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Can You Print PETG Without a Heated Bed?

If you're using PETG, you must understand the kind of printing conditions it needs. For instance, you may wonder if you can print PETG without a heated bed.

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/23/2023

PETG filament is a popular material used in 3D printing, valued for its ease of use and versatility. If you’re using PETG, you must understand the kind of printing conditions it needs. For instance, you may wonder if you can print PETG without a heated bed. 

You don’t need a heated bed to print with PETG as PETG doesn’t warp as quickly as other 3D printing materials. However, using a heated bed may help improve the quality in some circumstances when you’re printing with PETG. 

This article explores everything you need to know about the factors that impact your PETG printing quality. 

Does PETG Need a Heated Bed? 

PETG doesn’t need a heated bed as it’s not as susceptible to warping as ABS plastic and other printing materials. You can print PETG plastic without using a heated bed – if you have a high-quality printer, you’ll still be able to get great 3D prints. 

While PETG printing doesn’t need heated beds, there are some circumstances that you should consider using a heated bed to improve the quality of your print. Here’s when a heated bed will help: 

  • If you’re printing large prints. If you’re printing something larger than a few objects, using a heated bed may help the PETG adhere to the printer surface and hold its shape better. 
  • If your PETG is warp-prone. Some types of PETG are more susceptible to warping than other types. Look at forums and your local hardware stores to make sure you buy high-quality PETG, which will be less vulnerable to warping. If you’re printing PETG and it’s continuously warping, you can use a heated bed. 

What Do You Need To Print PETG? 

While you don’t need a heated bed to print PETG, you do need other tools to make sure you’re getting a high-quality print. These include a build surface, which is the surface that the 3D model is printed on, and an extruder which melts the PETG. You should also make sure you have a cooling fan. 

Here are some more details about what you need to print PETG: 

  • Build Surface. The printer’s build surface should be covered with painter’s tape adhered to by glue. While PETG works well with a glass build surface, an added adhesive layer like painter’s tape will help you remove the completed print while maintaining its quality. 
  • Extruder. The extruder is one of the main parts of the 3D printer. It’s responsible for melting the PETG and pushing it out. For PETG, the extruder temperature should be set between 230-250°C (446-482°F). 
  • Cooling Fan. A cooling fan will help the layers in the PETG plastic bond. However, there must be a balance between the amount of fan you use as overcooling can cause the plastic to break down. When printing PETG, you should set the fan at between 30-60%.

What Are the Best PETG Printers?

To print with PETG, you should get the best PETG printer. Most 3D printers can handle a variety of different types of material. However, for high-quality PETG prints, you should try to get the Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2, the R Qidi Technology 3D printer, and the Artillery Genius Pro. 

This section explores the benefits and drawbacks of each of these printers in detail. Each printer is available on Amazon.com. 

Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2 3D Printer

monoprice maker ultimate 2 3d printer

This high-quality printer can be used for both 2D and 3D printing. It has a built-in heated bed allowing for printing flexibility. It can be used with a wide range of printing materials, including PETG and ABS. 

Here are some of the stand out features of the Monoprice Maker Ultimate 2: 

  • It has a removable glass plate. This printer has an easy-to-remove and install glass plate that can act as a heated bed. This allows you the flexibility to use a heated bed when you notice your prints are high quality. 
  • It’s completely enclosed. The printer’s enclosure prevents external factors from ruining your print. 
  • It’s lit with LED lights. It’s hard to observe your print in process and make adjustments as needed in many printers with a full enclosure. This printer is fitted with LED lights that allow you to monitor your print as it’s created. 

The main drawback of the Monoprice Maker is its price; it’s one of the more expensive models on the market. 

R Qidi Technology 3D Printer 

R Qidi Technology 3d printer

This printer stands out for its user-friendly technology and its sturdy frame. It comes with an extruder, has a metal frame, and the ability to monitor the printer’s temperature control. Here are some of the benefits of the R Qidi Technology 3D printer

  • Extruder. This printer’s 0.2 mm (0.01 in) extruder enables it to create excellent PETG prints. It can process and present detailed prints. 
  • Magnetic printing platform. The printer has nine high-temperature magnets that allow you to move the model off the printer without ruining it. 
  • User-friendly interface. This printer has been designed with two easily selectable modes; normal and expert mode. The normal mode is excellent for beginners as it has automated settings that promise the best print. Meanwhile, the expert mode has a range of customizations that allow you to change various printing factors. 

The only reported drawback of this printer is that it syncs with specialized software – you may need to install software compatible with Qidi onto your computer. 

Artillery Genius Pro 3D Printer

artillery genius pro 3d printer

The Artillery Genius Pro has elements that make for a superb ABS printer. It has automatic leveling and the option to run a heated bed. Here are the best features of the Artillery Genius Pro Printer:

  • Heated AC bed. The built-in heated bed can be heated up to 120°C (248°F) in under 3 minutes. The flexibility of the heated bed allows you to use it when you want your PETG print to have a little extra detail. 
  • Option to resume printerIf your printer runs out of plastic or there’s a power failure, it can resume printing once it’s refilled, preventing material wastage. 
  • Easy to assemble. While this product doesn’t come assembled, it’s easy to put together for immediate use. 

One of the drawbacks of this printer is that it has a pretty bulky setup and takes up a lot of space. 

Conclusion 

To 3D print PETG, you don’t need a heated bed. However, a heated bed may help improve the print quality and detail. To ensure high-quality PETG prints, you should also ensure your 3D printer has a cooling fan, an extruder, and a build surface.

Written by:
Ben
Last updated:
11/23/2023

About Ben

I started 3D printing since 2013 and have learned a lot since then. Because of this I want to share my knowledge of what I have learned in the past years with the community. Currently I own 2 Bambulab X1 Carbon, Prusa SL1S and a Prusa MK3S+. Hope you learn something from my blog after my years of experience in 3D printing.