How to store the filaments to keep them in top condition

Published On: 2022-12-14

If you're like most 3D printer enthusiasts, you probably have more than one kind of filament stored away for future use. But did you know that the way you store your filament can have a big impact on its quality and performance? Improper storage might lead to your filament becoming brittle, which can cause all sorts of problems when you try to use it.

Because 3D printing filaments are polymers, they can be destroyed by the hydrolysis process. When moisture from the air comes into contact with your filaments during improper storage, the polymer degrades when heated to extrusion temperatures.

Parts printed using "wet" filament will have a rougher surface. Additionally, "wet" filament necessitates a higher extrusion temperature. Nylon, polycarbonate, and copolyester filaments are very vulnerable to hydrolysis when moist and heated.

3D printing filaments are usually hygroscopic, meaning they readily absorb moisture. As a result, the storage issue is reduced to avoiding damp air contact. The remainder of this article will walk you through the process of creating this dry habitat for your filaments.

Fortunately, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your filament is always in top condition. In this blog post, we'll share our top tips for storing 3D printer filament so you can get the most out of every spool. Read on to learn more!

Vacuum Bagging

Bags keep humidity and dust out exactly as well as any other airtight container, but they are less sturdy than a box and cannot feed filament straight from the bag to the printer.

These bags are often used for storing and transporting clothing and other items, and they may be used with either a hand pump (which is generally included) or a regular household vacuum cleaner (for faster results). You release all of the air from the heavy-duty plastic bag using a one-way valve, keeping the contents dry.

Before sucking out all the air, we'd recommend adding some desiccant, although it's not required. Without air, there is no humidity or dust.

Dry boxes and Storage options

It is better to keep your filament in a specialised dry box rather than on a rack or in bags. Dry boxes are long-term storage alternatives that keep your filament dry by using desiccant in a sealed box.

There are other do-it-yourself choices, including the well-known Prusa Drybox and a 3D-printed update for a Rubbermaid container. Those that want more storage space may be interested in a simple option such as a recycled mobile pet food container. Another high-tech option is dry cabinets, which come in a variety of sizes and provide a humidity-controlled environment.

Dryer

A desiccant-loaded dry box or bag will not efficiently remove moisture from a wet spool of filament. These treatments just prevent more moisture from entering the filament. Dedicated filament dryers can aid in this process.

To eliminate moisture, most filament dryers gently heat the filament. A timer, display, temperature settings, and a fan are frequently included with purchased dryers. Just keep an eye on your power bill, since an electrical device might be an expensive way to store your filament over time.

The techniques provided above, whether used alone or in conjunction with others on the list, will certainly assist you in making stunning, high-quality 3D prints.

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