Common 3D printing consumables such as PLA (polylactic acid), nylon, ABS and TPU can absorb and hold moisture from the air. This property is called hygroscopicity.When subjected to elevated humidity in the atmosphere, it compromises the final print's quality and heightens the likelihood of a failed printing attempt.
Now let's learn how to determine whether the filament is too humid, how to dry it, and the best storage method for filaments in daily life.
1.Determine if the Filament is Moisture-Contaminated
The following common phenomena indicate that your filament is too humid:
- Crackling sound during extrusion
- Bubble formation on the printing surface
- The surface of the printed product is not smooth.
- The size and shape of the finished product is unstable during the printing process
Image source: *For 30 days in a bare environment with consumables, the same rollof consumables is divided into two for testing (EIBOS Laboratory)
In addition, models printed with PLA filaments with high humidity may become brittle. TPU and Nylon filaments that are easy to absorb water may cause high internal humidity after being exposed to air for several hours.
When you find these problems during the printing process, it means that you need to remove the moisture from the filament first to ensure the quality and strength of the print. Let's take a look at how to properly remove the moisture from the filament and prevent the filament from getting wet!
2.Three Methods for Drying Filaments
Method 1: Filament dryer
Image source: Filament Dryer CYCLOPES's effect on drying filament while printing
The filament dryer mainly creates a warm environment through the internal heating element and the built-in fan, and then turns the moisture inside the filament into water vapor and discharges it from the inside of the filament, thereby achieving the effect of dehumidification and drying.
Generally speaking, it is equipped with suitable temperatures for different materials. You only need to select the material type and timer. When the waiting time is up, you can take out the filament or keep it dry while printing, which can greatly save time.
In addition, the 360° rotating heating function can ensure more complete removal of moisture and achieve all-round uniform heating. Polyphemus has achieved all of this very well.
Method 2: Food dehydrator
Image source: Minimalworkflow's food dehydrator converted into a filament dryer
Using a food dehydrator to dry 3D printing filament is an effective and simple method. Most food dehydrators provide temperature control options, especially for materials with high hygroscopicity, such as nylon and TPU.
The pla drying temperature should be controlled between 50°C and 60°C, nylon, ABS and TPU drying temperature should be controlled between 60°C and 70°C, drying times for nylon filament，PLA, , ABS and TPU should be controlled between 4 and 6 hours. If you find that moisture remains after drying, you can appropriately extend the drying time.
Method 3: drying filament in oven
Image source: Useless Stuff's Bread Machine Drying Filament
The usage and temperature are the same as those of the food dehydrator. The point to note is that it needs to be put in after the oven is set to a constant temperature, because the initial heating problem of the oven will be higher than the set temperature. Also, ABS can release irritating gases when heated. You should allow enough time for ventilation to keep the food safe.
3.The best storage method for 3D printing filaments
Image source:Packaging display of filament vacuum bag EURUS
Put the dried filaments in a closed and dry environment, such as placing them in a vacuum bag and extracting the air, which will effectively prevent water vapor from being sucked into the filaments. In addition, you can also place desiccants in vacuum bags or other confined spaces.
Common desiccants include silica gel desiccant bags and molecular sieves. Both desiccants can effectively absorb moisture and help keep the wire dry. If the storage time is longer, it is recommended to check the saturation of the desiccant every few months.
EIBOS last words
Wet 3D printing filaments affect the printing quality and finished product performance, so choosing the right drying method (such as a filament dryer, food dehydrator or oven) and storing the filaments in a closed and dry environment are the keys to ensuring the quality of the filaments. Scientific maintenance of filaments can not only extend the service life, but also improve the printing effect and reduce the failure rate.