The Importance of Drying Your 3D Printing Filament

3D printing has revolutionized the world of design, prototyping, and manufacturing. As with any technology, the quality of the output is often a reflection of the quality of the input. In 3D printing, this "input" is the filament. One of the overlooked aspects of filament care is the importance of keeping it dry. Let's dive into the world of filament drying: why it's necessary, which filaments are more susceptible to moisture, and the noticeable differences in print results.

Why Dry Filaments?

Moisture can be a filament's worst enemy. When the filament absorbs moisture from the air, it can cause a range of issues during the printing process:

  1. Degradation of Material: Some filaments can break down when exposed to moisture, leading to weaker printed objects and filament snapping.
    Snapped 3d printing filament - source reddit user gugisgenderfluid
  2. Poor Surface Finish: Moisture-laden filament can result in a rough or bubbly surface finish.
    3D print with poor surface finish - source reddit user John_Yossarian
  3. Extrusion Issues: Water in the filament can turn to steam when heated, leading to popping sounds and inconsistent extrusion.
  4. Reduced Adhesion: Wet filament can lead to warping and reduced layer adhesion, which compromises the structural integrity of the print.
    3D print with poor layer adhesion - source reddit user John_Yossarian
  5. Stringing: One of the most noticeable problems with wet filament is "stringing." Stringing occurs when small threads of plastic are left behind as the print head moves between points. These thin strings create a web-like structure across the print, marring its appearance and requiring post-processing to clean up.
3D print with stringing - source reddit user peterbenz

Filaments and Their Moisture Sensitivity

Different filaments have varying levels of sensitivity to moisture:

How to Dry Your Filament

The Results: Dry vs. Wet Filament

When you compare prints made with dry filament to those made with wet filament, the differences are clear:

Conclusion

Proper filament care, especially drying, is essential for achieving optimal 3D printing results. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, understanding the importance of dry filament can make a significant difference in the quality of your prints. So next time you're gearing up for a print, ensure your filament is dry and see the difference for yourself!