(506) 2240-6804
3D printer filament storage container
10 Best Filament Storage Containers & Dry Boxes in 2022 – Clever Creations
For how much thought we put into choosing the right filaments for 3D printing, we often don’t take very good care of them once we have them. If you’ve ever used an old roll of PLA filament or gotten a spool that just didn’t seem to print right, you likely already know that filaments left out in the air will lose quality over time. That’s because many filaments are moisture sensitive and need to be stored in airtight containers.
In this article, we’re going to jump right into teaching you how to store your moisture-sensitive materials like TPU, PETG, Nylon, and PLA filament properly to keep moisture out of them, how to fix filaments that have already absorbed too much water, and point you toward the products that can help you keep your filaments 3D printing smoothly for as long as possible.
| Filament Storage | Capacity | Hygrometer | Heating | Price | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sovol SH01 Filament Dryer | 2 spools | Yes | Yes | $63 | Sovol3D |
| PrintDry Drying System | 4 spools | Yes | Yes | $189 | MatterHackers |
| SUNLU Dryer Box | 1 spool | Yes | Yes | $50 | SUNLU |
| Polymaker PolyBox II | 2 spools | Yes | No | $66 | Polymaker |
| Ruggard Dry Cabinet | 30L (many spools) | Yes | Yes | $150 | Amazon |
| PrintDry Vacuum System | 5 x 1 spool | No | No | $110 | MatterHackers |
| Repkord RepBox 2. | 6 spools | No | No | $225 | Prusa3D |
| Comgrow Storage Box | 2 spools | Yes | Yes | $62 | Comgrow |
| EIBOS Filament Dryer | 1 or 2 spools | Yes | Yes | $59/$153 | Amazon |
| Wisedry Silica Gel | N/A | N/A | N/A | $30 | Amazon |
Why is it Important to Keep Filament Dry?
Water-sensitive 3D printing materials like TPU and PLA filament need protection from moisture in order to be 3D printed without problems. They absorb moisture from their environment (including moisture from the air) and degrade in quality when they are left out in the open. PLA filament in particular is known for this, but Nylon and PETG are prone to this as well.
Not only does wet filament cause significant print quality issues like uneven extrusion and bubbling, but it can also cause mechanical problems in your printer.
Wet filament can lead to wear on your nozzle, and introduce clogs and jams. These are just a few of the reasons why keeping your 3D printer filament dry should be a major priority.
Signs of Wet Filament
While wet filament usually doesn’t appear any different than dry filament while on the spool, there are a few major indicators that your 3D printing filament has absorbed moisture.
Brittleness
One of the easiest ways to check if your filament has taken on excess moisture is to check for brittleness. Healthy PLA filaments don’t snap when you bend them. The PLA filament strand should bend back and forth several times without breaking. If your filament (or, as is usually the case, certain parts of it) snap in two when bent, moisture is the most likely culprit.
This can cause a lot of issues during the printing process. Your filament can snap mid-print, and if your 3D printer doesn’t have a filament sensing feature, your print will fail. It’s also easy for the filament to get jammed in the extruder during a filament change, so that is a possibility as well when you have to feed the end of the filament into the printer again.
Print Quality
If your filament bubbles, pops, or hisses while printing, your spool has most likely absorbed too much moisture. As the water in the filament heats up in the hot end, it vaporizes. The bubbles and popping are from that vapor trying to escape. This not only leaves unsightly holes in or bulges in your prints, but it also leads to uneven extrusion and stringing.
Now let’s look at the best filament storage solutions that keep your filament dry!
Best 3D Printer Filament Storage and Dryers in 2022
Sovol SH01 Filament Dryer
Best overall
Check Price
AmazonSovol3D
The Sovol SH01 Filament Dryer is a fantastic storage and drying solution for 3D printing filaments. With a capacity for two filament spools, you can easily swap between colors or feed to two printers at a time.
The box features two PTFE outlets in the lid that allow you to print with your filament while it is in the box. You can also close the outlets during the drying process or when storing your filament spool for an extended time.
This dryer features electronic heating, drying, and a humidity sensor with a real-time display. This allows you to dry out and salvage filament spools that have already absorbed moisture and need it removed or to ensure that a new roll of filament is completely dry before using it for the first time.
The Sovol SH01 also has an offline mode that lets you store 3D printer filament for long periods of time when they are not in use. Adding a desiccant packet to the box and sealing it turns the box into an airtight container that will keep your filament free from moisture.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 spools |
| Humidity Monitoring | Yes |
| Heating | Yes |
| Filament Diameters | 1.75 mm, 2.85mm |
PrintDry PRO Filament Drying System
Best high-end
Check Price
MatterHackers
The PrintDry PRO is a sophisticated system that allows you to dry and/or store a variety of filament spools.
With preset drying profiles for common hygroscopic 3D printing materials like Nylon, PETG, PVA, PLA, and TPEs that set the ideal temperature, humidity, and time intervals for the type of filament in question.
It is set up to hold 4 regular-sized filament spools at a time with PTFE outlets to print the filament while it is inside the box. You can also purchase a separate kit to hold one large spool instead (up to 5kg) if you regularly use oversized spools.
Its digital display and buttons on the front make it easy to navigate through the features and set the controls to the desired temperatures and times. This unit also has a built-in humidity monitor, making it easy to keep track of moisture levels within the box.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 4 regular spools or 1 large spool (up to 5kg) |
| Humidity Monitoring | Yes |
| Heating | Yes |
| Filament Diameters | 1. 75mm, 2.85mm, 3mm |
SUNLU Dryer Box
Best on a budget
Check Price
AmazonSUNLUBanggood
For an affordable and high-quality storage option and dryer, the SUNLU Dry Box is an excellent choice. It not only lets you set custom temperature and humidity levels, but it also is equipped with a 6-hour automatic shut-off.
This dryer box can support one spool at a time, and it has a filament outlet and rollers that allow your filament to smoothly feed to your printer from inside the box. This is an excellent upgrade for a spool holder, giving you the option to dry excess moisture from a filament spool or to keep it from absorbing moisture in between uses.
You can also set your own drying times for spools that need more or less drying than the box’s default settings for a maximum of 24 hours.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 spool |
| Humidity Monitoring | Yes |
| Heating | Yes |
| Filament Diameters | 1. 75mm, 2,85mm, 3mm |
Polymaker PolyBox II
Check Price
AmazonPolymaker
If you are looking for a basic 3D printer filament storage box with a measurable humidity level, Polymaker’s PolyBox is a great option. With a built-in measuring device, you can keep an eye on both the temperature and humidity level within the box without needing to keep it plugged in.
In fact, the PolyBox is a low-energy storage option that does not use electronic heating elements or dehumidifiers. Instead, the box comes with a reusable desiccant bag that can keep the inner humidity levels below 15%.
It has outlets built into the lid to let you print with the filaments while they are in the box. It also comes with tubing that connects to the outlets and keeps the filament safe on its way from the box to the extruder. However, it is medical tubing rather than PTFE tubing typically used in 3D printing, so it doesn’t feed to the printer quite as smoothly.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 1kg spools or 1 3kg spool |
| Humidity Monitoring | Yes |
| Heating | No |
| Filament Diameters | 1.75mm, 2.85mm |
Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet
Best dry cabinet
Check Price
Amazon
Marketed as a dehumidifying cabinet for photography equipment, electronics, and other moisture-sensitive items, the Ruggard Electronic Dry Cabinet is a sophisticated dehumidifier that has a locking door, two-shelf interior, and electronic display that allows you to monitor the inside temperature and humidity. The unit is quiet, dripless, and able to keep the relative humidity (RH) between 35 and 60%.
This product is a great solution for users with large quantities of filament that need a long-term storage method.
The one downside of this product is that it is not designed with 3D printer filament in mind, so there are no outlets to print while drying. Since the unit has two shelves, it is a great option to keep several excess filament spools dry in tandem with one of the other dryer options for the filament spool actively in use.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 30L (many spools) |
| Humidity Monitoring | Yes |
| Heating | Yes |
| Filament Diameters | N/A |
PrintDry Vacuum Sealed Filament System
Best vacuum sealed solution
Check Price
MatterHackers
Using a manual storage solution similar to that of food and produce storage, the PrintDry Vacuum Sealed Filament Storage System is a set of five round plastic containers that are large enough to fit most standard spool sizes.
Each container can fit one spool and has a hole in the lid that allows you to pump out any air from the container with the included hand pump.
The manufacturer suggests putting silica gel desiccant packets and humidity indicator cards in the containers with the filament to help reduce moisture and measure the humidity levels in the container over time. They also suggest using the pump once a week to remove any moisture that may have entered the containers over time and lengthen the shelf life of your filament.
The PrintDry filament storage container system is for 3D printing filament spools that are not currently in use, and don’t have any outlets to allow printing from the container. The containers are also quite expensive for their functionality, so while they are a good storage method, they are not practical for users with large quantities of filament, especially cheap rolls of PLA filament.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1 spool per container (5 containers per set) |
| Humidity Monitoring | No |
| Heating | No |
| Filament Diameters | N/A |
Repkord RepBox 2.
3 Easiest to use
Check Price
Prusa3D
For an easy storage solution for multiple spools, the Repkord RepBox 2.3 is a simple but effective 3D printing filament management system that keeps your spools organized, accessible, and provides some protection against moisture. Able to accommodate several spools, the Repbox is perfect for users with a large assortment of filaments that they switch frequently.
The RepBox is not a dry box, meaning it does not actively remove moisture and maintain a set environment. It is essentially a multi-spool holder that keeps out most moisture using airtight seals and gaskets. However, there is an optional upgrade kit to add a dehumidifier for drying filament as well.
The box has several outlets for the filament to feed into the printer while in storage and uses rollers to keep the filament feeding smoothly into the printer. You can also mount the box beside or above the printer with the included bracket set to keep your filament out of the way but easily accessible to your 3D printers.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 6 spools |
| Humidity Monitoring | No (Upgrade Kit Available) |
| Heating | No |
| Filament Diameters | 1.75mm, 2.85mm |
Comgrow Filament Storage Box
Check Price
AmazonComgrow
Another versatile choice for 3D printer filament storage, the Comgrow box works as both a traditional filament dryer and long term filament storage solution. Its dry box function lets you adjust the temperature and time duration for the drying process, as well as keeps a constant measure of the relative humidity in the box.
It has two PTFE outlets that let you use the filament for 3D printing even while the dryer is running, making it perfect for keeping your TPU, PETG, or PLA filament at optimal performance. Its heating element also gets to the desired temperature quickly and distributes the heat evenly, so even if your 3D printer filament absorbs moisture, it will be dry in a few hours.
With an airtight silicone seal, you can use the Comgrow box as a storage container for your dry filaments. Adding a desiccant like silica gel packets will keep your filament free of water for months between uses.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 spools |
| Humidity Monitoring | Yes |
| Heating | Yes |
| Filament Diameters | 1.75mm, 2.85mm, 3mm |
EIBOS Filament Dryer
Check Price
Amazon
The EIBOS filament dryer is another great option for 3D printer filament storage and drying. Available as a single or double dry box, you can choose the size that best suits your needs since both models have the same features. With a heating element twice as powerful as normal filament dryers, the EIBOS box heats up quickly and uses fans to make sure all the air circulates evenly.
The EIBOS dryer also features a real-time humidity gauge, so you can always be sure that your 3D printer filament has the low humidity environment that it needs.
Like the other dryer boxes featured on this list, you can use it as a long-term filament storage container. Adding some desiccant beads after the drying process will help with keeping the filament safe from moisture from the air and extend its shelf life between dryings.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 1-2 spools |
| Humidity Monitoring | Yes |
| Heating | Yes |
| Filament Diameters | 1.75mm, 2.85mm, 3mm |
Wisedry Silica Gel Beads
Best bulk desiccant
Check Price
Amazon
Wisedry Silica Gel Desiccant Beads are an economical choice for keeping moisture away from your filaments, whether you store filament in vacuum storage bags, storage boxes, dry cabinets, or a simple airtight box.
Unlike the disposable desiccants you find in packets, Wisedry is a reusable silica gel that can be put in the oven or microwave to dry out.
When it can’t absorb more moisture from the air, it turns yellow to let you know it needs to be refreshed. Once it has dried out again in the oven or microwave, you can put it back in your filament storage container to keep absorbing moisture.
Technical Details | |
|---|---|
| Capacity | N/A |
| Humidity Monitoring | N/A |
| Heating | N/A |
| Filament Diameters | N/A |
DIY Filament Drying Boxes
If you don’t want to buy a 3D printer filament storage system, there are several ways you can make your own or use what you have around the house.
Food Dehydrator
If you have a food dehydrator in your kitchen, you’re in luck.
These versatile appliances are good for more than just making jerky. They can also be used as a basic dryer to remove moisture from your filament.
Because dehydrators work at a very low temperature, they are suitable for drying all filament types, including temperature sensitive materials like PLA filament. Some users even modify theirs to make them easier to use for filament storage and drying.
Image: Tinkerman via Thingiverse
A food dehydrator converted to filament dry boxVacuum Sealers
Much like the PrintDry Vacuum Sealed System, the special vacuum bags used to keep food fresh can also be used to store filament. The special plastic bags have a spot where air can be pumped out, removing any moisture that the filaments might absorb. Putting silica gel and humidity indicator strips in the vacuum bags with your filaments can help you gauge the relative humidity of the air inside the bags and make sure your filaments won’t absorb moisture from it.
Some users also found success using an inflator/deflator pump for air mattresses as a makeshift vacuum sealer.
They designed and printed an adapter that can be used with regular zippered plastic bags and used their air pump to remove the air from the bag.
Image: Ken73 via Thingiverse
This solution can be used with any appropriately sized vacuum bagPlastic Storage Boxes
You can also use plastic crates or storage boxes as an easy way to store filament. This project used containers from IKEA to make an easy organizer for your filaments similar to the RepBox.
Other users built more sophisticated systems with outlets to send the filament to their printers, rollers to keep the filament feeding evenly, and a humidity gauge to keep track of the moisture levels within the container.
Interested in making your own dry box? We outlined how to make a similar project in our step-by-step tutorial, so go check it out!
Choosing the Best Filament Storage: What to Look for
Capacity
Consider how much filament you have open at one time. If you regularly switch between several different filaments, you would benefit from a large-capacity storage solution.
If you tend to use only one or two rolls at a time, a smaller capacity is most likely sufficient.
Humidity
Humidity monitoring measures how much humidity is in the air, which is a useful feature to have in your filament storage solution. Knowing how high the humidity is inside your dry cabinets, storage boxes, etc. can help you ensure your filaments won’t absorb moisture from the air while in storage.
Price
While storage solutions for your 3D printing filament don’t have to be expensive, the more sophisticated product offerings can be. Advanced features like heating, temperature control, etc. are going to cost significantly more than a DIY or basic solution like a plastic bin and desiccant packet.
Built-In Heating/Drying
Having built-in heating and drying features ensure that your filament dries evenly and thoroughly. These solutions are great for not only preventing moisture in your filament spools but also making them usable again in the event that they do take on too much water.
Ease of Use
How easy and accessible your filament storage solution is to use can make a huge difference in your user experience. A storage solution that allows you to print directly from the container is more convenient than, say, vacuum-sealed bags that only protect the filament while it’s not in use.
How to Choose Desiccants for Filament Storage
Rechargeability
Reusable desiccants are a much more affordable solution to removing moisture from wherever you store filament than disposable varieties. Reusable desiccant can be placed in the oven, microwave, or food dehydrator to dry out and recharge each time it fills with too much moisture and can’t absorb any more. This will cut down on your waste if you require lots of desiccant to dry filament.
Color Indication
Some desiccants use color indication to let you know when it can no longer absorb water. This means that the beads will change color whenever they need to be dried out or replaced.
This is a nice feature because it takes the guesswork out of knowing when to change the desiccant in your storage containers. That way, you won’t leave them in longer than you should and risk your filaments taking on too much moisture.
Amount
Consider how much desiccant you actually use. If you only use it occasionally, a small package of silica packets will probably do the trick. However, if you use a lot of it, bulk packaging and/or reusable desiccants will be much more affordable.
Packaging
Consider what sort of packaging you want your desiccant to come in. Bulk packaging is more economical but messier. Sometimes it comes with cloth bags to make your own packets. Disposable desiccant packets are cleaner and more convenient, but they tend to be more expensive.
wisedry [ 5 LBS Silica Gel Beads Reusable Color Indicating...
927 Reviews
Check PriceFrequently Asked Questions
Can I leave PLA filament in my 3D printer?
How PLA filament is stored is an important consideration for filament quality.
It’s best practice to store filament in a filament storage container when not in use. This will help keep the filament from absorbing moisture from the air and will help maintain its quality and printability.
Some enclosed 3D printers store their filament internally, preventing it from absorbing too much moisture from the ambient air.
How do you store open 3D filaments?
There are a few ways to store open 3D filaments. If the filament is brittle, it’s best to store it in a sealed container with a desiccant like rice or silica gel packs. If the filament is still flexible, you can coil it up and place it in a zip-lock bag or airtight container.
Does 3D printer filament have a shelf life?
In general, 3D printer filament does not have a shelf life. However, the lifespan of the filament may be shortened if it is stored in a very humid or moist environment.
3D printer filament is made from thermoplastic polymers, which are materials that can be melted and molded into different shapes.
The quality and performance of the filament may change over time if it is exposed to excessive heat, humidity, or moisture. For this reason, it is important to store the filament in a cool, dry place when not in use.
What humidity should 3D filament be stored at?
Given that there are many different types and materials of 3D printer filament, there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this. In general, it is recommended to keep all filaments at least under 50% RH (Relative Humidity). For more specific numbers, it is best to check with the filament manufacturer.
What is a filament dry box?
A filament dry box is a device used to store filaments for 3D printing. It maintains a consistent low humidity environment which prevents the filament from absorbing moisture from the air. Some filament dry boxes also include a heater, which helps reduce the humidity further and removes moisture from the filament itself.
Final Thoughts
It’s important to store filament for 3D printing in a way that protects it from moisture, since that can cause several quality issues with both your prints and your 3D printer during the 3D printing process.
Nylon, PETG, and PLA filaments are especially sensitive to water and readily absorb it from the humidity in the air.
Using a storage solution with an airtight seal such as vacuum bags or storage boxes is key to keeping water from contaminating your filaments, but that won’t be enough if your filaments are already contaminated. You can dry your wet filaments with a dry cabinet, filament dryer, and even a food dehydrator.
Products like the Sovol SH01 Filament Dryer make this easy, because they allow you to store filament in its airtight chamber or dry it using its built-in heating element. These types of products are essential for keeping your filaments in good condition.
Are you still wondering about storage solutions for your 3D printing filament? Let us know what questions you have in the comments below!
3d Filament Storage - Etsy.de
Etsy is no longer supporting older versions of your web browser in order to ensure that user data remains secure. Please update to the latest version.
Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript.
Find something memorable, join a community doing good.
(52 relevant results)
Proper storage of filament
3D printer filament requires special storage conditions.
For the most common PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU filaments, the main requirement for storage is the absence of humidity. Also important is the absence of dust and solid particles during storage of the thread. Let's take a closer look!
What's so dangerous about humidity?
Most materials used in FDM 3D printing can be considered hygroscopic, meaning that they absorb water molecules rather than repel them. This does not mean that the plastic filament will act like a sponge, but if you leave it outdoors, the print quality will deteriorate. Even what may be considered relatively low environmental humidity can damage the filament through a cumulative effect. nine0003
Storing the filament in an airtight container is a must to prevent absorption of moisture from the air, but it is even better to use airtight containers or containers with a desiccant (silica gel). See the end of this article for more information on silica gel.
How do you know if your filament is wet and needs to be dried? The answer to this question can be found in our other article about drying the filament
Need for storage
Leaving the filament in the open air, solid particles and dust begin to settle on its surface.
These small “contaminants” can lead to reduced print quality, and sometimes they even cause the nozzle to clog during printing.
Often, replacing or cleaning the nozzle on some printer models causes problems. Avoid getting dust on the filament. All this can be achieved by simply storing the filament in closed containers or other places protected from airborne particles. Also use a dust filter (see the "Additions" section at the end of the article), through which the filament slides during the printing process and traps "dirt" particles before they enter the extruder. nine0003
Best filament storage solutions
Below are FDM storage solutions.
Specialized box
This box usually holds two spools at once, which is very convenient when printing with two plastics at once.
Universal specialized container for storage and supply of filament. This solution is not just a plastic box, but also various sensors, a screen for displaying temperature and humidity inside the box.
nine0003
Boxes are available both for one reel and for two reels of 750 g each, sometimes a 2 kg reel can be placed there. In some models, for convenience, special rollers on bearings are provided that allow the spool to rotate freely when it is used in printing.
These units often have a pair of 100 gram silica gel bags installed rather than heating elements.
Prices for ready-made solutions vary and you can find the perfect option for yourself.
Drying cabinet
The adjustable shelves of this cabinet can be adapted to any size and volume of filament spools.
Dry cabinets - the new player in filament storage. Generally they are intended for professional cameras and other photographic equipment that can be damaged by moisture, but they are also sold for other moisture-sensitive items. Why not use it for 3D printer filament?
Available in sizes from 30 to 125 liters, dry cabinets are very reminiscent of wine coolers with their glass doors and elegant appearance, a big plus for those who love aesthetics and beauty.
The digital screen tells you the temperature and humidity inside the cabinet, these parameters can be changed by yourself. nine0003
Of course, such a cabinet is expensive, but with the right configuration of the shelves it can hold a lot of reels with plastic and maybe even a couple of wine bottles will fit in there.
Storage box lite
This is a cheaper version of the filament storage box than the specialized box. Only one coil can be placed in such a box. Equipped with a battery-powered temperature and humidity sensor. The LCD screen allows you to get information about the storage conditions inside the box. nine0003
The box has a long teflon tube to connect to the printer, a place at the bottom of the silica gel container and a very tight lid. Such a single storage of coils allows you to quickly get the necessary container with the necessary material during printing and put it into printing. This use will prevent moisture and other particles from getting on your print media.
Vacuum box
This filament storage container takes a distinctly different approach to storing reels. The container itself is designed for long-term storage, and not for actively drying the filament or feeding it into the printer, as other options do. nine0003
The box is made of durable plastic, which is able to withstand certain loads when pumping out air. Equipped with 4 durable, plastic latches and a valve in the middle of the lid. The valve is designed to pump air out of the container using a special pump.
These containers are very airtight and can safely store your roll of plastic for a long time. You can also put a bag of silica gel inside. The only downside is the price.
There are cheaper options, but they are already without such powerful latches. nine0003
DIY
Now, let's look at options that you can make yourself. Some are a little more complex and functional, while others are quite light and affordable.
DIY box (Source: RichRap via Thingiverse)
This solution is perfect for storing filament if you want to do it yourself. All ready-made solutions practically do not differ from this option, the only difference is the appearance.
This DIY box uses a reptile heating mat at the base, placed on the bottom of the box, and includes silica gel sachets. A temperature and humidity sensor is installed that monitors indicators inside the box. nine0003
3D components are available on the Thingiverse build page. You can use REC
plastic to print them. The rest of the components will need to be bought separately and it is better to take a pair at once, it will be cheaper and you will have more space for storing plastic spools.
As a result, you will get a great cheap box with good features.
Airtight Roll Container
Generally made specifically for pet food, but also great for storing lots of plastic spools.
If you think that you have too many spools of plastic and not a single container can cope with such a volume, then you are mistaken! This is not only a huge container, but it is also on 4 swivel wheels. It will be extremely easy and convenient to move it. Tightness at a height, because. it was developed to store food, and as we know, food is also hygroscopic. nine0003
A large amount of silica gel can be put on the bottom, which will completely get rid of moisture inside the box. The only disadvantage of such huge boxes is that when you need to get the coil that lies at the bottom, you will have to get all the coils lying above first.
Affordable price for this amount of usable space inside.
Zip Lock Bags
Resealable bags have always been a popular storage item for filament. Such bags are made of more durable and thicker plastic, so that moisture does not penetrate into the inside of the bag. A good zip lock, when properly closed, will ensure tightness.
nine0003
Even though the pouches are not as strong as a box and you certainly can't print directly from the pouches, they do the job just as well as any other sealed container. Only one coil is placed in such a package. But at a completely low price for such a package, you can buy a lot of them and use them for a long time.
There are also zip bags with an indicator strip that will show the humidity inside the bag
Vacuum storage bags
Many of us are familiar with vacuum storage bags. Most popular for storing and transporting clothes and the like, these bags work with either a hand pump (often included) or a household vacuum cleaner (for faster air extraction). A simple solution with a valve, just put the coil (you can have several) in a bag and pump out the air - that's it.
It is of course recommended to add silica gel before pumping out all the air, but this is not always necessary.
These bags are available in different sizes and opacity (transparent and opaque).
In opaque bags, it is best to put plastic that is affected by the sun's rays. nine0067 The price for such packages is low
OPTIONS
Clamp / Filament End Holder
One of the many Filament Clamps available on Thingiverse (Source: aliendagwood via Thingiverse)
go there will be an overlap. So if your filament spool doesn't have a hole around the edge (REC spools do) to secure the free end, or the free end doesn't quite reach the hole, try printing this accessory. A small clip fits onto the outer rim of the spool and securely holds the end of the filament. Download here
Dust filter
Dust is known to be the enemy of 3D printing. To avoid dust accumulating on the surface of the rod, you can print a small capsule into which a sponge or piece of cloth is inserted and when the rod passes through this capsule, all the dust remains outside the extruder.
You can also download it on Thingiverse
Silica gel
In general, silica gel is a dried gel formed from supersaturated solutions of silicic acids. It absorbs moisture very well. nine0003
Most often, silica gel is found in portion packs from 5 to 500 grams. The bags themselves contain silica gel balls, the size of the balls is from 2-4 mm.
Sometimes there are options without bags, there are just balls and you pour them into the right place in the right amount.
Color indication. Most dehumidifiers on the market have a color indication function. This means that as the silica gel becomes saturated with water, the color will gradually change from, say, blue to orange or orange to green, depending on the type of silica gel. nine0003
3D Filament Storage - Top 5 Tips!・Cults
It's no surprise that the quality of 3D printing filament can make a big difference in the quality of your prints. That is why there has been much debate about how best to maintain and store the thread.
However, no one argues about the main enemy of 3D filament - moisture.
There are countless stories on the Internet about manufacturers finding their new threads damaged by moisture in the air. It is important to note that some threads are more sensitive to moisture than others. For example, PLA, PVA carrier material, nylon and ABS are particularly sensitive to moisture in the air. nine0003
- 1) Thread breakage: Some threads are more sensitive to moisture in the air because they are made of materials that easily absorb water. For example, PLA plastic is biodegradable and is made from natural resources such as corn or rice. While much better for the environment than other plastics, it also means that under the right conditions it breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and methane. Humid conditions and ultraviolet radiation accelerate the degradation of the filament, which weakens it and causes inconsistent or poor-quality prints. nine0067
On his blog, RepRage talks about an experiment in which scientists tested how long PLA takes to absorb water.
They compared the weight of the thread before and after it was immersed in water for 30 days, and it turned out that it absorbed up to 60 ml of water! If you live in the tropics, you may want to store your floss in an airtight place so it doesn't absorb water from the air. Nylon is also highly absorbent and soaks with water as early as 18 hours after exposure to wet conditions. nine0003
-
2) Printer jams/nozzles: A side effect of filament absorbing water is that it increases in diameter and weakens the surface of the filament. When you insert it into the printer, it may cause a nozzle jam. Just as rice expands when you boil it in water, so does this filament expand and eventually become unusable because it cannot pass through your printer properly. In extreme cases, it can even mess up your hot end. If you think that the thread has absorbed moisture, it is recommended to measure its diameter. nine0003
-
3) Poor quality 3D printing: When water is absorbed into the filament and heated by the 3D printer for extrusion, the water combines with heat to form steam (you will hear a hissing sound when steam is generated).
This results in bubbles as the filament exits the hot end and an uneven print surface.
- 4) Weak thread and breakage: The more water gets on the thread, the higher the risk of thread breakage. Although water weakens the filament, the real problem comes when you heat up the wet filament while running it through the hot end of the 3D printer. Studies show that printing with wet material reduces its durability by 33%! nine0160
Of course, how much moisture will affect the filament depends on the type of filament you are using. PET and ABS are not as sensitive to moisture absorption as nylon or PLA. However, it does not hurt to store all threads in a water-free environment.
There are conflicting opinions about the ideal moisture level for your filament, but 10-15% moisture should be safe. Of course, you don't have to spend tons of money on fancy dehumidifiers and filament protection systems. Many manufacturers have taken to creating their own filament storage kits, such as Stephen Hall and his airtight filament container.
Here are some simple and inexpensive tips that we recommend:
- 1) Use desiccants to absorb moisture: The most effective and documented desiccant to keep the filament dry is silica gel. These are small, absorbent gel sachets found in shoe boxes and vitamin bottles. You can buy quartz beads that change color to indicate that the beads have passed a certain amount of water. When the beads change color, you can put them in the oven for 3 hours at 120°C and they will return to their original color and you can use them again. To store the gel, place it in any container with air holes or slots. You can 3D print one or more tinkers by using empty plastic containers and drilling small holes in them. nine0160
Rice is also a mild dehydrator and can absorb small amounts of water. If anyone has ever dropped their phone in water, you may have heard of the trick of putting it in a container of rice. It really helps! However, for this purpose, it is not as effective as silica gel in absorbing moisture from the air.
If you live in a humid climate, we recommend using silica.
-
2) Use vacuum bags: These bags differ from Ziploc bags in that they have a hole in which you can insert a vacuum cleaner tip to suck out all the air. No air = no moisture or other elements that will ruin the quality of your prints! To use the thread, you need to take it out of the bag and close it again. Make it even more effective by adding a few packs of silica gel to your bag! nine0003
-
3) Sealed pails or containers: This is an alternative to vacuum bags that can range from pet food containers to large pails available at any hardware store. There are lids with built-in dehydrators, called gamma lids, that you can also get at the hardware store. According to a conversation on the RepRap forum, 5 gallon buckets can hold 4 1kg spools of filament.
-
4) Do not store the thread for more than 12 months: Naturally, the quality of the thread deteriorates over time, no matter what measures you take to protect it from moisture.
Learn more
