Material Comparison

PETG vs ABS

The two most common "step up from PLA" filaments. One is easy, one is traditional. Here is when each makes sense.

Last updated: March 2026

For a full side-by-side comparison of PETG, ABS, and 6 other materials, see our master comparison table:

Materials Comparison Table
When to use
PETG

PETG is the practical choice for most functional prints. It does not need an enclosure, rarely warps, has excellent layer adhesion, and produces minimal fumes compared to ABS.[1] It handles moderate heat (~80 °C glass transition), resists UV degradation for outdoor use, and has good chemical resistance. The main downsides are stringing (tune your retraction) and a slightly glossy surface finish that some find less attractive than matte ABS.

Ideal for: outdoor enclosures, mechanical brackets, tool holders, garden fixtures, automotive interior clips, and any functional part that does not need acetone smoothing or 100 °C+ heat resistance.

Community tip: PETG bonds aggressively to smooth PEI. Use a textured PEI sheet or apply glue stick as a release agent to avoid ripping chunks out of your build plate.
Browse PETG Deals Best Value PETG Guide
When to use
ABS

ABS exists for two specific reasons: acetone smoothing and heat resistance. Its glass transition sits around 100 °C[2], which means parts survive car dashboards, engine bays, and hot-water applications that would deform PETG. Acetone vapor smoothing can turn a rough FDM print into something that looks injection-molded. Nothing else in consumer FDM gives you that finish.

The cost: you need an enclosure (warping is severe without one), adequate ventilation (styrene emissions are no joke), and patience to dial in bed adhesion. ABS also has weaker layer adhesion than PETG, so parts are more prone to delamination under impact.

Ideal for: automotive parts, electronics housings near heat sources, parts that need acetone smoothing for aesthetics, and legacy designs specified in ABS.

Community tip: If you want ABS properties without the warping headaches, look at ASA. It is essentially "outdoor ABS" with much better printability. See our ABS vs ASA comparison.
Browse ABS Deals Best Value ABS Guide
The community verdict

Use PETG unless you specifically need acetone smoothing or 100 °C+ heat resistance. That is the overwhelming consensus. ABS was the default "engineering" filament for years, but PETG has largely replaced it for general functional printing because it is dramatically easier to work with. No enclosure, no fumes, no warping nightmares.

The people still printing ABS regularly fall into two camps: those who acetone smooth for a living (cosplay, product prototypes) and those printing parts for high-heat environments. If neither applies to you, PETG will save you time and frustration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does PETG need an enclosure?
No. PETG prints reliably in open air at 230-250 °C. An enclosure can actually cause problems with PETG by trapping too much heat and making stringing worse. ABS is the one that practically requires an enclosure to prevent warping and layer splitting.
Can you acetone smooth PETG?
No. PETG is not soluble in acetone. This is one of the main reasons people still use ABS — acetone vapor smoothing gives ABS parts a glossy, injection-molded appearance that no amount of sanding can replicate on PETG. If you need that smooth finish, ABS (or ASA) is the way to go.
Is ABS stronger than PETG?
It depends on what you mean by "stronger." ABS has higher heat deflection temperature (~100 °C vs ~80 °C) and better rigidity. PETG has better impact resistance and layer adhesion, meaning it is less likely to crack or delaminate under sudden loads. For parts that take repeated impacts, PETG often outperforms ABS.
Are ABS fumes dangerous?
ABS emits styrene when printed, which is a known irritant and classified as a possible carcinogen with prolonged exposure. Printing ABS in an unventilated room is not recommended. An enclosure with a carbon filter or printing near a window with airflow is the minimum. PETG emits far fewer volatile organic compounds, though all FDM printing produces ultrafine particles — ventilate regardless.
Which warps more, PETG or ABS?
ABS warps significantly more than PETG. ABS has a high shrinkage rate during cooling, which causes corners to lift and layers to split without an enclosure. PETG has much lower thermal shrinkage, making it far more forgiving on unenclosed printers. This is the single biggest reason the community recommends PETG over ABS for most people.

References

  1. Prusa Knowledge Base — PETG. https://help.prusa3d.com/article/petg_2059
  2. Prusa Knowledge Base — ABS. https://help.prusa3d.com/article/abs_2065
  3. UL PROSPECTOR — ABS Typical Properties. plastics.ulprospector.com