PETG vs PA6
How PETG and PA6 compare, from typical settings across every filament we list.
- PETG is easier to print and better outdoors; PA6 is tougher, more heat resistant and more flexible.
- PA6 typically prints about 35 °C hotter at the nozzle.
- PA6 typically prints about 10 °C hotter on the bed.
- PA6 is less dense, so a 1 kg spool holds about 38 m more 1.75 mm filament.
- There are 276 PETG filaments in 2,348 colours, and 69 PA6 filaments in 119 colours.
At a glance
Our rating, out of 5| PETG | PA6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of printing | Easier to print | |
| Toughness | Tougher | |
| Stiffness | ||
| Heat resistance | More heat resistant | |
| Outdoor and UV | Better outdoors | |
| Flexibility | More flexible | |
| Setup | No enclosure or special setup needed | Needs an enclosure, Dry before printing |
| PETG | PA6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Polyethylene terephthalate glycol | Nylon 6 (polyamide 6) |
| Filaments listed | 276 | 69 |
| Brands | 103 | 28 |
| Colours | 2,348 | 119 |
| Nozzle temperature | 220–250 °C | 250–290 °C |
| Bed temperature | 70–90 °C | 80–100 °C |
| Density | 1.27 g/cm³ | 1.14 g/cm³ |
| Length of 1 kg (1.75 mm) | about 327 m | about 365 m |
| Max drying temperature | 65 °C | 80 °C |
Temperatures are medians across each material's filaments, rounded to 5 °C. Always check the maker's settings for a specific filament.
Brands that make both
26 brands make both PETG and PA6; these have the most of each.