When comparing Makerbot ABS Filament vs eSUN PETG Filament, the Slant community recommends Makerbot ABS Filament for most people. In the question“What are the best filaments for 3D printing?” Makerbot ABS Filament is ranked 4th while eSUN PETG Filament is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Makerbot ABS Filament is:
Using this filament, it's unlikely you'll run into issues or have inaccurate diameters, given that it's a pretty standard ABS filament, with nothing remarkable or unusual about it.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Unlikely to create issues
Using this filament, it's unlikely you'll run into issues or have inaccurate diameters, given that it's a pretty standard ABS filament, with nothing remarkable or unusual about it.
Pro Supports "post-processing"
The objets printed with this filament can be subjected to some post-processing. For example, acetone can be used to "weld" multiple ABS parts together, for surface smoothing surface or to create a gloss. The process itself is a bit messy, but there are plenty of tutorials available online.
Pro Protective packaging
The filament itself is very precisely reeled around the spool, which is then vacuum-sealed in a film with a silica packet, and all of this is neatly placed inside a rigid cardboard box.
Pro Can safely be used for applications where it comes in contact with food
This filament can safely be used to create e food and drink containers or parts for food production lines (like conveyor belt parts, for example ), unlike ABS, PLA or other popular 3D printing filament materials. PETG filament is food safe, as there are no potential hazards to food or human body while in contact with this material. In fact, PETG is a modified version of PET, which is a material widely used for food packaging.
Pro Simultaneously strong and flexible
PETG is pretty much as strong as ABS (in terms of direct load) and nearly as flexible as PLA, combining the best characteristics of these two materials. On top of that, printing PETG is easier than printing ABS, since it does not require a heated bed and has better layer adhesion.
Pro Can be used with nearly every 3D printer
This filament is available for both 1.75 mm and 3.0 mm extruders. It also does not require a heating bed when printing, although it’s better if you have one. It can also be printed using standard brass nozzles.
Cons
Con Impossible to be used with a 3.0 mm extruder
If your printer has a 3.0 mm extruder, you won't be able to use this filament, since it only comes in 1.75mm form. For Makerbot, this is justifiable, since all of their hardware uses 1.75 mm.
Con Expensive
You can find equally decent ABS filaments for half the price of this one. However, getting this more expensive premium ABS filament may buy some peace of mind. But it should be noted that, given that these are simple standard ABS filaments, it's unlikely there will be a major difference between the results obtained when using this one and those obtained with most less expensive alternatives.
Con Requires a 3D printer with a heated bed
As is the case with all ABS filaments, you cannot print this filament using a 3D printer that lacks a heated bed. In order for the first layer to adhere properly, the filament requires high temperatures. Otherwise, it may detach from the bed plate. Kapton tape is also recommended, to improve adhesion.
Con Filament packaging provides proper protection
The material comes in a spool packed inside a vacuum film, with an included desiccant. All this is packaged inside a tough cardboard box, which keeps everything safe during shipping and storage.
Con Finding the perfect setting takes some time and effort
While this filament is easy to print, getting to the "optimal results" level requires extra work. Because temperatures vary within the extruder used, finding the perfect printer settings will, most likely, take several attempts.
Con Material specifications sheet available only upon request
The material specifications sheet isn't publicly available, but it is possible to request it from regional eSUN distributors. This is a hassle mostly for engineers and those in the academia, who will surely need this, since they will have no choice apart from spending some time and effort to get the specifications sheet. It would be better to have the specs available from the get-go.
