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Do PLA and PETG cave markers float?

Our printed PLA and PETG markers sank. A short note on those tests and solid infill.

1 min read · Updated 14 September 2026

An illustration using our actual arrow and REM models, resting on a water tank floor. — Illustration using our marker models

Our PLA and PETG prints sank

We tested our own printed markers in water. Both the PLA and PETG versions sank. This is an observation from those physical prints, not a buoyancy measurement of every design and print setting.

Keep the marker solid

Print with 100% infill for strength and to minimise trapped air that could make the marker float.

Our downloaded 3MF projects use that setting. If you change the project in your slicer, keep the infill at 100%.

For the material choice, the more useful differences are finish, toughness and heat tolerance. Our PLA matte and PETG comparison explains those.

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