Petg vs Abs Filament: Which One Should You Buy?
PETG and ABS filament compared on strength, heat resistance, print settings and pack sizes, using what each listing states.
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A maker choosing filament for a functional part usually wants a print that holds together in use and keeps its shape where it will live. That choice is petg vs abs filament, and the listings in this comparison show how PETG and ABS split the job. PETG listings point to layer adhesion and outdoor use, while ABS listings point to heat resistance and functional parts.
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Verdict: Choose PETG for outdoor parts and toughness, and choose ABS for functional parts that need heat resistance.
Machines on the list
SUNLU PETG Filament 1.75mm,1kg,Black
A single Black PETG spool with strong layer adhesion, toughness and vacuum packaging, plus stated nozzle and bed settings.
Pros
- Excellent layer adhesion that reduces warping risk
- High impact resistance for parts that endure bumps and drops
- Vacuum packaging keeps the spool moisture-free from factory to printer
- Diameter accuracy of ±0.02mm for wide printer compatibility
Cons
- Single 1 kg spool, not a multi-spool pack
- Only Black is offered in this listing
- No drying guidance is stated for damp spools
- No retraction setting is stated
SUNLU ABS Filament 1.75mm,Black+White+Blue+Red,4kg
Four ABS spools in Black, White, Blue and Red, with heat resistance, impact resistance and stated print settings.
Pros
- Heat resistance and toughness for durable, functional parts
- Four colors in one pack: Black, White, Blue and Red
- Stated settings: nozzle 250-260°C, platform 80-100°C, speed 40-60mm/s
- Diameter tolerance of ±0.02mm and compatibility with most FDM printers
Cons
- An enclosure is recommended during printing
- Warranty description reads 1 year manufacture
- No Vicat figure is stated
- No drying guidance is stated
Polymaker ABS Filament Black 1KG 1.75mm
A Black ABS spool with a stated Vicat softening temperature of 104°C, low odor resin and stated nozzle and bed settings.
Pros
- Vicat softening temperature of 104°C for heat-resistant functional prints
- Low odor resin with lower volatile content than traditional ABS resins
- Suited to functional prototypes, mechanical parts and robotics
- Vacuum sealed with desiccant, plus a stated drying routine at 70°C for 6 hours
Cons
- No warranty term is stated in the listing
- An enclosed printing chamber is recommended
- Only Black is offered in this listing
- No print speed range is stated
SUNLU PETG Filament 1.75mm,4kg,2 Black+2 Black
Four Black PETG spools with layer adhesion, toughness, outdoor weather resistance and stated print settings.
Pros
- Excellent layer adhesion, reducing warping risk and supporting strong prints
- Toughness and impact resistance for RC drone frames and heavy-duty household tools
- UV and moisture resistance for outdoor planters, car accessories and garden fixtures
- Each 1KG spool is baked, vacuum-sealed with desiccants
Cons
- Warranty description gives only 1, with no unit stated
- Only Black spools: the title lists 2 Black plus 2 Black
- No retraction setting is stated
- No user drying routine with a temperature and time is stated
Side by side
| Spec | SUNLU PETG 1kg Black | SUNLU ABS 4kg 4-Color | Polymaker ABS 1kg | SUNLU PETG 4kg Black |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HQ Score | 65 | 63 | 59 | 57 |
| Side | PETG | ABS | ABS | PETG |
| Diameter | 1.75mm, ±0.02mm | 1.75mm, ±0.02mm | 1.75mm, ±0.03mm | 1.75mm, ±0.02mm |
| Nozzle | 240-260°C | 250-260°C | 245-265°C | 240-260°C |
| Bed | 60-70°C | 80-100°C | 90-100°C | 60-70°C |
| Print speed | 50-200mm/s | 40-60mm/s | Not stated | 50-200mm/s |
| Pack | 1 kg, Black | 4 kg, Black, White, Blue, Red | 1 kg, Black | 4 kg, Black |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer | 1 year manufacture | Not stated | Not stated |
Specifications are manufacturer rated and collected 3 November 2026.
petg vs abs filament: settings compared
The SUNLU PETG listings both state a nozzle range of 240-260°C, a bed range of 60-70°C and a speed range of 50-200mm/s. The Polymaker ABS listing states 245-265°C nozzle and 90-100°C bed, with the cooling fan turned off. The SUNLU ABS listing states 250-260°C nozzle, 80-100°C platform, 40-60mm/s speed, 5mm retraction distance and 50mm/s retraction speed. No speed range is stated for Polymaker ABS, and no retraction setting is stated for either SUNLU PETG listing.
Strength and toughness
The SUNLU PETG listings state excellent layer adhesion, toughness and impact resistance. The 1kg listing points to parts that endure bumps and drops, and the 4kg listing points to RC drone frames and heavy-duty household tools. The Polymaker ABS listing states high strength, impact resistance and heat resistance for durable parts. The SUNLU ABS listing states impact resistance and toughness for durable items and functional parts.
Heat resistance
The Polymaker ABS listing gives a Vicat softening temperature of 104°C for functional prints under everyday mechanical stress and heat. The SUNLU ABS listing states heat resistance in words, with no Vicat figure. The SUNLU PETG listings state no Vicat figure.
Layer adhesion, stringing and moisture
The SUNLU PETG listings state excellent layer adhesion and less stringing, with a diameter accuracy of ±0.02mm. The SUNLU PETG 4kg listing notes PETG is prone to absorbing moisture, which causes popping and poor print quality. The Polymaker ABS listing states vacuum sealing with desiccant and a drying routine of 70°C for approximately 6 hours. The SUNLU ABS listing states no drying routine.
Packs, colors and printers
The SUNLU PETG 4kg listing holds Black spools, while the SUNLU PETG 1kg listing holds a single Black spool. The SUNLU ABS listing holds Black, White, Blue and Red spools, while the Polymaker ABS listing holds a single Black spool. The SUNLU ABS listing claims compatibility with 99% of FDM printers.
Choose PETG if
- Outdoor planters, car accessories or garden fixtures, as stated for the SUNLU PETG 4kg listing.
- Layer adhesion and toughness for functional parts.
- A multi-spool Black pack with vacuum-sealed spools.
Choose ABS if
- A stated heat figure for functional prints, as given by Polymaker ABS.
- Mechanical parts, robotics, tools, fixtures or replacement parts.
- Several colors in one pack, as offered by SUNLU ABS.
For enclosed printing, see enclosed vs open 3D printer.
ABS listings recommend an enclosed printing chamber, and the Polymaker ABS listing gives a drying routine for damp filament. Keep the printing area ventilated, and never laser ABS filament. See the materials you should never laser cut guide.
Project Match
- Outdoor planters, car accessories and garden fixtures: the SUNLU PETG 4kg listing.
- RC drone frames and heavy-duty household tools: the SUNLU PETG 4kg listing.
- Functional prototypes and mechanical parts: the Polymaker ABS listing.
- Durable items in Black, White, Blue and Red: the SUNLU ABS 4kg listing.
- Parts that need layer adhesion and toughness: the SUNLU PETG listings.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
Which filament is stronger, PETG or ABS?
No shared strength figure appears across the listings. The SUNLU PETG listings point to layer adhesion, toughness and impact resistance. The Polymaker ABS listing points to high strength, impact resistance and a Vicat softening temperature of 104°C.
Does ABS need an enclosed printer?
Neither listing makes an enclosure a requirement. The Polymaker ABS listing recommends an enclosed chamber for stable printing. The SUNLU ABS listing recommends using an enclosure during printing.
Can PETG print outdoor parts?
Yes, on the stated terms. The SUNLU PETG 4kg listing points to outdoor planters, car accessories and garden fixtures. The SUNLU PETG 1kg listing points to indoor and outdoor applications.
What nozzle and bed temperatures do these filaments list?
The SUNLU PETG listings state 240-260°C nozzle and 60-70°C bed. The Polymaker ABS listing states 245-265°C nozzle and 90-100°C bed. The SUNLU ABS listing states 250-260°C nozzle and 80-100°C platform.
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