Printing with filament which has absorbed moisture varies from impossible to disappointing. More errors are likely to occur and the surface finish is terrible.
The main problem happens when the moisture boils in the hot-end. Bubbles form in the melted material and flow is restricted leading to jams and rough surfaces on the material as it leaves the nozzle. This often results in poor layer adhesion or part strength and ugly surfaces. Other common issues are fragile filament which breaks before it gets to the hot-end and similar mechanical issues such as jamming in gears and feed wheels and gears.
It is possible to dry some filament to recover the intended usage but great care must be taken to avoid damage to the shape and dimensions of the filament (and the reel) or far worse problems can occur. There are many guides and suggestions for this but none are ideal and most do not remove moisture only temporarily disrupt it. Our best method uses an industrial oven with very accurate heating/ cooling in timed cycles and filtered air flow.
The best solution is prevention. CEL DryBox is ideal. DryBox looks like a bar fridge, glass and black powder coated metal with specially designed seals and humidity gauge clearly show the build quality.
Most plastics used in 3D printing are hygroscopic – they attract water molecules. Even polymers which are hydrophobic – ie repel water – can collect water on the surface through condensation.
The best solution is prevention. CEL DryBox is ideal. DryBox looks like a bar fridge, glass and black powder coated metal with specially designed seals and humidity gauge clearly show the build quality.
Most plastics used in 3D printing are hygroscopic – they attract water molecules. Even polymers which are hydrophobic – ie repel water – can collect water on the surface through condensation.
Four filament feed points compatible with 1.75mm and 2.85mm filament. Easy access for multiple feed reels plus extra storage space below. Locking castor wheels and sensor lights make the DryBox great to use. This is an excellent trolley which can be used with any 3D printer and can even be used at the same time to safely store sensitive gear and items.
The magic happens in the dehumidifier. Air is drawn in through a charged filter which has very low power consumption in a totally silent system. This air is dried to as low as 10% relative humidity (RH) with zero maintenance and maintained even in a temporary power cut.
Save money, prevent waste and improve print quality. Buy larger reels, we often use 5 or 8kg reels which are great value and offer more consistent results. The investment in material is safe in the DryBox as even without power the material is sealed. Surface finish is more consistent and print failures reduced.
