PETG Settings for Prusa MK3
Recommended slicer settings for printing PETG on the Prusa MK3 (250 x 210 x 210 mm build volume, 100 mm/s max speed, direct drive extruder).
Slicer Configuration
Copy these values into your slicer (Cura, OrcaSlicer, PrusaSlicer, Bambu Studio)| Setting | Value | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nozzle Temperature | 240°C | 230-250°C |
| Bed Temperature | 85°C | 80-90°C |
| First Layer Nozzle | 245°C | +5°C above normal |
| First Layer Bed | 90°C | +5°C above normal |
| Print Speed | 45 mm/s | 40-50 mm/s |
| First Layer Speed | 20 mm/s | 25-50% of normal |
| Wall Speed | 34 mm/s | 70-80% of normal |
| Travel Speed | 75 mm/s | 120-150% of print speed |
| Layer Height | 0.2mm | 0.12-0.28mm |
| Infill | 15-20% | 10-30% |
| Wall Count | 2-3 | Perimeters/shells |
| Top/Bottom Layers | 3-4 | Solid layers |
| Cooling Fan | 50% | From layer 2+ |
| Retraction Distance | 0.8-1.2 mm | Direct drive |
| Retraction Speed | 40 mm/s | Direct drive |
Before You Print
Print Quality Profiles
Three presets for common use cases with PETG on the Prusa MK3.
| Profile | Layer Height | Speed | Infill | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draft | 0.28mm | 50 mm/s | 10-15% | Rapid prototyping, test fits |
| Standard | 0.20mm | 45 mm/s | 15-20% | General purpose, everyday prints |
| Quality | 0.12mm | 40 mm/s | 20-30% | Miniatures, display pieces, fine detail |
Bed Adhesion
PETG bonds extremely well to smooth PEI sheets -- sometimes too well. Use a textured PEI sheet or apply a thin layer of glue stick as a release agent on smooth PEI to prevent damage. On glass beds, always use glue stick (PETG can pull glass chips off). Let the bed cool completely before removing prints.
Temperature Tuning Guide
Nozzle: 240°C
Range: 230-250°C. Printer max: 300°C.
- Poor layer adhesion? Increase +5°C
- Stringing or oozing? Decrease -5°C
- Print a temperature tower to find your exact sweet spot
Bed: 85°C
Range: 80-90°C. Printer max: 120°C.
- First layer lifting? Increase +5°C
- Elephant's foot? Decrease -5°C
- Let the bed fully preheat before starting
Troubleshooting PETG on Prusa MK3
Pro Tips for PETG
Dry your PETG before printing -- even a new spool left open overnight can absorb enough moisture to affect quality
Slow down the first layer to 15-20 mm/s for solid adhesion
Use a lower fan speed (30-50%) -- too much cooling weakens layer adhesion with PETG
If printing on smooth PEI, use glue stick as a release agent to prevent bed damage
PETG is an excellent all-around material once you dial in the settings
Support Settings
For prints requiring supports with PETG, use tree supports for easier removal and less scarring. Set a 0.15-0.2mm Z-distance between support and model. If you have a dual-extruder setup, consider PVA (for PLA/PETG) or HIPS (for ABS) as dedicated water/solvent-soluble support material.
Prusa MK3 Specs
| Build Volume | 250 x 210 x 210 mm |
| Max Speed | 100 mm/s |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 120°C |
| Extruder | Direct Drive |
PETG Properties
| Nozzle Range | 230-250°C |
| Bed Range | 80-90°C |
| Speed Range | 40-60 mm/s |
| Difficulty | beginner |
| Drying | 65°C / 7h |
| Enclosure | Not needed |
PETG at a Glance
Strengths
- Excellent all-around material for functional parts
- Good impact resistance (much better than PLA)
- Moderate heat resistance (softens ~80C)
- FDA-approved for food contact in raw form
- Good chemical resistance
- Semi-flexible (bends before breaking)
Weaknesses
- Prone to stringing
- Moderate moisture sensitivity
- Can bond too strongly to glass beds
- Lower fan speeds required (not great for overhangs)
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Try 3DSearch →Sources: Based on Prusa Knowledge Base (help.prusa3d.com), community testing data, manufacturer recommended ranges. Values verified from manufacturer documentation and official slicer profiles.