The Science behind our Materials
Why Elegant Lights Uses PETG Instead of PLA for Luxury Lighting Fixtures
At Elegant Lights, our goal is to provide luxury lighting solutions that are not only stunning in design but also safe, durable, and sustainable. While many 3D-printed products use PLA (Polylactic Acid) due to its ease of printing, it is not suitable for high-end lighting applications. Instead, we use PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified), a superior material that offers better heat resistance, strength, sustainability, and overall performance.
Don’t be fooled by all the PLA modifiers! You will hear PLA, PLA +, PLA Pro, PLA Tough, or modified versions that use a three letter PLX format (Where X can be any letter). None of these are as safe as PETG for your lighting solutions.
PLA vs. PETG: It’s worth getting it right
PLA vs. PETG: A Detailed Comparison for Lighting Fixtures
1. Heat Resistance & Safety
- PLA has a low heat deflection temperature (~55°C/131°F), meaning it begins to soften and deform even under moderate heat exposure. A warm lightbulb or an enclosed fixture can quickly compromise the structural integrity of a PLA fixture.
- PETG has a significantly higher heat resistance (~75-85°C/167-185°F), making it far better suited for applications near heat sources. This ensures that our lighting fixtures maintain their form and function over time without the risk of warping or failure.
2. Strength & Durability
- PLA is brittle, meaning it can crack or shatter under stress or impact. This makes it a poor choice for luxury lighting that should last for years without degrading.
- PETG is impact-resistant and flexible, meaning it bends rather than breaks. This makes it more resilient to handling, shipping, and long-term use.
3. Weight & Structural Integrity
While PETG is slightly denser than PLA, the difference is minimal—meaning PETG still offers a lightweight solution compared to traditional ceramic or metal fixtures, while being significantly stronger and more heat-resistant than PLA.
For reference:
- Ceramic fixtures can weigh 3-5 times more than PETG.
- Metal fixtures can weigh 5-10 times more than PETG.
By using PETG, Elegant Lights delivers luxury lighting with the aesthetic of premium materials but without the excessive weight and installation challenges of ceramic or metal.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Impact
- PLA is biodegradable, but only under industrial composting conditions—meaning it doesn’t break down easily in home environments or landfills. It also has poor recyclability, limiting its environmental benefits.
- PETG is recyclable in many areas that accept recycle code 7 items. PETG can be processed through some plastic recycling facilities. Unlike PLA, it does not degrade over time due to moisture absorption, meaning PETG fixtures last longer and reduce waste.
Additionally, PETG’s lightweight nature lowers transportation emissions compared to heavy ceramic or metal fixtures, making it an even more sustainable option.
5. Surface Finish & Aesthetics
- PLA material is often chosen because it can be printed very fast, this often means visible layer lines that require extensive post-processing to achieve a smooth finish, or a cheap thin feel to cut out time.
- PETG prints produce a smoother, glossier finish right out of the printer, reducing post-processing needs while providing a polished, high-end aesthetic that suits luxury interiors. We offer shades that are Matte and Glossy, with specialized texture to hide the fact that it is 3D printed. No one will ever know!
Why PETG is the Best Choice for Luxury Lighting Fixtures
By choosing PETG, Elegant Lights ensures that our lighting fixtures are:
✅ Heat-resistant for safety and longevity.
✅ Strong yet lightweight for easy installation and durability.
✅ Recyclable for sustainability.
✅ Visually stunning with engineerd luxury textured finishes.
Unlike PLA, which warps, cracks, and deteriorates over time, PETG provides the perfect balance of beauty, strength, and sustainability—making it the ideal material for high-end, modern lighting solutions.