Filament dryer that can be used with external timer
I am looking for a filament dryer that allows me to select a temperature that it remembers even when disconnected from power, so I can turn it on or off with an external timer. All the ones I have found online need to be turned on after connecting them to power. Can anyone point me to one that doesn’t? Also, I’d like to be able to print directly from the dryer, so a vegetable/mushroom dryer wouldn’t do the trick…
Best,
Stefan.
RE: Filament dryer that can be used with external timer
a filament dryer that allows me to select a temperature that it remembers even when disconnected from power
If you get something with a manual analogue dial-knob but switch it on and off at the wall or through a smart switch that should meet your needs.
I’d like to be able to print directly from the dryer, so a vegetable/mushroom dryer wouldn’t do the trick…
It might; if you can design and print a spool holder on bearings to fit inside. They tend to be more robust and analogue controls are common.
Cheerio,
RE: Filament dryer that can be used with external timer
I suspect that for safety reasons most of these devices require a manual on switch.
Formerly known on this forum as @fuchsr -- https://foxrun3d.com/
RE: Filament dryer that can be used with external timer
This may be the perfect project to build your own with an Arduino or Similar. Could be set and then turn on with power. Shut down after a fixed set of time.
RE: Filament dryer that can be used with external timer
Yes, I was thinking of a dryer with a mechanical temperature setting (a knob), plugged into an outlet that my smart home system could turn on when my photovoltaics produce surplus electricity. I'll have to see whether I can find a dryer that fits the bill. Some may have a mechanical timer dial that I could jam to make it turn on whenever it gets power.
RE: Filament dryer that can be used with external timer
If you are handy enough, the timer could be bypassed inside the heater which I feel would be safer than jamming it.
Why not look at a silicone heater and a mechanical thermal switch. You could build a filament box with this inside. There was a video I saw a about using a reptile heater for a dry box. Doing it this way, you pick your box and then add the heater.