The quality of 3D printer filament can be affected by external influences. Optimal storage is essential to protect the filament. If 3D printing filament is stored correctly, high-quality printing results can be achieved and problems during the printing process itself can be avoided.
Here you can find out everything important about storage and the different storage options available.
Why is proper filament storage important?
Proper storage of the filament ensures that the 3D filament remains of high quality. This means that if the filament is not stored correctly, damage to the filament can occur.
If it is exposed to air, environment and sun for longer periods, the 3D filament absorbs moisture and dust and becomes brittle due to UV radiation. This impairs print quality and leads to faulty results.
These are consequences that can result from incorrect storage:
- Stringing
- Blobs and imperfections in print
- Uneven layers during printing
- Brittle filament
- Reduced strength
- Printed object appears rough, cloudy
- Bubbles appear on the surface
- Nozzle clogging during printing
The material properties of the 3D printer filament are changed or often deteriorated by incorrect storage. For example, if the filament is not packaged airtight for several days, the plastic attracts moisture and dust. Moisture causes many challenges during printing (poor print quality, clogged nozzles, etc.). If PLA becomes damp, for example, it also loses tensile strength and quickly becomes brittle. That's why it's important to dry the damp PLA filament and store it airtight as a preventive measure. PLA, ABS and PETG are not super susceptible (hygroscopic), but a few days in the fresh air are enough to deteriorate the material quality. If it's already too late: dry PETG filament and then store it airtight. Nylon and PVA are very sensitive and require airtight and clean packaging from the start.
Here you can see how important good filament storage is and that "a few days of fresh air" should not be underestimated.
How do I store 3D printing filament correctly?
Every filament should be stored correctly, because this way the material properties can be maintained. If you have just bought a new Geeetech filament, pack it away safely immediately. You can use a filament dry box, embark on a filament dry box DIY project or store the 3D filament in bags. There are many ways to store filament:
Vacuum bags
Geeetech vacuum bags are a perfect storage option. Simply order a set directly from Geeetech. The set includes 4 bags and a manual vacuum pump.
Place the 3D filament in the bag and seal the bag with the zipper. Then you can use the vacuum pump to pump the air out of the bag. To do this, place the vacuum pump on the valve, which has a backflow protection so that no air remains in the bag.
Finally, you should close the valve tightly.
The vacuum bags enable airtight and safe storage of filament.
DIY Storage Box
You can print your very own individual storage box! Use your 3D printer for this practical application and design your very own airtight box for storing your filaments. There are no limits to the size and shape.
With your self-designed box, you can store all your 3D filaments safely and airtight.
Desiccant
You are probably familiar with the small sachets that are included with almost every postal shipment of larger items. These help prevent moisture from accumulating in the product. These well-known "desiccants" can be very helpful when storing filament. If you use bags or a storage box, it is advisable to add this desiccant to the box. This minimizes moisture. The use of desiccant is particularly useful for sensitive filaments such as PETG, nylon, PVA and ABS, which are hygroscopic.
Dry Box
A dry box is often used during printing itself to improve print quality and prevent moisture absorption during printing.
However, the dry box can also be used for storing 3D printing filaments. Since airtight packaging is most important for filaments, the dry box is a good option for storing filaments such as Geeetech filament.
Conclusion
Proper filament storage is essential for successful 3D printing, because if the filament is poorly stored (attracts moisture), print quality is severely impaired. It can lead to bubbles, the object distorts or later properties (strength etc.) of the product deteriorate.
It is important that the material for 3D printers is stored airtight and, if possible, UV-protected. For this purpose, vacuum bags can be used, a storage box can be printed yourself, or desiccant and a dry box can be used.