PCTG filament: the numbers
Poly(cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol). Typical uses: impact-resistant housings, clear parts, food containers, guards and covers.
1.23 g/cm³density (1.22–1.27)
338 mper kg at 1.75 mm
2.96 gper metre
250–270 °Cnozzle
70–90 °Cbed
0.4%linear shrinkage
$35typical per kg ($28–50)
75 °Cmax service temperature
Not neededenclosure
65 °C · 6 hdrying (medium hygroscopic)
2/5difficulty · high strength · rigid
Printing tips
- Prints like PETG but hotter; same bed-tearing caution on smooth PEI.
- Far tougher than PETG with less stringing.
- Slow down and reduce fan for crystal-clear prints.
Grams ↔ metres for PCTG
What a PCTG print costs
Questions about PCTG
What temperature should I print PCTG at?
Nozzle 250–270 °C and bed 70–90 °C are the usual range. Start in the middle and tune with a temperature tower; no enclosure is needed.
How many metres of PCTG are in a 1 kg spool?
About 338 m at 1.75 mm (density 1.23 g/cm³). One metre weighs 2.96 g.
Does PCTG need drying?
Yes — it is moderately hygroscopic. Dry at 65 °C for 6 hours before printing if it has been open for more than a few days.
How much does PCTG shrink?
About 0.4% linear. To compensate, scale X and Y by 100.40% in the slicer, or measure a test print and use the shrinkage calculator.
Sources: nexa3d.com, spectrumfilaments.com, matterhackers.com