage.
- Nozzle temperature — 230–250 °C.
- Bed temperature — 60–90 °C.
- Nine colours: black, white, blue, red, transparent, grey, khaki, yellow and green.
In brief: comparison
| Parameter | PLA | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks | mock-ups, teaching, geometry checks | functional prototypes, housings, mounts |
| Nozzle | 190–220 °C | 230–250 °C |
| Bed | 40–60 °C | 60–90 °C |
| Diameter | 1.75 ± 0.02 mm | 1.75 ± 0.02 mm |
| Spool | net 1 kg, gross 1.3 kg | net 1 kg, gross 1.3 kg |
For print farms and service bureaus
When there are many printers, repeatability matters most: stable diameter, clean winding, correct storage and the same behaviour of the material from batch to batch. Controlled diameter and a round cross-section support steady feeding.
Print settings
The temperatures given are starting ranges. The exact regime depends on the printer, nozzle, speed, cooling, bed surface, material colour and part geometry. A test print is always made before serial printing.
