Acrylic and PETG are two popular filaments for manufacturing. They both have pros and cons, so which one should you choose? This blog post will compare acrylic and PETG to help you decide the best filament for your needs.
What Is Acrylic？
Acrylic is an incredibly versatile material used in various products and applications. Often referred to as “plexiglass,” acrylic sheets are available in numerous thicknesses, sizes, and surface finishes, making them suitable for almost any purpose. Generally, the sheets include extruded acrylic sheet and cast acrylic sheet.
Acrylic can take the shape of whatever form it’s applied to while maintaining its hard, durable structure.
Acrylic is also extremely lightweight, so it can quickly move around. This non-toxic alternative to traditional materials also comes in various colors, making it an ideal choice for special projects or home decor. While it’s not suitable for outdoor use, acrylic can last longer when properly cared for.
What Is PETG？
PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) is a thermoplastic that belongs to the Polyester family. And PETG combines the strength of acrylic with the formability of ABS and offers excellent impact strength, outstanding chemical resistance, and an ideal surface finish.
PETG is also well known for its ease of fabrication, transparency, UV stability, and printing. Static dissipative grades are available, making it an ideal choice for electronic enclosures and parts used in medical applications.
PVC is also popular plastic, it is different from acrylic.
The Difference Between Acrylic And PETG
Strength
The superior molecular structure makes PRTG better suited to resist impacts and scratches.
Whether you’re working on a DIY model or a large-scale manufacturing project, PETG’s ability to remain intact after a sudden jolt or impact makes it invaluable.
Further, while PETG is inherently stronger than acrylic and other materials, its properties can be augmented by adding stabilizers. This ensures that the end product can resist even extreme forces without breaking or becoming deformed.
Cost
PETG is becoming increasingly popular due to its combination of features. This type of plastic is more durable, chemical resistant, and flexible than other types, as well as is an affordable option for specific uses.
The cost of PETG plastics depends on the application for which it is used; for example, if it is used to create special medical components, the price will be higher. On the other hand, if the same material is needed to make parts for consumer devices, then the price would be lower.
Stability
Acrylic is a thermoplastic that offers flexibility and easy processing but has the downside of being more brittle than PETG.
Although acrylic doesn’t crack or break easily under normal stress, it is more prone to shattering when hit with sharp, sudden impact. While PETG offers more impact resistance, it lacks the same degree of flexibility as acrylic.
Polishing
One downside to PETG is that it cannot be polished or sanded down to create a smooth finish. Polishable surface properties are essential when selecting materials for items such as moving parts. In this case, with PETG, you’re more likely to be left with visible lines and spots on the finished product if trying to polish or sand it down.
Bending difficulty
Acrylic is a harder material than PETG, which means it is more difficult to bend. This is because the molecules in acrylic are more tightly packed together. This makes it ideal for applications where strength and rigidity are desired. In the previous articles, we talked about how to bend the acrylic.
PETG, on the other hand, is a softer material that is easier to bend. This is because the molecules in PETG are not as tightly packed together. This makes it ideal for applications where flexibility is desired.
Scratch Resistance
One of the main advantages of acrylic is that it is not as easily scratched as many other materials, such as PETG. Whereas most marks on PETG are impossible to remove without damaging the underlying surface, superficial scratches on acrylic can usually be buffed out with a bit of polish or cleaning solution.
Additionally, acrylic has an exceptionally low reaction rate when exposed to various compounds such as oil, gasoline, and solvents. It is also less prone to staining than other plastics.
Application
PETG and acrylic are both popular types of plastics in the manufacturing industry, but they have distinct differences in their applications.
Acrylic is lightweight and has excellent clarity, making it ideal for displays and sign. It’s also extremely resilient, making it a good choice for machined parts or components exposed to sunlight or harsh environments.
PETG is a more rigid type of plastic that offers outstanding chemical resistance and excellent temperature stability. This makes it suitable for containers and lids that must withstand exposure to oils, solvents, or extreme temperatures. Furthermore, PETG’s impact resistance makes it ideal for thermoformed parts such as print trays and packaging materials.
Acrylic VS. PETG: which one should you choose?
In the world of 3D printing filament, there are two main types of materials: Acrylic and PETG. Both have their pros and cons, so which one should you choose? Here’s a breakdown of the two materials to help you make a decision.
Acrylic is a strong material that is resistant to UV light and impact. It’s also easy to print with and has a high melting point. However, it can be brittle and is not as heat resistant as PETG.
PETG is a durable material that is impact resistant and has a high heat resistance. It’s also easy to print with and has good dimensional stability. However, it can be expensive and is not as UV resistant as acrylic.
So which one should you choose? It really depends on your specific needs and budget.
When it comes to choosing the right material for displays, acrylic is typically considered the best option because of its high durability and resistance to scratches and other damage. Acrylic is a popular choice for displays because it is clear, lightweight, and shatter-resistant.
Conclusion
Acrylic and PETG have different properties and uses. If you want to buy the filament, you should choose the one suitable for your needs. For example, if you need a strong and durable material, you should choose PETG.
However, Acrylic would be a better choice if you need a cheaper option. We hope this article has helped you have a better understanding of the difference between these two materials.
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