All cast iron deposit moldings (FDM) 3D printing consumables are hygroscopic, meaning they have an affinity for absorbing moisture. This characteristic can significantly damage the consumables, which are made up of connected molecular chains. Water molecules in humidity can disrupt these molecular chains, causing problems during printing. In this article, we will delve into the world of hygroscopic 3D printing consumables, exploring how to identify wet wire, how to dry it, and how to preserve the dried product.
Different wires absorb humidity at different rates, but there are common signs that your coil is wet. These include:
* Pop sounds or bubbling when printing
* Reduced part adhesion and layer adhesion
* Uneven extrusion lines
* Severe stringing, bubbling, or oozing
* An abnormal texture or “waves” on the print surface
If you notice any of these elements, it’s best to dry the wire. For materials with strong hygroscopicity, such as nylon, PETG, PVA, and flexible materials, problems can arise even if they’re exposed to air overnight.
There are several methods to dry hygroscopic 3D printing consumables:
### Method 1: Wire Dryer
A wire dryer is a specialized equipment designed to dry consumables. It uses heating elements to create a hot environment, evaporating humidity in the wire and surrounding air. Simply place the coil in the dryer, select the desired settings, and let it work. Some dryers come with wire feed devices, allowing you to dry and print simultaneously.
### Method 2: Oven
The simplest and most common way to dry wire is to use an oven. Adjust the temperature below the plastic’s glass transition temperature and bake for four to six hours. The longer the cooking time, the drier the wire. Common target temperatures for different threads are:
* Polylactic acid (PLA): 40-45°C
* ABS: ~80°C
* PETG: 65-70°C
* Nylon: ~80°C
It’s essential to use an oven thermometer to measure the temperature accurately and ensure the oven maintains the target temperature. Be cautious not to put the coil in the oven too early, as this can cause melting and fusion.
### Method 3: Food Dehydrator
Food dehydrators are an excellent tool for drying consumables, especially if you don’t have an appropriate oven. They operate at lower temperatures than ovens, providing better temperature stability. Similar to using an oven, control the temperature at a level slightly below the glass transition temperature of the dried material:
* PLA: 40-45°C
* ABS: ~80°C (or maximum temperature available)
* PETG: 65-70°C
* Nylon: ~80°C (or maximum temperature available)
Food dehydrators are affordable and widely available. You can also use 3D printing accessories to make it more suitable for your objective.
Now that your thread is dry, it’s crucial to store it in a controlled humidity environment to maintain its dryness. You can use a sealed box with a desiccant pack or a specialized commercial solution. A tailor-made drying box can provide additional advantages, such as feeding materials directly into the printer and displaying internal temperature and humidity. DIY alternatives include the Rubbermaid containers’ upgrading project and the Spule Spannerhands system, which is fully 3D printed.
In conclusion, hygroscopic 3D printing consumables require special care to maintain their quality and performance. By understanding how to identify wet wire, dry it using various methods, and store it properly, you can ensure optimal printing results. Remember, even the best storage solution won’t completely dry consumables; it will only prevent them from absorbing more humidity. If your supplies get wet again, you’ll need to re-dry them using one of the methods mentioned above. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to produce high-quality prints and extend the life of your 3D printing consumables.
