3D printing is gaining popularity among both professionals and enthusiasts. One of the important aspects of quality 3D printing is the proper storage of filaments. Using a filament drying box, such as the Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box Plus and Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box, can significantly improve printing results. In this article, we will discuss why it is important to use a filament drying box, which filaments like PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG should be stored in such a box, and why.
What is a filament drying box?
The filament drying box is a device that provides a controlled environment for storing filaments. It offers real-time monitoring to track humidity and drying hours. It protects the filaments from moisture, dust, and other external factors that can degrade their quality. Additionally, it uses hot air heating for quick and even heating, reaching temperatures up to 65°C in a short time.
Why is it important to use a Filament Dry Box?
- Protects from moisture: The filaments can absorb moisture from the environment, leading to printing issues such as bubbles, poor layer adhesion, and unstable structures. The filament drying box keeps the filaments dry and ready for use.
- Extends the life of the filaments: Proper storage prevents the degradation of the filaments, ensuring a longer shelf life and better print quality.
- Improves print quality: Filaments stored in a drying box provide smoother and more precise prints without defects caused by moisture. Real-time humidity is monitored for optimal drying conditions. A fan that circulates hot air ensures even heat distribution for fast and efficient drying.
What filaments are recommended to be stored in a drying box?
Some filaments are more sensitive to moisture than others, and therefore it is particularly important to store them in a drying box. Here are some of them:
- PLA** (Polylactic Acid)**: Although PLA is one of the less moisture-sensitive filaments, it can still be negatively affected by prolonged exposure to moisture. It is recommended to dry it at a temperature of 40-50°C for about 4-6 hours.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is more sensitive to moisture and can crack or lose its mechanical properties. Drying at 80-90°C for about 2-4 hours is sufficient to avoid these issues. ABS, ASA, PETG, TPU can be effectively dried and stored under these conditions to prevent printing errors and improve print quality.
- Nylon: Nylon filaments are highly hygroscopic and absorb moisture very quickly, which can lead to serious problems during printing. For nylon, it is recommended to dry at 70-80°C for 8-12 hours.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG also absorbs moisture, which can lead to bubble formation and poor print quality. This filament is dried at 65-70°C for about 4-6 hours. ASA, PETG, TPU, PP can be dried at a temperature range of 45°C to 65°C to prevent printing errors caused by moisture.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): TPU is a flexible filament that can also be affected by moisture and lose its properties. Drying TPU should be done at 50-60°C for 4-6 hours. PETG, TPU, PP, PC can be dried under these conditions to avoid moisture issues and improve print quality.
Filaments such as PLA, ABS, ASA can be dried and stored at a temperature range of 45°C to 65°C to avoid printing errors and to improve the quality of the prints.
Benefits of using the Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box
Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box Plus and Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box are designed to provide the best solution for filament storage. They offer a controlled environment with adjustable humidity and temperature control, allowing you to monitor drying conditions in real time.
"They also have a built-in fan that circulates hot air evenly in a 360° range inside the chamber."
Adjustable humidity:
The drying boxes for filament from Creality allow for humidity regulation, providing ideal conditions for storing various types of filaments. This control is especially important for nylon and TPU, which are highly hygroscopic. Real-time monitoring of humidity levels further enhances print quality and prevents issues such as filament pulling, clogging, and poor adhesion during printing.
Temperature control:
Maintaining a constant temperature protects the filaments from condensation and moisture absorption. Temperature control is essential for filaments like ABS and PETG, which can deteriorate if stored improperly. The temperature range of 45°C to 65°C is suitable for ASA, PETG, TPU, PP, and other materials to prevent printing errors caused by moisture and to improve print quality.
Easy access and organization:
The Creality boxes are designed with convenient lids and holders that provide easy access and organization of the filaments. This makes it easier for users, allowing them to quickly and easily change the filaments.
Compatibility with different filament sizes:
Regardless of the diameter of the filament, Creality's filament drying boxes provide compatibility and convenience for storage. This is especially useful for users who use different types of filaments in their projects.
Additional features:
Some models offer features such as a humidity and temperature display, providing additional control and convenience. These features help users monitor the conditions inside the box and make necessary adjustments. Real-time monitoring of humidity and drying hours through a countdown timer allows users to keep track of the filament drying conditions. Hot air heating quickly heats and circulates hot air evenly in the chamber, reaching temperatures of up to 65°C in a short time.
In conclusion about the filament drying boxes:
Using a filament drying box is an essential step for anyone looking to achieve high-quality 3D printing. The filament drying boxes from Creality, such as Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box Plus and Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box, offer excellent solutions for filament storage, providing ideal conditions to maintain quality and extend their lifespan. Investing in a filament drying box is an investment in better results and fewer issues in 3D printing.
