PETG FR: density, print temperature and when to choose it
PETG FR is PETG with flame-retardant additives (usually halogen-free) that make the material self-extinguishing on contact with open flame — many formulas pass UL94 V-0 certification. It's used where a part must not sustain combustion by regulation: electronics housings, elements near wiring, parts in public spaces with fire-safety requirements.
Key properties
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | ≈1.32 g/cm³ (higher than plain PETG due to flame-retardant additives) |
| Nozzle temperature | 230–250°C |
| Bed temperature | 70–85°C |
| Part cooling | 20–40% |
| Shrinkage | minimal, like plain PETG |
| Enclosure required | no |
When to use it
- Housings and fasteners for electronics where fire resistance is required by regulation (UL94 V-0 and equivalents).
- Parts in public and commercial spaces with fire-safety codes (transit, public buildings).
- Components near heat sources or wiring where fire risk needs to be reduced structurally.
When to pick something else
- There's no formal fire-resistance requirement — plain PETG is cheaper and matches it in other properties.
- You need fire resistance along with high stiffness — consider flame-retardant grades of PC or PC-ABS, often used in the same regulatory niches.
- Maximum transparency matters — flame-retardant additives usually make the material opaque; for less strict requirements plain PETG works.
Pros and cons
Pros: genuinely certifiable fire resistance (UL94 V-0 for many formulas), retains PETG's base chemical resistance and print ease, the often halogen-free formula is less toxic when burning than classic flame retardants.
Cons: costs noticeably more than plain PETG, flame-retardant additives can slightly reduce impact resistance and transparency, for real certification it's important to check the specific brand's datasheet — not all "FR" labels are backed by independent testing.
Calculate your price in a minute
Free calculator: part weight, print time, material price — no sign-up needed.
App Store
Google Play
RuStoreHow it affects your print cost
PETG FR costs 40–80% more than plain PETG, and that premium is justified only where fire resistance is a formal requirement (regulation, project certification) rather than "just in case." If certification is needed for the final product, budget not just the filament price but proof of compliance — request a test report from the spool supplier.