The short answer
Choose PLA for decorative models, prototypes and anything printed indoors at room temperature. Choose PETG for functional parts that need strength, a bit of flex, or outdoor and in-car use.
Head to head
- Ease of printing: PLA wins — lower temperatures, minimal warping, no enclosure needed
- Strength: PETG wins — tougher layer bonds, survives drops that shatter PLA
- Heat resistance: PETG holds shape to ~80°C vs ~60°C for PLA
- Weather resistance: PETG resists sun and rain; PLA degrades outdoors over months
- Surface finish: PLA gives crisper detail; PETG can string — dry it and tune retraction
PETG starting settings
Print TerraEco PETG at 230–250°C nozzle, 70–85°C bed, 40–60% cooling fan, and slow down to 40–60 mm/s until first layers stick. A thin glue-stick layer on smooth PEI prevents PETG from bonding too aggressively to the plate.