Have you experienced the amazing magic of 3D printers? The process and the product can be awesome. But have you seen some cases of 3D printing failures? Apart from operations, the quality of 3D printer filament might be the biggest cause and improper storage can damage its quality. So, to ensure a smooth and perfect printing result, proper filament storage is crucial.

In this article, we will provide you with expert tips and ideas on how to store 3D printer filament to ensure the best printing experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced 3D printer enthusiast, these tips will definitely help you!

Why Is 3D Filament Storage Important?

For 3d printer spool storage, moisture can be the worst enemy. It can cause a range of print quality issues and even damage the printer itself. Here are some reasons explaining why it is important to store your filament correctly to keep it dry.

• Preserves filament color and appearance: Moisture can cause discoloration and fading of filament. Keeping filament dry helps maintain its original color vibrancy, ensuring visually appealing prints.
• Minimize filament breakage: Moisture-absorbed filaments are often brittle, which makes them easier to break down, causing failed prints and wasted material, as well as potential damage to the printer's extruder and other components.
• Prevent nozzle clogs: When filament with moisture is extruded through your 3D printer, it can create steam and bubbles. They can cause nozzle clogs and affect the printer's overall functionality. Keeping filament dry can reduce such risks effectively.
• Enhance print quality: When filament absorbs moisture, it may lead to printing problems such as bubbling, uneven layers, and poor adhesion. These issues will compromise the quality of your finished products. Therefore, keeping filament dry is the key to optimal print quality.

How to Store Filament?

As keeping filaments dry is essential for maintaining the printer's functionality and ensuring excellent prints, we should find out the best way to store 3d printer filament. Incorporating the following filament storage ideas will help you maintain a dry and organized environment for your filament:

1. Organize Filament on Shelves

The simplest way to store filaments is to keep them organized on shelves. This method works best for storing filaments that are less prone to moisture absorption, like PLA filament. To keep PLA filament dry and prevent deformation and tangling, store spools vertically and stack them upright.

However, for moisture-sensitive filaments like PVA,TPU, nylon, and PETG, keeping them on open shelves can lead to moisture absorption over time, especially in environments with high humidity.

To mitigate this risk, ensure that the storage area remains clean, dry, and maintains stable temperature and humidity levels. Using a dehumidifier and hygrometers to monitor and control the humidity in the storage area can be helpful.

If you're in a particularly humid environment, consider combining open-shelf storage with silica gel desiccants to absorb excess moisture.

2. Choose Proper Filament Storage Containers

When selecting storage containers for your filament, choose those that provide an airtight seal. Airtight containers help protect filaments from exposure to moisture, dust, and other contaminants. This is especially important for moisture-sensitive filaments, like nylon, TPU, and PETG, as they can absorb moisture from the air and degrade quickly.

Clear or translucent containers are ideal because they allow you to easily monitor the stored filament without needing to open the container. If you have many rolls of filament, consider using larger storage containers with silica gel packs to keep the air dry. For high-volume storage, a humidity-controlled box or cabinet might be a good investment.

3. Use Filament Dryer

For moisture-absorbed filament, using a filament dryer can be a workaround. Such dryers use heat and a fan to dry out and rejuvenate filament, restoring it to optimal printing conditions.

To dry filaments like ABS and PETG, set the oven or filament dryer to 140°F - 160°F (60°C - 70°C) and dry for 5 hours. For less moisture-sensitive materials like PLA, set the temperature to 120°F (49°C) and dry for around 7 hours. Always ensure that the temperature stays within safe limits for the filament type to avoid damaging it.

Filament dryers designed specifically for 3D printing filaments can dry a roll in 3 to 6 hours, depending on the material. This process is a great way to restore filament that has absorbed moisture and prepare it for use again.

4. Vacuum Seal Filament

Vacuum sealing filament is a great way to store 3D printer filament for long term use. A vacuum sealer creates an airtight seal around the filament spool, preventing air and moisture from damaging the filament.

Vacuum sealers create an airtight barrier around the filament spool, preventing air and moisture from damaging the filament. This helps to preserve filament quality and ensures it remains usable for an extended period.

To vacuum seal the filament, use a vacuum sealing machine to remove air from the bag and create a tight seal around the spool. For added protection, include silica gel desiccant packs inside the vacuum bag to absorb any remaining moisture. Vacuum sealing is especially effective for filaments stored for months or even years. However, the process does take up more space and requires extra time for sealing and unsealing the filament rolls.

What to Do if Your Filament Becomes Too Wet?

If your filament becomes too wet, please dry it before using it in your 3D printer to prevent serious printing problems. Here are various methods you can try to absorb filament moisture.

• Dry it out with a filament dryer: If your filament has absorbed moisture, using a filament dryer is the most straightforward solution. Just place the wet filament in the dryer, set the appropriate temperature and time, and let it gradually heat and remove the moisture.
• Bake the filament in an oven:If you have no access to a filament dryer, you can try a conventional oven to dry out the filament. Preheat the oven to a low temperature (around 50°C or 122°F) and place the filament on a baking sheet. Leave it in the oven for a few hours and periodically check to ensure it doesn't overheat or melt.
• Store the filament in a dry box with desiccant:After drying the filament, remember to store it properly. A dry box with desiccant is highly recommended to remove minor moisture. Desiccants, such as silica gel or desiccant packs, will also absorb the moisture in the sealed container.

You can read this guide for more tips on how to properly dry filament.

Two Best 3D Printers for Multiple Filament Compatibility

3D printing quality depends not only on the filament but also on the printer. For optimal results, choose a printer that supports multiple filaments. Here are two top recommendations.

AnkerMake M5 3D Printer

The AnkerMake M5 3D Printer is a versatile option that offers excellent filament compatibility. Its hot-end design and extrusion system can handle a wide range of filament diameters and materials, from standard PLA to more advanced filaments such as Nylon or flexible TPU. With its precision and double CPU structure, this printer stands out in dealing with cryogenic materials, especially under multi-task circumstances.

AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer

The AnkerMake M5C 3D Printer is another great choice for handling multiple filaments to ensure ideal printing conditions. Compared with M5 3D printer, it features an advanced hot-end temperature control and a robust extrusion flow, allowing for quicker printing speed with more filaments used in specific engineering. Besides, its one-CPU design makes it more dedicated to specific printing tasks. Its consistent and reliable performance will also guarantee a smooth printing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding how to store 3d printer filament is crucial for achieving optimal printing results. Proper storage guarantees filament quality, ensuring flawless prints. Moisture control, as emphasized, is pivotal for success. Employing storage methods like organized shelving, suitable containers, filament dryers, and vacuum sealing safeguards filament integrity.

Additionally, if you're interested in using multiple filaments, selecting the right 3D printers that offer compatibility with various materials is key to expanding your creative possibilities.

FAQs

How long can 3D printer filament sit out?

3D printer filament can be left out for varying periods, depending on the material. PLA filament can sit out for a few weeks to a couple of months without significant degradation. However, some materials which are more sensitive to moisture such as ABS, nylon and PVA may start to absorb moisture within a few days.

How to store PLA filament?

To store PLA filament, keep it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. The simplest way to store spools is to put them vertically on shelves to prevent deformation and tangling, and use a dehumidifier to maintain low humidity levels. For long-term use, airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags with silica gel desiccants can provide extra protection, keeping the filament dry and in optimal condition.

Is filament dryer worth it?

Yes, a filament dryer is an effective helper for 3D filament storage, especially for those who regularly work with moisture-sensitive filaments. The dryer can effectively remove moisture from the filament, in order to save time and bring improved print quality.

What happens if you don't dry your filament?

If you don't dry your filament before printing, moisture can cause several issues. It can create steam bubbles during heating, which affect the print's structural integrity. Moisture can also cause the filament to swell, leading to nozzle clogs and disrupting smooth extrusion. Over time, wet filament can damage your printer's internal components, potentially requiring costly repairs.

Can you leave filament in a 3d printer?

It's not recommended to leave filament in a 3D printer for extended periods. Prolonged exposure to heat and moisture can degrade the filament, causing print quality issues and potential damage to the printer. If not in use, remove the filament and store it in a cool, dry place to maintain its quality and prevent clogs.