Key Tips for Storing and Drying 3D Printer Filament

When it comes to Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printing, the quality of your filament plays a crucial role in achieving successful prints. Filament is the primary material used in FDM printers, and its properties significantly impact the printing process and the final product. However, improper storage can compromise filament quality, leading to printing failures. Therefore, ensuring that your 3D printer filament is stored correctly and kept dry is essential for a smooth printing experience.

Effects of Moisture on Filament Materials

The effects of moisture on filament materials are an important consideration in 3D printing. Here are some of the possible effects:

Increased brittleness: When filament absorbs moisture, its structure becomes fragile and prone to breaking during the printing process, which can lead to print failures and material waste.

Degraded print quality: Moisture-absorbing filaments may cause blistering, poor interlayer bonding, and rough surfaces. These issues can affect the appearance and function of the finished product.

Clogged nozzles: Moisture-containing filaments produce steam when heated, which can cause nozzle clogging, affecting the normal operation of the printer.

Discoloration of materials: Moisture can cause some filaments to change color and appearance, affecting the appearance of the final item.

Degraded thermal performance: Moisture affects the melting characteristics of the filament, which can cause unstable temperature and fluidity during printing, further affecting the printing effect.

Wet filament can cause stringing in 3D prints

Source: https://3d4create.com/blogs/news/how-to-dry-pla-filament-5-easy-fixes-for-wet-plastic

How to store filament

To store filament materials effectively, it's crucial to keep them dry and suited to their specific properties. For moisture-sensitive filaments like nylon and TPU, using airtight containers with silica gel packets is essential, as these materials can absorb humidity quickly. For PLA, which is less prone to moisture absorption, a simple sealed bag may suffice if stored in a cool, dry place. However, regardless of the filament type, maintaining a stable temperature and avoiding direct sunlight is important. For long-term storage, vacuum sealing the spools can provide an additional layer of protection against moisture and environmental factors. If a filament becomes damp, using a filament dryer or an oven at low temperatures can help restore its usability.

Source: https://beckystern.com/2024/02/25/how-to-keep-your-3d-printer-filament-dry/

How to deal with damp filament

To handle damp filament, there are several effective methods you can employ to restore its usability. First, if you have access to a filament dryer, this is often the most efficient solution. These devices are designed to remove moisture by gently heating the filament, which allows it to dry out without damaging it. Set the dryer to the appropriate temperature for the specific filament type—typically around 50°C for PLA and PETG, and higher (up to 75°C) for nylon.

If a filament dryer is not available, you can use a conventional oven as an alternative. Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 50°C or 122°F), and place the filament on a baking tray. Keep a close eye on it, as prolonged exposure to higher temperatures can cause it to melt. Leave it in the oven for a few hours, checking periodically to ensure it doesn't overheat.

Another option is to place the damp filament in a sealed container with desiccants, such as silica gel packets, which absorb moisture from the air. Leave it for several hours or overnight to allow the desiccants to work. After drying, make sure to store the filament properly in airtight containers to prevent future moisture absorption. Regularly checking and maintaining your filament storage conditions will help you avoid issues with damp filament in the future.

Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/3Dprinting/comments/7ohoed/filament_dryer/

In conclusion, proper storage and handling of 3D printer filament are crucial for ensuring the best printing results.  At JLC3DP, we prioritize quality in every aspect of 3D printing, from our materials to our printing processes, to successfully print a product that meets your expectations.