Best Ways To Store Your 3D Printing Filament

How should I protect my filament?

It’s a very understandable question. After all, it’s plastic and shouldn’t be able to absorb water. However, most thermoplastics used in 3D printing are hygroscopic, so they absorb water from the air if left unprotected. This means that simply leaving your filaments out in the open can result in poor-quality prints.

The resulting effects on your filament aren’t pretty either, as here are some of the things that can happen to your filament once it absorbs moisture:

• Increased brittleness
• Filament degradation
• Diameter augmentation
• Filament bubbling / hissing steam at the hot-end
• Higher temperature is needed for extrusion
• Broken filament

Remember: these aren’t Ziploc bags (bags that you simply seal at the top), as those don’t always get out all of the moisture. Try buying bags that have an opening for your vacuum cleaner to make sure all that life-saving oxygen is removed from the bag.

2. Silica Gel – Not Just For Shoes

Silica gel packs must become your best friend if you're using PLA filament. They might even come included when you buy some new filament, so you’re going to want to hold onto those. Why? Well, as mentioned above, PLA absorbs much more water than ABS. Don’t get me wrong, though; both still absorb water, so use these packs for both ABS and PLA.

Blue means dry, purple, not so much. (Via forums.vr-zone.com)

Silica gel packs come in different shapes and sizes; some can be reused if you dry them in an oven. However, these and other packs like these aren’t always the best, as you can’t tell when they have become saturated. If you want to get serious about drying out your filament, silica gel packs with moisture saturation indicators might be a better bet. These change color from yellow/orange to green or blue (depending on ambient moisture level). Simply place the gel packs into sealable Ziploc bags, Tupperware, or anything else that won’t let air get inside.

In the end, though, keeping your filament dry using silica gel is a neat and easy method for keeping your filament dry. Many people always ask if rice is a suitable replacement. It’s not bad, but it’s definitely not as good as using silica gel packs.

3. Use Your Filament

It’s great that filament comes in all different types and sizes. However, keeping too many and forgetting to use all of it, or simply not using the ones you have, is not the best idea if the filament is kept in an open area for long periods of time.

Be careful; keeping filament for over 12 months can lead to moisture absorption, depending on the filament. The best thing to do would be to buy only what you need and make sure to use it all within a few weeks/months.

With great filament comes great responsibility. (Via Thingiverse)

4. Bonus Tips:

• Use litmus strips in order to indicate humidity – a quick way instead of using color-changing desiccants.
• Always remove your filament when you have finished printing
• You can always 3D print your own spool holder to protect the filament from moisture
• Make your own “dry box” from various sources on the internet
• Dehumidifiers work well – plug it in overnight when it says “wet,” and you should be good to go again

You can’t make an omelet without cracking a few eggs, but 3D printing isn’t your typical breakfast, and using low-quality filament shouldn’t be an excuse for an average 3D print job. The tips used above, whether used on their own or combined with others on the list, will help you produce amazing, high-quality 3D prints. Some may sound a little extreme, but in the end, it will help save time, money, and tables from being flipped in frustration. You could even produce your own filament whenever you need or want to, but remember that your filament is precious. If you look after it, it will look after your 3D printing. Do you have any extra tips that we forgot to mention? Let us know in the comments section below.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, proper storage and protection of your 3D printing filament are essential for achieving high-quality prints and ensuring the longevity of your filament. Moisture and humidity can wreak havoc on the filament, leading to issues like increased brittleness, degradation, and diameter augmentation, affecting both the filament and your 3D printer.

To safeguard your filament, consider using vacuum-sealed bags to keep moisture, odors, and bugs at bay. Silica gel packs can be a valuable ally, especially for PLA filament, which is more prone to water absorption. These packs help absorb excess moisture and can be reused after drying in an oven.

Another vital tip is to use your filament promptly and avoid hoarding excessive quantities in open areas for extended periods. Filament can absorb moisture over time, affecting its printing quality.

By following these practical tips and incorporating other methods like using litmus strips, 3D printing spool holders, or dehumidifiers, you can maintain the optimal condition of your filament and achieve remarkable, high-quality 3D prints.

Remember, taking good care of your filament translates to excellent 3D printing results, saving you time, money, and potential frustration. Embrace these practices, and your filament will repay you with outstanding performance in your 3D printing endeavors.

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