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The best 3D printers can only be as good as the materials put into them. Therefore, knowing how to store 3D printer filament is crucial to ensuring your print comes out well. To do this, the filament needs to be stored in a dry, airtight space because many types easily absorb humidity. Filament that has taken in too much water is often useless, even when used in the best printers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
For more great content concerning 3D printers, we have additional articles, like one on how to remove supports from 3D prints. And for anyone moving with their device, check out our guide on how to transport a 3D printer.
Insider Tip
There are specific containers dedicated to filament storage. They lock out humidity while allowing easy access, so the filament spool feeds directly to the printer from the container.
The main reason why storing printer filament is so essential is that many types quickly absorb moisture. Unfortunately, filaments like ABS, PLA, and PVA share this common trait, meaning you must be extra careful where you store them.
When left in a damp area, it absorbs the water from the surrounding atmosphere. But, as you might guess, the water-logged filament can ruin a print. Therefore, adopting the best practices for storing it is crucial to the overall process. Thankfully, there are many easy methods to store your filament safely.
For those just getting their feet wet with 3D printing, we have a lot of great articles on how to set up a 3D printer. For example, we have a guide outlining how to calibrate a 3D printer.
To check for absorption, examine the filament to see if it’s brittle or swollen. Saturated filament will also produce a popping noise while printing and will have trouble sticking to the build plate.
Ultimately, ensuring your filament is in a good place is easy. First, ensure the room is the driest area in the house. Then, find a container that repels moisture. Any of the following will do:
If you don’t have an air-tight container, you should set up a dehumidifier in the room to ensure the moisture levels don’t get too high. Another helpful measure is to place a couple of packets of desiccants in the container.
Warning
Many filament fumes are toxic. Therefore, when printing with 3D filament, always keep the printer enclosed and the room well-ventilated.
Most people are unaware that saturated 3D printer filament can be made usable again. There are dedicated devices for filament dehydration, but you can also use your oven at home. Just place the filament in the oven/dryer and leave it at about 50-70Celsius for a few hours.
STAT: For PLA filament, the surrounding humidity should not be over 15%. (source)
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