Alexei Volkov
Humidity is a key factor in the quality of 3D printing. When filaments absorb water, their integrity is compromised, leading to inconsistencies in the resulting prints. PLA, a type of plastic, has hygroscopic properties, meaning it tends to absorb moisture from the environment. This absorption of moisture can cause issues such as increased porosity, under-extrusion, volatile entrapment, and air bubbles in the printed object. To prevent these issues, it is recommended to store PLA filaments in airtight containers with desiccants and to keep the printing environment dry, either through the use of enclosures or dehumidifiers.
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What You'll Learn
- PLA plastic is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air
- Filaments should be stored in an airtight container with desiccants to reduce moisture
- High humidity can cause air bubbles in the plastic, creating imperfections in the print
- Dehydrators and ovens can be used to dry out filaments before printing
- A humidity gauge is useful to determine the humidity in your printing room
PLA plastic is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air
When exposed to humid environments, PLA filament can rapidly absorb moisture, with print quality degrading within a few hours. This can result in air bubbles forming in the plastic, which can then ''explode' or pop when the pressure is released, creating imperfections in the printed object. Therefore, it is important to store PLA filament in a dry, low-humidity environment to prevent moisture absorption.
To mitigate the effects of humidity, PLA filament should be stored in airtight containers with desiccants, such as silica gel, to reduce moisture levels. Some people also choose to dry their filament using ovens or food dehydrators before printing, although there is a risk of the filament melting or catching fire in an oven. It is also recommended to store filament in sealed bags or plastic bins to prevent moisture absorption.
The ideal humidity level for filament storage is not clear, with different sources suggesting varying ranges. Some recommend keeping humidity below 30%, while others suggest that normal household humidity levels (typically below 50%) are suitable for PLA filament. However, it is generally agreed that a dry, low-humidity environment is ideal for storing PLA filament to prevent moisture absorption and ensure optimal print quality.
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Filaments should be stored in an airtight container with desiccants to reduce moisture
PLA is a plastic with hygroscopic properties, which means it tends to absorb moisture from its immediate environment. This absorption of moisture can lead to poor-quality prints, with the material popping or exploding due to air bubbles created when steam gets pressurized with the plastic.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to store filaments in sealed bags or sealed plastic bins together with desiccants such as silica gel. Desiccants play a critical role in mitigating humidity, keeping filaments dry in storage so that pre-print drying is not necessary. Airtight containers with desiccants inside create a safe haven for your spools, making them ready to use whenever you need them.
Additionally, it is important to control the humidity in your printing environment. This can be achieved by using a dehumidifier or storing your filaments in an enclosure to keep the air surrounding the printer dry. If you live in a humid climate, you may need to take extra measures to keep your printer space dry and your filaments protected from moisture.
By following these storage and environmental recommendations, you can ensure your filaments remain in optimal condition and produce high-quality prints.
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High humidity can cause air bubbles in the plastic, creating imperfections in the print
3D printing is a complex process that requires the right environmental conditions to ensure the best results. One of the key factors that can impact the quality of 3D prints is humidity, especially when using filaments like PLA (polylactic acid) plastic. High humidity can cause significant issues, including the creation of air bubbles in the plastic, leading to imperfections in the final printed object.
PLA plastic is a commonly used filament for 3D printing due to its versatility and ease of use. However, one challenge associated with PLA is its hygroscopic nature, meaning it tends to absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This moisture absorption can lead to increased weight in the filament, as water becomes trapped within the plastic. When exposed to high temperatures during the printing process, this trapped moisture can turn to steam, creating air bubbles within the plastic.
As the printing continues, pressure builds up inside the filament, and these air bubbles can 'explode' or pop, causing visible imperfections in the printed object. The steam gets pressurized, leading to sudden releases of pressure that result in these bubbles bursting. This not only affects the aesthetics of the print but can also weaken the structural integrity of the object, making it more fragile and prone to breakage.
To mitigate the effects of high humidity, several measures can be implemented. Firstly, it is essential to store PLA filaments in a dry and airtight environment. Using sealed bags or containers with desiccants, such as silica gel packets, can help reduce moisture absorption. Additionally, regular use of a dehumidifier in the printing space can create a more suitable environment for PLA printing, reducing the chances of moisture-related issues.
Another solution is to dry the filaments before use. This can be achieved by placing them in an oven at a low temperature for a few hours or using a food dehydrator. However, it is crucial to be cautious when using an oven, as excessive heat can damage the filament. By ensuring that the filaments are dry before printing, you can reduce the likelihood of moisture-induced air bubbles and improve the overall quality of your 3D prints.
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Dehydrators and ovens can be used to dry out filaments before printing
PLA plastic is used for FFF 3D printing and is a hygroscopic material, meaning it tends to absorb moisture from the surrounding air. When certain filaments absorb water, their integrity is compromised, leading to inconsistencies in the resulting prints. This is why it is important to keep the filaments dry before printing.
Dehydrators and ovens can be used to dry out PLA filaments before printing. Dehydrators are designed to slowly remove excess moisture by providing low heat, allowing the items placed in them to last longer. They are a great option for drying out filaments as all you have to do is set the temperature and leave your spool inside to dry. However, keeping track of the real inside temperature over a prolonged period can be tricky. You can also create your own filament dryer by adapting a food dehydrator to fit a filament spool inside.
Ovens are another way to dry out PLA filaments. You can dry your PLA in an oven at a temperature of 40-45°C for 4-5 hours. However, be careful before using an oven as you do not want your spool to melt or catch on fire. Ovens have quite a wide margin of error on their temperature, especially at the lower ranges. Home ovens also do not have very precise temperature measurements, and the fluctuations that do not affect your food might damage your filament. If using an oven, make sure to have an external thermometer to correct the temperature if necessary.
It is important to store the filaments properly after drying them. You can store them in Ziploc bags with added dehydrating agents like silica gel or vacuum seal them. You can also use airtight containers with desiccants inside to create a safe haven for your spools, making them ready to roll whenever you pull them out for a print run.
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A humidity gauge is useful to determine the humidity in your printing room
PLA plastic is a type of plastic that has hygroscopic properties, meaning it tends to absorb moisture from its immediate environment. This absorption of moisture can negatively impact the quality of 3D-printed objects, leading to inconsistencies and imperfections in the resulting prints. Therefore, it is crucial to store PLA filaments in a low-humidity environment to maintain their integrity.
To ensure optimal printing conditions, it is essential to determine the humidity levels in your printing room. A humidity gauge is a valuable tool for this purpose. Inexpensive indoor/outdoor gauges, readily available at hardware or department stores, can provide you with the necessary information on humidity levels. This knowledge will empower you to take appropriate actions to maintain the desired humidity levels.
By using a humidity gauge, you can make informed decisions about the necessary measures to control humidity. This may include investing in dehumidifiers, enclosures, or sealed storage containers for your filaments. Taking proactive steps to manage humidity in your printing room will help prevent issues caused by excess moisture, such as compromised filament integrity and print defects.
Additionally, the humidity gauge will enable you to monitor the effectiveness of your humidity control solutions. By regularly checking the humidity levels, you can ensure that your implemented strategies are successfully maintaining the desired low-humidity environment. This proactive approach will help you avoid the negative consequences of high humidity, such as moisture absorption by the PLA plastic, which can lead to poor print quality and even damage to your equipment.
In conclusion, a humidity gauge is an invaluable tool for anyone working with PLA plastic in a printing room. By providing crucial information about humidity levels, it empowers you to take control of your printing environment. This, in turn, helps ensure the best possible print quality and protects your equipment from the detrimental effects of excess moisture. Taking proactive measures to manage humidity demonstrates a commitment to producing high-quality work and maintaining the longevity of your printing setup.
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Frequently asked questions
PLA stands for Poly(lactic acid). It is a type of plastic that is commonly used in 3D printing.
PLA plastic is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. When used in 3D printing, this can lead to various inconsistencies in the resulting prints, such as air bubbles that cause imperfections.
To prevent humidity from affecting your PLA plastic prints, you should store your filaments in a low-humidity, dry environment. This can be achieved by using airtight containers with desiccants, such as silica gel, or by using a room dehumidifier.
