{"id":407,"date":"2021-09-17T22:02:35","date_gmt":"2021-09-17T22:02:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makemendel.com\/?p=407"},"modified":"2022-03-11T20:05:31","modified_gmt":"2022-03-11T20:05:31","slug":"how-to-store-pla-filament","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makemendel.com\/how-to-store-pla-filament\/","title":{"rendered":"How to store PLA filament: Answers You Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
It\u2019s a terrible idea to have your 3D filament lying around recklessly. Regardless of the 3D filament you use, it would be best to be careful with how you store these filaments. The reason is that 3D filaments react to certain conditions like dust, humidity, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you leave your filament out in the open, it reduces the quality of what you print. The filament would also start to break or degrade. Hence, to preserve the life span of your filament, you’ll need to store it safely in a way that it won’t be affected by humidity and dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this article, we\u2019ll show you how to store PLA filament <\/strong>and any other type of filament so you can protect them from humidity, dust, and other factors out to degrade their quality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Filament storage is any container or object capable of protecting your 3D filament material from absorbing water from the air in the atmosphere. It also prevents dust from settling on the filament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it’s okay to deal with the dust problem by cleaning the nozzle, that can be time-consuming and temporary. Getting filament storage is a great way to get rid of the dust permanently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having high-quality filament storage is necessary for a couple of reasons. First, it prevents dust from settling on your filament when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also prevents the filament from bubbling, and it could clog the nozzle. Poor filament storage could also lead to diameter augmentation. You’ll also prevent your filament from being exposed to water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your filament doesn’t have to be submerged in water to absorb water. As earlier stated, filaments can absorb moisture from the atmosphere when left out in the open. When it absorbs water, the filament becomes weak and won’t give you the desired result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to filament storage, there are many ways to store your filament. If you have a lot of money to throw around, then you can invest in high-quality storage for your filament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, you can create makeshift DIY filament storage. You could also use a dust filter to prevent the effect of dust settling on. But it won’t work to prevent the filament from getting wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a few filaments storage options that you might want to explore. For starters, some options are readily available at online stores or brick-and-mortar stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the filament storage you can buy from an online store includes Polymaker Polybox, eSun eBox<\/a>, PrintDry Container, Drying Cabinet, Yodelbox, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also save up money by utilizing containers you can find in your home. If you’re into recycling, creating DIY filament storage through repurposing, etc., is a great way to recycle some old materials in the house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the filament storage you can come up with includes Vacuum storage bags, Plastic bags, desiccant and moisture indicator strips, an Airtight roll container, and a heated drying box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Feel free to add filament storage accessories to your storage mix. These accessories would help you take care of other factors that could ruin your filament. Another common factor that could threaten your filament is dust. Let’s examine how some of these bags protect your filament from moisture and dust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Related: Overture Filament Review<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Vacuum bags are an excellent option for keeping out air. Specially designed for storing filaments, they can suck out air from the bag so that your filament doesn’t get the chance to absorb moisture from the air. It’s best to purchases bags with vacuum valves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The vacuum valves keep the air out. Your vacuum bags should also have a double zipper mechanism as it keeps the bag free from air. The point of these vacuum bags is to protect your filament from air penetrating it. A vacuum bag can contain at least four filament spools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good thing about vacuum bags is that they are pretty cheap. The truth is, regardless of how hard you try to get rid of the moisture in your vacuum bag, there’d still be little moisture quantity in the vacuum bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to get rid of the extra water is to deploy silica beads. Toss a couple of silica beads in a vacuum bag full of filament, and it’ll suck out all small quantities of moisture that’s left in the bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Filament Storage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Vacuum bags: <\/h3>\n\n\n\n