Question about storing and using filament
After drying a spool of filament (at the correct temperature and for the correct time per the manufacturer's guide). Then I put that filament in a dry box with desiccant till I need it. How long will that filament stay dry and ready to print in the dry box?
Does this dry box time vary by filament type?
Prusa Core One
RE: Question about storing and using filament
After drying a spool of filament (at the correct temperature and for the correct time per the manufacturer's guide). Then I put that filament in a dry box with desiccant till I need it. How long will that filament stay dry and ready to print in the dry box?
Does this dry box time vary by filament type?
Depends on the type of filament. For example, if your dry box is well sealed and your desiccant is not saturated, then PA6 is good for maybe 3-4 days before it has to be dried again. On the other hand, PET-G should be good for a long time. PLA can usually, depending on how humid your environment is, be stored outside a dry box.
RE: Question about storing and using filament
For example, if you want to print with PPA-CF, PA6, or PA12, you must print directly from the drying unit; otherwise, print quality will deteriorate. If you’re printing with PETG from the drybox, a good amount of drying granules and a gyroscope will suffice.
Mods for Core One: Core One HT 450 degrees, Comfortable display , Very fast print start and Reducing noises
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RE: Question about storing and using filament
Thanks guys. What about filaments like ASA-CF and TPU95?
Prusa Core One
RE:
Thanks guys. What about filaments like ASA-CF and TPU95?
ASA is hygroscopic but not that bad. If I'm going to do a long print with it, I'll pop it in the dryer first regardless. Better safe than sorry.
TPU is a water sponge like nylon (but not as bad) and needs to be kept dry. I don't print a lot of TPU but after 3-4 weeks in a dry box I find I have to dry it again before a print. Basically if the hydrometer is above 15% and the desiccant is still charged, then it's time to pop it back in the dryer. Another thing about TPU is that never assume that a brand-new vacuum sealed spool is ready to print. It's an easy mistake to make. Here is an example of Siraya Tech TPU 64D that was in a factory sealed bag and immediately printed (on the left) followed by drying it for 6 hours
RE: Question about storing and using filament
I would also have a good hygrometer in the dry box to keep reading it. hyiger's comment about TPU is correct. TPU, even in a low RH environment will absorb moisture as it prints. Need to print directly from a dry box with good desiccant. My first attempts with TPU were from dryer to printer enclosure. Start of print was nice. By the time it reached 8mm, it was stringing and hissing.
I am lucky, I live in a dry area. Normal RH is around 20% at 22 degrees.
A friend of mine that is new to 3D printing has a separate box with feed tube, for each spool of filament, hygrometer and activated alumina desiccant. Even after a few weeks, the boxes are reading 10% RH at 25 degrees. I also think the gauge they have doesn't go below 10%. I know that mine read LO when they are blow 10% RH.
Any answer regarding dry filament and time depends on the humidity where the printer is. If it is low, like mine, then the times are much longer. If you are in the jungle, very much shorter.