POM vs PETG

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

POM vs PETG: POM is known for very low friction, while PETG is known for tougher than pla. PETG is easier to print; POM is less moisture-sensitive. Choose POM for very low friction, or PETG for tougher than pla.

Key differences at a glance

Property
POM
PETG
Nozzle temp
220-260°C
230-250°C
Bed temp
90-120°C
70-90°C
Enclosure needed
Required
Optional
Ease of printing
Difficult
Moderate
Moisture sensitivity
low
moderate

Detailed Comparison

Property
POM
PETG
Tier Rating
Tier F
Tier A
Family
POM
PETG
Nozzle Temp
220-260°C
230-250°C
Bed Temp
90-120°C
70-90°C
Enclosure
required
optional
Cooling
Low cooling
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

POM Strengths

  • Very low friction, stiff, easy to machine (in CNC contexts)
  • Low friction, wear parts, gears, bushings

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

POM Caveats

  • Near-zero bed adhesion; requires mechanical anchoring to bed surface
  • Layer splitting; needs heated enclosure and very slow printing
  • Heat decomposition can release formaldehyde (high hazard)
  • Often outclassed by nylon for printable low-friction parts

PETG Caveats

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between POM and PETG?
POM prints at 220-260°C nozzle / 90-120°C bed (Required enclosure, low moisture sensitivity). PETG prints at 230-250°C nozzle / 70-90°C bed (Optional enclosure, moderate moisture sensitivity).
Is POM or PETG stronger?
Our dataset does not include comparable tensile strength values for both. Qualitatively, POM is suited to very low friction, while PETG is suited to tougher than pla.
Which prints at a higher temperature, POM or PETG?
Both print at similar nozzle temperatures (220-260°C vs 230-250°C).
Is POM or PETG better for beginners?
PETG is better for beginners: enclosure is optional and moisture sensitivity is moderate, vs required enclosure and low moisture for POM.
Should I use POM or PETG for very low friction?
For very low friction, PETG is usually the better fit (Tougher than PLA). Choose POM instead when very low friction.

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