PCL vs PETG

Compare PCL and PETG filaments side-by-side so you can pick the right one for your 3D printing project.

PCL vs PETG: PCL is known for very low-temp printing (~100c), while PETG is known for tougher than pla. PCL is easier to print; PETG prints at higher nozzle temperatures (230-250°C vs 60-110°C). Choose PCL for very low-temp printing (~100c), or PETG for tougher than pla.

Key differences at a glance

Property
PCL
PETG
Nozzle temp
60-110°C
230-250°C
Bed temp
30-45°C
70-90°C
Enclosure needed
No
Optional
Ease of printing
Easy
Moderate
Moisture sensitivity
low
moderate

PCL

B

Polycaprolactone

Very low-temp printing (~100C); softens in warm water; can be heat-formed

PETG

A

Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-modified

Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use

Detailed Comparison

Property
PCL
PETG
Tier Rating
Tier B
Tier A
Family
PCL
PETG
Nozzle Temp
60-110°C
230-250°C
Bed Temp
30-45°C
70-90°C
Enclosure
not needed
optional
Cooling
Minimal
Moderate cooling; too much cooling can hurt layer adhesion
Moisture Sensitivity
low
moderate

Green marks the generally easier or more forgiving option in that row, based on tier, enclosure needs, and moisture sensitivity. It is not always the better choice for a specific job, so weigh it against what your project actually needs.

Strengths Comparison

PCL Strengths

  • Very low-temp printing (~100C); softens in warm water; can be heat-formed
  • Useful for prosthetics/fitment via hairdryer reshaping
  • Can be used like an adhesive; similar to Shapelock/InstaMorph pellets

PETG Strengths

  • Tougher than PLA, higher temp tolerance, more durable in real-world use
  • Good clarity and low friction among easy-to-print materials

Considerations

PCL Caveats

  • Not actually PLA despite branding
  • Low-temp / waxy nature limits use cases; poor adhesion for many glues

PETG Caveats

  • Overhangs/bridges sag; supports can be hard to remove
  • Absorbs water fairly quickly

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PCL and PETG?
PCL prints at 60-110°C nozzle / 30-45°C bed (No enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). PETG prints at 230-250°C nozzle / 70-90°C bed (Optional enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is PCL or PETG stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, PCL is suited to very low-temp printing (~100c), while PETG is suited to tougher than pla.
Which prints at a higher temperature, PCL or PETG?
PETG prints at a higher temperature (230-250°C nozzle vs 60-110°C for PCL).
Is PCL or PETG better for beginners?
PCL is better for beginners: enclosure is no and moisture sensitivity is low, vs optional enclosure and moderate moisture for PETG.
Should I use PCL or PETG for high-temperature parts?
For high-temperature parts, PCL is usually the better fit (Very low-temp printing (~100C)). Choose PETG instead when tougher than pla.

Other Popular Comparisons

PLA vs PETGPLA vs ABSPETG vs ABSPLA vs Tough PLAABS vs ASAASA vs PETG