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MAT 101: Foundational Polymers (PLA & PETG)

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Full course content (video lessons, exercises, downloadable files, and QR references) is part of Pro.

The preview above gives you the full course structure, learning outcomes, prerequisites, and what you will be able to do after completion. Free for everyone.

  • ✓Video lessons with real 3D printing setups
  • ✓Calibration parameters
  • ✓Downloadable STL examples + gcode profiles
  • ✓AI tutor for questions
  • ✓Completion certificate
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Choosing between PLA and PETG is the first real materials decision you face as an operator. This course examines both materials side by side – from chemistry to actual behaviour in a production environment.

What you will learn

  • Chemical composition and thermal behaviour of PLA and PETG
  • Glass transition, heating, cooling and crystallization
  • Recommended nozzle, bed and chamber temperatures
  • Adhesion to different build plate surfaces
  • Mechanical properties – tensile strength, impact, fatigue
  • Behaviour under UV exposure, moisture and sustained load
  • When PLA beats PETG and vice versa – real-world use cases

Course outline

  • Lesson 1: Polymer chemistry for 3D printing operators
  • Lesson 2: PLA – manufacturing, additives, biodegradability
  • Lesson 3: PETG – the glycol-modified copolymer and its industrial use
  • Lesson 4: Temperature profiles and per-material calibration
  • Lesson 5: Build plate adhesion – glass, PEI, garolite, adhesives
  • Lesson 6: Strength and impact testing in a home lab
  • Lesson 7: A comparison matrix for selection by application

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of FDM/MEX printing at the level of course-fdm101-basics or equivalent hands-on experience.

Outcome

You can choose between PLA and PETG with sound reasoning for a specific part function, dial in the right temperatures on the first attempt, and explain to a client why one of them is unsuitable for their application.

Who it is for

FDM printer operators, small service bureaus, product designers who outsource printing, and instructors building a materials science module into their curriculum.