Taking the steps to ensure patient safety across all stages of the medical supply chain must remain top priority - particularly when it comes assurance of supply for your packaging materials.
Packaging plays an integral part in protecting essential lifesaving products from contamination as well as physical and environmental damage with the priority of maintaining package integrity until delivery at the point of care. This requirement became particularly apparent during the global pandemic, which highlighted the role plastics packaging plays in protecting products from contamination - particularly for medical devices, medications, and other healthcare products.
Materials such as PETG used in thermoformed medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging applications play an essential part in the greater medical supply chain to protect these lifesaving products. PETG is also widely used in manufacturing water-resistant and durable containers such as plastic bottles, thanks to its safety for food contact and suitability for demanding conditions. PETG means polyethylene terephthalate glycol, a rigid material suitable for medical and pharmaceutical applications due to its ability to withstand harsh sterilization processes. The critical function of these materials necessitates a dependable, reliable and secure supply chain for these packaging materials. However, recent disruptions and challenges have called into question the resiliency and reliability of the PETG supply chain in the US. With the majority medical packaging & medical device applications dependent on consistent supply of PETG materials, the risk associated with a single-source supply presents a significant concern.
Now is the time to mitigate that risk and secure the safety and reliability of your PETG supply. Impact Plastics’ PETG solutions offer the same technical specifications, safety and regulatory certifications, and product consistency required for your most critical PETG medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare packaging applications - while delivering additional benefits! Continue reading to explore the benefits of PETG from Impact Plastics.
Introduction to PETG Filament
PETG filament, short for polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified, has become a go-to option in the world of 3D printing thanks to its unique combination of strength, flexibility, and ease of use. This high-quality PETG filament is renowned for its excellent layer adhesion, which helps prevent weak layer bonding and ensures that 3D prints are both durable and reliable. Its glossy surface gives finished prints a professional, attractive appearance, making it ideal for both functional parts and visually appealing models. PETG filaments are widely used in 3D print applications due to their durability and professional-quality results. PETG filament also stands out for its impressive chemical resistance, allowing it to withstand exposure to a variety of substances without degrading. Additionally, PETG produces non-toxic fumes during printing, making it safer for indoor use compared to other materials like ABS. As a thermoplastic material, PETG is less prone to warping and shrinking during the printing process, making it particularly suitable for larger or more complex 3D prints. Whether you’re creating prototypes, end-use parts, or artistic pieces, PETG filament offers the versatility and performance needed for a wide range of applications. 3D printed objects made from PETG benefit from its strength and ease of post-processing, resulting in high-quality finished products.
What is PETG Filament
PETG filament, or polyethylene terephthalate glycol modified, is a versatile thermoplastic polyester that has become a staple in the 3D printing world. Known for its excellent layer adhesion, PETG filament allows for strong, reliable prints that are less prone to weak layer bonding. Its impressive chemical resistance makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from industrial prototypes to everyday functional parts. PETG is also FDA approved and considered food safe, making it a trusted material in the food industry for printing containers, utensils, and other items that require direct food contact. The combination of durability, safety, and ease of use makes PETG filament a go-to option for both professionals and hobbyists looking for high-quality, dependable results in their 3D printing projects. Whether you’re working with polyethylene terephthalate glycol or its parent polymer, polyethylene terephthalate, PETG’s unique properties ensure it remains suitable for a variety of intended applications.
1. Supply Chain Risk Mitigation
To offer an additional source of PETG resin and rollstock supply to the medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare rigid packaging market, Impact Plastics has partnered with Selenis Specialty Polymer Solutions. With locations in the US, Italy and Portugal, this organization specializes in the production of specialty polyester solutions. This new source of PETG resin supply mitigates risk of supply chain disruptions and long lead times, while providing assurance of supply for packaging lifesaving products.
The critical function of these materials combined with the limited flexibility of alternatives necessitates a dependable, reliable and stable supply chain for these vital packaging materials.
2. Advanced Petg Filament Production Technology
PETG from Impact Plastics is produced with advanced technology both on the resin production side and the rollstock manufacturing side to offer the consistency and quality required for medical packaging applications. In addition, Selenis has established a brand new facility with state-of-the art resin production capabilities located in the US.
This advanced production process allows for better control and breakdown of polymer chains, which facilitates recycling and enhances overall material quality.
Furthermore, Selenis PETG resin is copolymerized using PTA, which is a newer technology with increased industry use and availability. In comparison, alternative solutions are produced using a resin copolymerized using DMT, which has decreased in consumption as the industry shifts towards newer technologies. Additional feedstock advantages of using a resin copolymerized with PTA vs DMT include, increased cost efficiencies and a well-secured supply due to high existing and future production capacity. PETG filaments can also be enhanced with additives such as carbon fiber, which improve durability and performance but typically increase the cost of the filament.
3. Regulatory Compliance
Materials such as PETG used in thermoformed medical, pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging applications represent the first line of defense against the transfer of dangerous bacteria and pathogens, and therefore play a critical part in the supply chain for essential medical equipment, medications, and devices. As such, these materials must stand up to rigorous qualification and validation procedures to ensure that they meet stringent safety, quality, and performance specifications with the ultimate goal of minimizing risk downstream. Selecting the appropriate PETG material depends on the intended application, ensuring that it meets all necessary safety and performance requirements.
Impact Plastics’ PETG solutions offer the same regulatory requirements as current solutions to streamline validation for your most critical PETG medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare packaging applications and meet the following certifications:
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EU NR 10/2011
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US FDA 21CFR 177.1315 [b] [1]
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USP Class VI & Cytotoxicity per ISO 10993-5:2009
Additionally, PETG is FDA approved for food contact and medical applications, ensuring compliance with food safety and healthcare regulations.
4. Second Source
With the US market for medical-grade PETG resin primarily single-sourced, OEM medical companies and medical thermoformers are left with minimal options when it comes to their material sourcing. Once materials are qualified and validated for a particular application, materials cannot be substituted or changed out. When access to these materials limited as a result of long lead times or supply disruptions, this presents a significant production risk, making validation of a second-source of supply key for protecting your customers from disruptions in the upstream supply chain. Validating PETG from Impact as a second source will help both converters and medical OEMs gain assurance of supply and a new confidence that PETG packaging materials will be available for their life saving products to reach doctors, hospitals, and ultimately patients.
In addition, the lack of alternatives and inability to substitute validated products, combined with the limited suppliers of extruded PETG sheet & rollstock for medical applications, means medical thermoforming companies and OEM medical device manufacturers have little power when it comes to market economics. With more options, you can take back control of your PETG material sourcing, all while mitigating supply chain risk and securing your access to critical materials by validating a second-source.
5. Material Characteristics and Layer Adhesion
Printing PETG offers unique advantages due to its balanced material properties and resistance to both high and lower temperatures, making it ideal for a range of demanding applications.
The New PETG from Impact Plastics was designed to meet all of the same technical and quality standards of current solutions to streamline process validation including:
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Outstanding Clarity
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Excellent low temperature operating use
Compared to some other materials, PETG can be used at both high temperatures and lower temperatures, providing versatility for various printing conditions. -
High toughness and impact resistance
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Heat resistant, maintains structural integrity even at high temperatures, making it suitable for demanding applications
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Compatible with sterilization techniques including: EtO, Gamma & Ebeam
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Intrinsic Viscosity (IV) control capabilities for improved process consistency
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Low shrink
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High stiffness
Want to learn more? Download the Material Comparison Data Sheet to see how PETG from Impact Plastics compares to your current materials:
PETG Printing Process
Achieving the best results with PETG filament requires careful attention to the printing process. Start by setting your bed temperature between 80-90°C to enhance adhesion and prevent warping, especially during the first few layers. The nozzle temperature should typically be set between 230-250°C, depending on the specific high quality PETG filament you are using. Utilizing a heated bed is essential for maintaining consistent print quality, while a cooling fan helps control the cooling rate and prevents weak layer bonding. Adjusting retraction settings is also important to minimize stringing and avoid poor bed adhesion. By fine-tuning these parameters—bed temperature, nozzle temperature, cooling fan speed, and retraction settings—you can significantly improve the durability and impact resistance of your PETG prints. Following these best practices ensures that your PETG printing process delivers strong, reliable, and visually appealing results every time.
Applications and Uses
Thanks to its robust properties, PETG filament is widely used across multiple industries, from manufacturing and engineering to art and design. Its outstanding chemical resistance and impact resistance make it a preferred choice for printing mechanical parts such as gears, brackets, and housings that must endure daily wear and tear. PETG is ideal for producing durable printed parts that require both strength and aesthetic appeal. In the food industry, PETG filament is considered food safe and is often used to create containers, utensils, and other kitchenware that require both durability and safety. The material’s translucent quality also makes it suitable for decorative applications, including lampshades, jewelry, and display pieces, as PETG is capable of producing vibrant translucent prints with a glossy finish. PETG is also suitable for outdoor use due to its moisture resistance and ability to withstand damp conditions. PETG is commonly used to create waterproof parts for outdoor and humid environments. PETG’s weather resistance and ability to withstand UV light exposure make it an excellent option for outdoor applications, such as garden tools, furniture components, and toys. Additionally, PETG is utilized in the production of outdoor signage because of its moisture resistance and durability. With its versatility and reliability, PETG filament is suitable for a wide array of printing projects, from functional prototypes to finished products.
Food Safety Applications
PETG filament stands out as a top choice for food safety applications due to its FDA approval and status as a food safe material. Its glossy surface and smooth finish make it ideal for printing containers, utensils, and other items that come into direct contact with food. The chemical resistance of PETG ensures that printed items can withstand repeated washing and exposure to various substances without degrading or leaching harmful chemicals. This durability, combined with the ease of cleaning and sanitizing PETG prints, helps reduce the risk of bacterial growth and contamination. Whether you’re creating custom food storage solutions or replacement parts for kitchen appliances, PETG filament offers a reliable, safe, and attractive material for all your food-related 3D printing needs.
Post Processing Techniques
Post-processing is an important step in achieving the best possible finish and performance from your PETG prints. Sanding is commonly used to smooth out rough edges and surfaces, resulting in a more polished appearance. Employing a cooling fan during and after printing can help reduce warping and improve layer adhesion, ensuring that each layer bonds securely for a stronger final product. PETG prints can also be painted or coated to enhance their appearance and durability, allowing for greater customization of your projects. Additionally, PETG is a recyclable material, so recycling your PETG prints and scraps can help minimize environmental impact. By utilizing these post-processing techniques, you can create high-quality, durable PETG prints that meet your specific requirements while also supporting sustainable practices.
Troubleshooting and Optimization
When working with PETG filament, users may encounter common printing issues such as poor bed adhesion, warping, and weak layer bonding. To address these challenges, start by adjusting your bed temperature and nozzle temperature to optimal levels for your specific PETG filament. Fine-tuning retraction settings can help prevent stringing and improve print quality, while using a glue stick or other adhesion aids can enhance bed adhesion and prevent warping, especially for larger prints. Always use high quality PETG filament and follow recommended printing procedures to minimize errors and achieve consistent results. By optimizing your printing process and troubleshooting common PETG printing issues, you can significantly improve the quality and reliability of your PETG prints, whether you’re producing functional parts or decorative items. With the right approach, PETG filament proves to be a versatile and dependable material for a wide range of 3D printing applications.
Comparison to Other Filaments
When it comes to 3D printing materials, PETG filament is often compared to PLA and ABS filaments. PLA filaments are known for being easy to print and biodegradable, but they can be brittle and are less suitable for applications requiring impact resistance. Both PLA and PETG are user-friendly materials, with similar ease of printing and post-processing techniques.
ABS filaments offer greater strength and impact resistance but can be challenging to print due to their tendency to warp and the need for higher temperatures and ventilation. PETG filament strikes a balance between these materials, offering a higher melting point than PLA and better heat and chemical resistance. Unlike ABS, PETG is less prone to warping and shrinking, making it ideal for printing larger or more intricate objects. PETG is also odorless during printing, making it a healthier and more eco-friendly option. Its excellent layer adhesion and smooth finish make PETG filament a popular choice for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts who need reliable, impact-resistant prints without the common issues associated with other materials.
When comparing PLA and PETG, PLA prints at lower temperatures, making it more accessible for beginners, while PETG's higher temperature requirements make it better suited for durable, functional parts.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
PETG filament is recognized as an eco-friendly material in the 3D printing community due to its recyclability and efficient production process. Recyclable PETG can be repurposed, helping to reduce waste and support sustainable manufacturing practices. The production of PETG filament typically requires less energy and fewer raw materials compared to some other 3D printing filaments, making it a more environmentally conscious choice. Additionally, PETG is compatible with a variety of bed surfaces, allowing for flexible printing options. PETG can also be printed at a relatively low printing temperature, which further reduces energy consumption during the printing process. However, it’s important to note that PETG filament can absorb water from the environment, which may affect print quality if not stored properly. Keeping PETG filament in a dry, cool place will help maintain its performance and longevity. Overall, PETG filament offers a sustainable solution for 3D printing, combining durability, versatility, and environmental responsibility.
Want to learn more? Download the Material Comparison Data Sheet to see how PETG from Impact Plastics compares to your current materials:
