Moisture Issue?
I am printing an electronics enclosure using Spectrum Filaments FlameGuard ASA 275. My filament settings in Prusaslicer (for the Core One) are as follows:
- Extrusion Multiplier: 0.96
- Density: 1.08
- Nozzle: 260 degrees (all layers)
- Bed: 70 degrees (all layers)
- Chamber set to 40 degrees minimum.
I am printing fairly slowly (maximum 45mm/s except support material which is max 60mm/s); print external perimeters (3) first; scarf joints; 15% cubic infill. All other settings are default for Prusament ASA.
I am using a brand new roll of filament that was well sealed, but still had it in a filament dryer at 65 degrees for a couple of hours before I started printing. I also feed the filament from the dryer to the printer directly and keep the dryer running while the print is going.
Despite this, I am seeing pitting on the outer perimeter of the enclosure I printed, mostly concentrated on one side.
I am reprinting this enclosure again having run the dryer for 3+ hours. So far I am still seeing this pitting occur.
Is this caused by moisture in the filament? Has anyone here had experience with this filament before? I have printed with regular ASA and PETG and never seen this before. If it is moisture, how long should I be drying this stuff out for?
Thanks,
Mike
It certainly looks like damp filament. How are you drying it?
Cheerio,
RE: Moisture Issue?
Using a creality space pi 2. But I do not think I'm drying it for long enough. I also don't think Spectrums solid plastic spools help as the inner windings of filament don't get a chance to dry out. West tho is that it's a new roll that was sealed, Soni question the QC.
I don't know that particular model but be aware that some so-called filament dryers don't change the air enough - many of us have switched to domestic food dehydrators for that reason. New filament might still be dry; it was packed dry, but you have no idea how long it waited on the wholesaler's shelves or how it was treated in transit.
Cheerio,
RE: Moisture Issue?
I am interested in what food dehydrator people are using. I have had a hard time finding one that is big enough and hot enough and still not too expensive. Would love to know if you all have found a good oven and which brand and model you chose.
RE: Moisture Issue?
No currently in stock but I use:
I didn't do much research - just picked one that used up the remaining credit on a gift-card.
I have seen several almost identical alternatives for around £50 - £70; sometimes perhaps just the badge is different. I'm sure they would all work as well. There are very few filaments that require really high drying temperatures and even those can usually be dried at a lower temperature if you allow a lot longer time.
You can either snip out the bottom of a couple of trays to make room for a filament roll or do what I did and print a tall spacer from PETG. Then I printed another spacer - and another; now I can stack three or sometimes four spools to dry together. Include one of the food trays in the stack and dry your dessicant packets at the same time to help with storage.
If you routinely dry after use along with the dessicant and store in ziplock bags then most filament will remain in good enough condition to use straight from store for several months.
If you combine this with printing from your existing dryer you should be able to handle even some of the more technical filaments.
Cheerio,
RE: Moisture Issue?
Thanks!