frequency when to unload filament
Should I unload the PLA filament every time I have finished using the printer for the day? Or at the end of every week? or ?
At the library where I used another brand printer, they never unloaded the filament. They seemed to replace the nozzle, plugged with filament, every couple of months.
I want to set up a good routine but not be anal about it, nor cause unload filament problems like I read about in this forum.
RE: frequency when to unload filament
Should I unload the PLA filament every time I have finished using the printer for the day? Or at the end of every week? or ?
Unless you're using a filament type that is prone to rapid moisture absorption (e.g. nylons), you can usually leave it for a day or two with no adverse effects. It really depends on your filament and local environmental conditions. That said, I try to toss my spools in a bag with a packet or two of desiccant whenever I'm done printing with it. No need to stress about it, but just avoid leaving it out for long periods if the filament is affected.
You can always buy a filament dryer or adapt a food dehydrator to dry out any filament that does absorb too much moisture, so it's not the end of the world with most common filaments.
At the library where I used another brand printer, they never unloaded the filament. They seemed to replace the nozzle, plugged with filament, every couple of months.
I suspect they had other issues, but filament can degrade over time, leading to snapping or stringing. That can lead to clogs that can lead to tossing nozzles.
I want to set up a good routine but not be anal about it, nor cause unload filament problems like I read about in this forum.
Work up a routine just to avoid common problems. I always trim the loose end of a spool I've removed for a clean point so it's ready to load for next time, and conscientiously clip the loose end with a small binder clip to avoid tangles. If I'm done with it for a while, I put the spool in a 2 gallon ziploc bag with 2 packets of desiccant. I've not had any problems with common PLA and PETG filaments in 3 years. Any issues I notice are fixed with drying.
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RE: frequency when to unload filament
I regularly leave filament in overnight, even for a couple of days at times.
The only issue I've had is when I left PC Blend (high temperature filament) in overnight and tried to unload it and load PLA the next day. I had to get it very hot to flush the remnants of the PC Blend out.
RE: frequency when to unload filament
Thanx for the great advice. Wonderful info for Prusa to put in a future version of the handbook.