PCL vs PETG
Polymer · grade comparison
PCL and PETG are both polymer grades. PETG is the stronger of the two: yield strength 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL, about 3.8 times as much; tensile strength follows at 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi). In exchange, PCL is the more ductile: elongation 600% versus 120% for PETG, and PETG is harder (78 Shore D vs 53 Shore D). PCL is lighter (1.15 g/cm³ vs 1.27 g/cm³ for PETG) and PETG is stiffer (2.1 GPa vs 0.35 GPa). On the shop floor, PETG machines more easily (good vs poor), PCL welds better (excellent vs very good), and PETG sits in a lower cost tier (budget, $) than PCL (premium, $$$).
PCLChoose it when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded, or when weight is the constraint.
PETGChoose it when strength drives the design, or when the part sees heat.
PCL vs PETG: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all polymer grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Flexural Strength
Flexural Modulus
Izod Impact, Notched
Hardness, Shore A
Hardness, Shore D
Shear Modulus
Compressive Strength
Hardness, Rockwell R
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Melting Temperature (Tm)
Glass Transition (Tg)
Water Absorption (24 h)
Water Absorption (Saturation)
Refractive Index
Light Transmission
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 0.45 MPa
Vicat Softening Point (B50)
Limiting Oxygen Index
Max Service Temperature (short-term)
Heat Deflection Temp. @ 1.8 MPa
Same in both: Thermal Conductivity 0.2 W/m·K0.12 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Resistivity
Dielectric Constant (1 MHz)
Volume Resistivity
Dielectric Strength
Dissipation Factor (1 MHz)
Surface Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Corrosion Resistance
UV / Weathering Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Polishability
Mold Shrinkage
Melt Flow Rate
Processing Melt Temperature (typ.)
Mold Temperature (typ.)
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 0%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Same in both: Thermal Diffusivity 0.1 mm²/s · Thermal Shock Resistance Index 0
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every polymer grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | PCL | PETG |
|---|---|---|
| CNC machining | — | Yes |
| Sheet metal | — | Yes |
| Injection molding | — | Yes |
| 3D printing | — | Yes |
| Default condition | — | Unfilled |
| Relative cost | $$$ Premium | $ Budget |
| Min. machined wall | — | 0.5 mm |
| Best machined surface | — | Ra 0.8 µm |
| Chrome Plating (Plastic) | — | Yes |
| Conductive Coating | — | Yes |
| Dyeing (Nylon) | — | Yes |
| EMI Shielding Coating | — | Yes |
| Painting | — | Yes |
| Primer Coating | — | Yes |
| Soft Touch Coating | — | Yes |
| Spray Painting | — | Yes |
| Tinted Coating | — | Yes |
| UV Coating | — | Yes |
| Vacuum Metallization | — | Yes |
| Waterproof Coating | — | Yes |
PCL vs PETG — frequently asked
Is PETG stronger than PCL?
Yes. PETG has a typical yield strength of 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) against 13 MPa (1.89 ksi) for PCL — about 3.8 times as much. Tensile strength is 50 MPa (7.25 ksi) vs 22 MPa (3.19 ksi).
Which is cheaper, PCL or PETG?
PETG is the lower-cost material: it sits in the budget tier ($) while PCL is premium ($$$). Part price depends far more on geometry, tolerance and quantity than on raw stock — upload a CAD file for a live quote.
Which is easier to machine, PCL or PETG?
PETG. Its machinability rates good (65/100) against poor (25/100) for PCL; for welding the order is PCL first (excellent, 90/100) then PETG (very good, 80/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in PCL and PETG side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.