When you’re ready to level up from basic PLA, PET‑G and ABS are often the next filaments people reach for. But which one is right for your needs? Here’s a breakdown of the key differences — and when to use each.

Heat Resistance

ABS can withstand higher temperatures (up to ~100°C), making it ideal for functional parts that may sit in hot cars or near electronics.
PET‑G holds up well too (about 70–80°C), but will start to deform in higher heat.

✅ Winner: ABS

Strength & Durability

Both are stronger than PLA, but in slightly different ways.
PET‑G is more flexible and impact-resistant, which makes it great for things like tool holders and enclosures.
ABS is stiffer and harder, which can be useful for structural components.

✅ Winner: Tie (depends on your use case)

Ease of Printing

Here’s where PET‑G shines. It doesn’t warp nearly as much as ABS, prints well on open printers, and sticks nicely to a PEI or glass bed.
ABS requires a heated enclosure to prevent cracking and warping — and it smells bad while printing.

✅ Winner: PET‑G

Surface Finish & Post-Processing

ABS is easier to sand, glue, and vapor-smooth with acetone. If you need a polished look or are doing post-processing work, ABS gives you more flexibility.
PET‑G can be trickier to finish cleanly and doesn’t respond to acetone.

✅ Winner: ABS (for finishing)

Chemical Resistance

PET‑G is naturally more resistant to chemicals and moisture, making it a better fit for things like bottles, enclosures, and humid environments.

✅ Winner: PET‑G

Smell & Safety

ABS gives off strong fumes (and potentially harmful VOCs) when printing. You’ll want solid ventilation.
PET‑G has a very mild odor and is safe to print in well-ventilated home or office spaces.

✅ Winner: PET‑G

The Verdict

If you’re printing functional parts and don’t mind the setup, ABS is great for high heat and structural needs. But for most people — especially in home or semi-pro shops — PET‑G offers an easier experience with fewer headaches.

Want to try both? Start with a small spool of each and print a few calibration models side-by-side. You’ll quickly feel the difference.