PETG Retraction Settings

Understanding PETG and Why Retraction Matters

PETG, or Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol, is one of the most widely used materials in desktop 3D printing. It offers a strong balance of toughness and printability, combining the durability of ABS with the ease of PLA. That makes it popular for everything from functional prototypes to finished parts.

A common issue with PETG is stringing, those thin, unwanted plastic threads that stretch between travel moves. The main factor behind this problem is retraction. Retraction occurs when the extruder pulls filament back during travel moves, releasing pressure in the nozzle and reducing the chance of excess material leaking out.

Getting retraction right is crucial. If settings are too

PETG Printing Temperature: How to Get the Best Results

Nozzle (Hot End) Temperature

The nozzle temperature should typically fall between 220°C and 260°C. Most users find the sweet spot between 230°C and 250°C.

Some standardize on 240°C, while others adjust depending on the brand or filament color, as color additives affect the melting characteristics.

Bed Temperature

Bed adhesion is another critical factor. The general recommendation is 70°C to 90°C.

• For standard prints, 80°C is often sufficient.
• On glass beds, increase to

Optimizing ABS Printing Temperature for Reliable 3D Prints

Introduction

ABS is one of the most widely used filaments in industrial FDM 3D printing due to its balance of toughness, heat resistance, and dimensional stability. However, its benefits are only fully realized when printed under tightly controlled thermal conditions. ABS is thermally sensitive, and even small deviations in temperature can result in warping, cracking, or poor inter-layer adhesion.

For professionals working in high-precision fields such as automotive prototyping, functional part manufacturing, or research, understanding the optimal temperature is essential. Improper temperature settings

3D Printing Materials: Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Filament

Understanding the Variety of 3D Printing Materials

The 3D printing industry has grown rapidly, offering a wide selection of materials for different applications. Each material has unique properties that influence durability, flexibility, weather resistance, ease of printing, and application suitability. For both beginners and professionals, understanding the differences is crucial to achieving optimal results.

At 3D Trček, we offer a wide range of filaments to meet diverse manufacturing needs: PLA, PETG, PCTG, ASA, TPU FLEX, ABS, SILK, wood-based filaments, Nylon,

ASA Drying Temperature: How to Properly Dry Filament for Best Prints

Understanding ASA and Moisture

ASA (Acrylic Styrene Acrylonitrile) is widely used in 3D printing for its durability and excellent resistance to UV light, moisture, and weather conditions. However, like most thermoplastics used in fused deposition modeling (FDM), ASA is hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air over time, which negatively affects the printing process and final product quality.

When ASA absorbs moisture, water molecules interact with the polymer

Filament or Resin: Choosing the Right Material for Your 3D Prints

In 3D printing, material choice directly affects print quality, strength, cost, and application. Two main options dominate the market: filament and resin. Each serves different needs, and understanding their differences helps you avoid wasted time and resources.

At 3D Trček, we work daily with a wide range of thermoplastics. Our expertise covers not only extrusion but also advising clients on selecting the right filament or resin for their projects.

What Is Filament?

Filament is the material used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing. The printer melts and extrudes plastic through a nozzle, building the object layer by layer.

Types of Filament

There are many types of filament, each suited for

Mastering TPU Print Settings for Reliable 3D Printing

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) stands out in 3D printing thanks to its rubber-like flexibility, strength, and abrasion resistance. As a thermoplastic elastomer, it bridges the gap between plastic and rubber—ideal for wearable tech, phone cases, gaskets, and flexible industrial parts.

But TPU isn’t beginner-friendly. Its elastic nature demands careful tuning. Get the temperature, speed, extrusion, and storage right—and you'll achieve flawless, durable prints.

Key TPU Material Characteristics

TPU is classified by Shore hardness:

• Soft (85A–88A): Extremely flexible, stretches up to 700–1,000%.
• Medium (90A): Common TPU, stretches ~500%.
• Hard (95A): More rigid yet

PLA Drying Temp and Time: Best Practices for Industrial-Grade Results

Proper drying is critical to maintaining the performance of the filament in professional FDM 3D printing. Moisture absorption in PLA leads to a range of problems: visual print defects, mechanical weakness, and inconsistent extrusion. For companies producing high-tolerance components or prototypes, understanding the correct drying temp and time is essential for avoiding unnecessary material waste and downtime.

3D Trček brings over five decades of plastics experience and more than ten years of filament development. Their filaments are engineered with precision in mind, but even the highest-grade material needs proper drying

How to Smooth PLA Prints for Professional Results

Smoothing PLA prints is an important step for professionals who require visually appealing and functionally accurate parts. Whether you're preparing presentation prototypes, production-grade mockups, or post-processed functional models, surface quality plays a key role in the perceived and practical value of 3D printed components. PLA is a popular material due to its ease of use and printability, but its typical layer lines often need post-processing for professional applications.

The Importance of Smoothing in PLA Printing

While PLA offers consistent extrusion and minimal warping, it often results in visible layer lines that are unsuitable for applications

PETG Print Settings: A Professional Overview for Reliable Results

PETG is a common filament choice among professionals due to its durability, chemical resistance, and ease of processing. It combines the toughness of ABS with the user-friendliness of PLA, offering reliable performance across a range of industrial and engineering applications. To achieve consistent print quality, however, PETG requires precise tuning of print parameters.

Getting optimal results depends not just on printer hardware or slicer defaults but on understanding the material’s behavior during extrusion and cooling. This guide breaks down the essential PETG print settings and variables that influence