RECORD LOCATED / 2026.09.01

Clear PETG printing

Clear PETG suits translucent covers, light diffusers, display pieces, and containers where seeing light or a rough outline through the wall is useful. Ordinary FDM prints scatter light at layer boundaries and internal gaps; clear filament alone does not produce glass-like transparency. Dry before optical tests. Prusa’s PETG example is 55°C for 6 hours; use the actual spool maker’s instructions. For a diffuser, test a thin hollow shell before adding infill. For a solid viewing section, compare a small 100% infill sample with consistently aligned lines against the ordinary profile. Do not promise transparency or raise flow blindly to eliminate gaps. Use a plate-approved release layer where required: PETG can bond excessively to smooth surfaces.

3DP-027REV A

Open notebook ↗

Light passing through a translucent printed PETG sample with visible layers. — A translucent print softens the light passing through it. The layer texture remains visible.AI-generated illustration

CLASSIFICATION3DP

STATUSRecovered/Partial

MATERIAL3D PRINT / MAKER

DISPOSITIONPUBLIC / RECOVERED/PARTIAL

VIEW FILE ↗

TECHNICAL NOTES///

PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE VIEW3D Printing / project

SOURCE STATEStarting profile—awaiting Robert’s retest

GOALRun the first test described in this guide and record the result for clear petg printing.

SETTINGS / STARTING POINT

Nozzle0.4 mm; consider 0.6 mm for simple thick-walled shapes

Layer height0.20 mm with 0.4 nozzle; test 0.24–0.28 for optical appearance

Nozzle temperature245; tune within the spool’s range, often 230–260

Bed75–85, subject to plate guidance

Outer wall / other extrusion25–35 / 40–60

First layer15–25

Part cooling0% first layers, then 20–40%; test lower for simple translucent walls

Walls / infill3 walls, 15–25% for ordinary parts; optical parts need geometry-specific trials

EnclosureUsually unnecessary in a draft-free room

PREPARATION / NOTES

Dry before optical tests. Prusa’s PETG example is 55°C for 6 hours; use the actual spool maker’s instructions. For a diffuser, test a thin hollow shell before adding infill. For a solid viewing section, compare a small 100% infill sample with consistently aligned lines against the ordinary profile. Do not promise transparency or raise flow blindly to eliminate gaps. Use a plate-approved release layer where required: PETG can bond excessively to smooth surfaces.

EQUIPMENT

FDM printer / slicer
Slicer project
Calipers or inspection method

MATERIALS

PETG

STEPS

Confirm printer, nozzle, plate, and material identity.
Start from the recorded profile or the slicer default for that material.
Print a small first-layer and geometry test before the full part.
Inspect adhesion, dimensions, surface, supports, and failure mode.
Save the successful project with temperatures, speeds, and revision notes.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Bubbles, popping, and a frosted surface can indicate moisture. Stringing may also come from excess heat or retraction behavior. Low cooling can improve bonding but hurt bridges and overhangs. Infill remains visible through clear walls. Let the plate cool before removal.

THINGS TO WATCH FOR

Bubbles, popping, and a frosted surface can indicate moisture. Stringing may also come from excess heat or retraction behavior. Low cooling can improve bonding but hurt bridges and overhangs. Infill remains visible through clear walls. Let the plate cool before removal.

RESULTPrint two small identical wall samples at different cooling levels; compare clarity and bonding under the same light.

REFERENCES

, . Optical tests and build choices above are proposed experiments, not manufacturer guarantees.

Prusa PETG guide ↗Prusa drying guide ↗

DEVELOPMENT HISTORY///

2026.09.01Rev A

Imported as an independent manifest record; public copy keeps uncertainty visible.

SPECIFICATION///