PETG sits between PLA and ABS: much tougher and more heat-tolerant than PLA, far easier to print than ABS, and only slightly more expensive. Expect $22–35 for a 1 kg spool ($0.022–0.035 per gram); translucent and colour-stable outdoor grades sit at the top of that range.
What a PETG print costs
The same 125 g part that costs $3.25 in PLA costs about $2.75–4.40 in PETG. PETG usually prints a little slower and hotter (bed 70–85 °C), so electricity and machine time tick up slightly — the all-in difference on a typical part is under a dollar.
Cost tips for PETG
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Dry it: PETG absorbs moisture quickly, and wet PETG strings badly — wasted grams on every print.
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Slow the first layer instead of raising bed temperature; adhesion failures are the main source of PETG waste.
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Supports pop off PETG poorly — orient parts to minimise them and you save real material.
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For mixed-use farms, PETG as the "tough default" avoids stocking ABS and an enclosure.
PETG vs PLA on price
Per gram, PETG costs 10–30% more than PLA. If the part needs to survive a hot car, sunlight, or repeated flexing, that premium buys you a part that does not need reprinting — cheaper in total.
Frequently asked questions
Is PETG more expensive than PLA?
Slightly: $22–35 per kg versus $20–30 for PLA — roughly 10–30% more per gram. The functional gains usually outweigh the difference.
Why do my PETG prints cost more than the calculator says?
Usually moisture. Wet PETG strings and fails more often, so the effective grams per finished part rise. Dry the spool and use a failure allowance in your pricing.
Is PETG good for parts I sell?
Yes — it is a common choice for functional sold parts: tough, food-contact-safe grades exist, and it looks clean in translucent finishes.