Proper filament drying is crucial for successful FDM 3D printing. Filaments, especially hygroscopic ones like nylon and TPU, can absorb moisture from the air, leading to poor print quality, clogging, and other printing issues. Symptoms of moisture in filament include popping and cracking noises during printing, steam or bubbles coming out of the nozzle, uneven extrusion, and poor layer adhesion.
To prevent these issues, it is important to store filaments in airtight containers with and to dry them before printing using a filament dryer or oven if they have been exposed to the air for a long time. By properly drying filament, 3D printing enthusiasts can achieve higher quality prints with fewer failures and a better overall printing experience.
The following table provides recommended time and temperature ranges for various filament materials. Drying times and temperatures vary by filament type and manufacturer, so it's important to consult the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the best results.
| Name | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Min Time (min) | Max Time (min) | Hygroscopicity (moisture sensitivity) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | 70.0 | 85.0 | 60.0 | 120.0 | mid |
| Nylon | 70.0 | 85.0 | 180.0 | 360.0 | high |
| PETG | 60.0 | 75.0 | 60.0 | 120.0 | low |
| PLA | 45.0 | 60.0 | 30.0 | 60.0 | low |
| Polycarbonate | 90.0 | 110.0 | 120.0 | 240.0 | mid |
| TPU | 40.0 | 55.0 | 120.0 | 240.0 | mid |
| TPU90 | 45.0 | 55.0 | 120.0 | 240.0 | mid |
| TPU95 | 50.0 | 60.0 | 120.0 | 240.0 | mid |