3D printing is gaining popularity among professionals and enthusiasts alike. One of the key aspects of quality 3D printing is the proper storage of filaments. Using a filament dry box, such as the Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box Plus or the Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box, can significantly improve printing results. In this article, we will examine why it is important to use a filament dry box, which filaments like PLA, ABS, ASA, and PETG should be stored in such a box, and why.
Contents
What is a filament dry box?
A filament dry box is a device that provides a controlled environment for storing filaments. It offers real-time monitoring to track humidity and drying time. It protects filaments from moisture, dust, and other external factors that can degrade their quality. Additionally, it uses hot air heating for fast and even warming, reaching temperatures of up to 70 °C with the Creality Space Pi and Space Pi Plus.
Why is it important to use a Filament Dry Box?
- Protects against moisture: Filaments can absorb moisture from the environment, leading to printing problems such as bubbles, poor layer adhesion, and unstable structures. A filament dry box keeps filaments dry and ready for use.
- Extends filament life: Proper storage limits re-absorption of moisture and helps preserve filament quality.
- Improves print quality: Proper drying can reduce defects caused by moisture, such as bubbles and uneven extrusion. Real-time humidity is monitored for optimal drying conditions. A fan that circulates hot air ensures uniform heat distribution for fast and efficient drying.
A practical tip: if you hear "popping" sounds from the nozzle, see micro-bubbles on the surface, or notice strings/"spiderwebs" increasing without changing settings, this is often a sign of moisture. In such cases, drying before printing (and keeping the spool dry during the print) usually provides the fastest visible difference.
Which filaments are recommended to be stored in a dry box?
Some filaments are more sensitive to moisture than others, making it especially important to store them in a dry 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 long-term exposure to moisture.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is more sensitive to moisture and may crack or lose its mechanical properties.
- Nylon: Nylon filaments are highly hygroscopic and absorb moisture very quickly, which can lead to serious printing issues.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG also absorbs moisture, which can lead to bubble formation and poor print quality.
- TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): TPU is a flexible filament that can also be affected by moisture and lose its properties.
Filament drying temperature: verified examples
The temperature and drying time depend on the specific product, not just the type of filament. Even two PLA filaments may have different manufacturer recommendations. Before drying, check the device's capabilities as well as the spool's allowable temperature. For example, the mode for Fillamentum Nylon FX256 exceeds the maximum temperature of the Creality Space Pi and Space Pi Plus.
| Filament and specific product | Drying temperature and time | Storage after drying |
|---|---|---|
| PLA – Polymaker Panchroma PLA | 55 °C / 6 hours, if humid | In a tightly sealed box or bag with silica gel |
| PLA – Fillamentum PLA Extrafill | 50 °C / minimum 3 hours | In a tightly sealed box or bag with silica gel |
| PETG – Polymaker PolyLite PETG | 65 °C / 6 hours | In a tightly sealed box or bag with silica gel |
| TPU – Polymaker PolyFlex TPU95 | 70 °C / 8 hours | In a tightly sealed box or bag with silica gel |
| Nylon – Fillamentum Nylon FX256 | 80 °C / 3 hours, if humid | In a tightly sealed box or bag with silica gel |
| ABS – Polymaker PolyLite ABS | 70 °C / 6 hours | In a tightly sealed box or bag with silica gel |
| PA-CF – Fiberon PA12-CF10 | 100 °C / 10 hours (TDS V1.1) | In a tightly sealed box or bag with silica gel |
Particularly moisture-sensitive materials, such as Nylon and PA-CF, also need protection during 3D printing. For Fiberon PA12-CF10, the manufacturer specifies a relative humidity of below 20%.
Benefits of using the Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box
The Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box Plus and Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box are designed to provide the best filament storage solution. They provide a controlled environment with humidity monitoring and temperature control, allowing you to track drying conditions in real-time.
They also feature a built-in fan that circulates hot air evenly in a 360° range inside the chamber.
Humidity monitoring:
Creality's filament dry boxes allow for monitoring the humidity in the chamber while drying different types of filaments. This monitoring is particularly useful for Nylon and TPU, which are highly hygroscopic.
It is important to distinguish between drying and dry storage of filament. An active dryer reduces absorbed moisture, while a sealed box with silica gel mainly protects against re-absorption. Furthermore, the dryer display shows relative air humidity, not the moisture inside the filament. Therefore, a low reading alone does not mean that the drying process is complete.
Temperature control:
Stable temperature aids in drying but does not in itself prevent the filament from re-absorbing moisture. Temperature control is essential for filaments like ABS and PETG, which can degrade if stored improperly. The Creality Space Pi and Space Pi Plus maintain a temperature range of 45 to 70 °C, with the appropriate setting depending on the specific filament.
Easy access and organization:
Creality's boxes are designed with convenient lids and holders that ensure easy access and organization of filaments. This facilitates users by allowing them to change filaments quickly and easily.
Compatibility with different filament sizes:
Before choosing a dryer, check whether the diameter and width of the spool are compatible with the specific model. This is especially useful for users who use different types of filaments in their projects.
Additional functions:
Some models offer features like a humidity and temperature display, providing additional control and convenience. These functions help users track the conditions in the box and make the necessary adjustments. Real-time monitoring of humidity and drying time via a countdown timer allows users to track the filament's drying conditions. Hot air heating quickly warms and circulates hot air evenly in the chamber, reaching temperatures of up to 70 °C with the Creality Space Pi and Space Pi Plus.
Conclusion on filament dry boxes:
Using a filament dry box is an essential step for anyone looking to achieve high-quality 3D printing. Creality's filament dry boxes, such as the Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box Plus and Creality Space Pi Filament Dry Box, offer excellent solutions for storing filaments, ensuring ideal conditions to preserve quality and extend their lifespan. If you are looking for an alternative or an additional option, you can also check out the SUNLU Fila Dryer S2 or a model with a larger capacity like the Creality SpacePi X4. Investing in a filament dry box is an investment in better results and fewer issues with 3D printing.
For a quick reference to all available models and current stock: Dry Box / Filament Dry Boxes (catalog).
