How effective it is to seal PETG and PLA using Ziploc Space Bag vs. Vacuum Sealed Containers
Hi, are the two mentioned above a good and inexpensive way to store the filaments? Which is better? I read that regardless of the method, one should also put silica gel packs inside. How many gram should I use? How man packs should I assign to each filament roll? Thanks
RE: How effective it is to seal PETG and PLA using Ziploc Space Bag vs. Vacuum Sealed Containers
There's a thread here somewhere in which rather extensive testing was done. IIRC, a zip loc bag with a packet of desiccant is good for a couple of weeks. Double bagging definitely helps. In any case, the freezer bags leak over time. There was some vacuum testing done as well, but that was more on dry times, not the bags themselves.
I'd toss a packet of color changing desiccant in and seal it, then keep an eye on it. If it doesn't change colors, you've got a good seal. There are probably a lot of variation between bags and sealers, so trying it for yourself is going to be your best bet.
I personally toss in a couple of the small 5g packets with a spool into a single 2 gallon freezer bag. This keeps things dry for anything I'm printing with regularly. If I pull out an older spool, rather than guess as to whether it's dry, I toss it into a dryer if possible. IMO a good dryer is more important than a good sealer. I go by "when in doubt, dry it out" if I see stringing or really care about quality.
RE: How effective it is to seal PETG and PLA using Ziploc Space Bag vs. Vacuum Sealed Containers
Thanks. For the past, the usage of the printer is more like using it continuously for a few days and then leave it alone for a few months. If that is the case, then a zip log bag may not be good because it is only good for a couple of weeks? Double bagging may be a good solution to this.
Any recommendation on color changing desiccant?