Pro PCTG, Fire Engine Red, 1.75mm

3D-Fuel Pro PCTG is like PETG but better in many ways. It is tougher (up to 30x tougher than PETG), more chemically resistant, and has even greater clarity than PETG. Pro PCTG is an easy-to-use material with a lower moisture absorption rate than PETG and doesn't require an enclosure - use it just like PETG.

The broad color selection and ease of printing make it an ideal choice for printing in a multi-color 3D printing system like the Bambu Lab AMS.

Print Profiles

Print profiles for Pro PCTG on the Bambu Lab printers are available here.

Bambu AMS Compatibility

Since October 2023, the 3D-Fuel Standard PLA+ has been manufactured using an AMS-compliant spool (more info on our spool sizes and weights). Since it takes time for some colors to move through our warehouse inventory, you may receive an older spool type. This is still compatible with the AMS, but you must leave the lid open a few mm.

Pro PCTG is 20-50% More Impact Resistant Than PETG

Key Reasons for Better Impact Toughness:

1. Molecular Structure:
   • PCTG contains cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM), which gives it increased flexibility and toughness compared to PETG’s ethylene glycol structure.
2. Flexibility vs. Brittleness:
   • PCTG is more ductile, allowing it to absorb and dissipate energy during impact without cracking or shattering.
3. Layer Adhesion:
   • PCTG has better inter-layer bonding when 3D printed, reducing weak points in the structure where impact forces might cause failure.

Real-World Implications:

1. Drop Resistance:
   • PCTG parts are less likely to crack, chip, or break when dropped, making it ideal for high-impact applications like enclosures or wearable devices.
2. Repeated Stress:
   • PCTG can endure repeated bending or sudden forces better than PETG, making it more suitable for hinges, clips, and flexible parts.
3. Durability in Extreme Conditions:
   • PCTG resists embrittlement under low temperatures, maintaining its toughness in environments where PETG may fail.

Example Use Cases Benefiting from PCTG's Toughness:

• Protective housings for electronics or tools.
• Drone parts and propeller guards.
• Flexible clips, snap-fits, and living hinges.
• Impact-resistant containers or enclosures.

Chemical Resistance

Pro PCTG Has Lower Moisture Absorption Than PETG

1. PETG:

   • Hygroscopic: PETG absorbs moisture from the air, but at a relatively low rate compared to more hygroscopic materials like nylon or TPU.
   • Moisture Absorption Rate: Approximately 0.2–0.3% by weight after prolonged exposure to humid environments.
   • Effects of Moisture:
     • During printing, moisture in PETG can lead to stringing, bubbling, and surface defects due to water vaporizing in the hotend.
     • Mechanical properties (like impact strength) can slightly degrade over time with prolonged exposure to high humidity.

2. PCTG:

   • Slightly Lower Moisture Absorption: PCTG absorbs less moisture than PETG, typically around 0.1–0.2% by weight.
   • Improved Resistance: Due to its cyclohexane dimethanol (CHDM) component, PCTG’s molecular structure makes it less hygroscopic and more resistant to moisture-induced degradation.
   • Effects of Moisture:
     • PCTG generally performs better than PETG in humid conditions, retaining clarity, toughness, and dimensional stability for longer periods.

Why the Difference?

• Molecular Structure:
  • PETG’s glycol modification increases flexibility but leaves the material slightly more hygroscopic.
  • PCTG’s modified structure with CHDM reduces the polar sites available for moisture interaction, resulting in less absorption.

Practical Implications:

1. 3D Printing:

   • PETG: Requires drying more frequently, especially if exposed to humid environments, as even slight moisture absorption can lead to print defects (bubbling, stringing, poor adhesion).
   • PCTG: Requires less frequent drying, making it easier to handle in environments with higher humidity. It is also more forgiving if printed without drying.

2. Storage:

   • Both materials benefit from being stored in airtight containers with desiccant.
   • PCTG will be less prone to degradation if exposed to moisture for extended periods compared to PETG.

3. Long-Term Use in Humid Environments:

   • PCTG is more stable and less likely to lose mechanical properties over time in high-humidity settings.

Drying

For both materials, drying before printing and proper storage is recommended for optimal performance, but PCTG is less maintenance-intensive in this regard.

When you need to dry Pro PCTG, use a temperature of 60-70C for 4-8 hours.

Available In 25 Colors

Additional Filament Information

• Recommended Printing Temperature: 260-280C
• Recommended Bed Temperature: 70-80C
• Bed Surface: PEI, heated bare glass, BuildTak, WhamBam
• Recommended Print Speed: 60 – 250 mm/s

Pro PCTG TDS
Pro PCTG SDS

Quality:
All 3D-Fuel 3D printer filament is manufactured in the United States. We have complete control over the manufacturing process and can ensure consistent quality for every spool. Learn more about 3D-Fuel filament quality.

Diameter Tolerance:
Variable 3D filament diameters can cause significant problems in your 3D printer. We use a multi-axis laser measurement system to control our filament diameter and ovality in real time during production.

Packing Information:
A full 1kg (2.2 lbs) of Pro PCTG plastic filament arrives on a durable plastic reel compatible with the Bambu Lab AMS. The reel is vacuum-sealed with a desiccant packet to keep out moisture.

Test Printing: 
The 3D-Fuel test lab features multiple brands of 3D printers, including Bambu Lab, Creality3D, Prusa, Raise3D, MakerBot, LulzBot, FlashForge, and more. We use what we manufacture in our 3D printing operations to ensure that our filament provides the best quality possible.