The quality of your 3D print is very much dependent on the freshness of the filament and, more importantly, moisture is one of the issues that can really screw up the print. Moisture content in the filament in the form of bubbling, stringing, or poor adhesion can be the culprit. In particular, drying ABS filament is crucial to guarantee a reproducible and good print quality. Dry preserving your filament will help you avoid many defects, optimize layer bonding as well as enable building of fully structured components.
This guide will cover what you need to know regarding how to dry ABS filament including approaches, drying times, and top tips to maintain your filament at its best condition. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printing enthusiast, this guide will provide valuable insights to enhance your printing experience.
Why Do You Need to Dry ABS Filament?
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is one of the most common materials used in 3D printing owing to its rigidity and toughness. However, it is hygroscopic, i.e., it has a tendency to take up the moisture from the atmosphere in time. If ABS filament is not dried before use, the following problems can arise:
- Bubbling and Hissing: When moisture is heated in a heated nozzle an air bubble is formed producing a popping sound.
- Stringing and Surface Defects: Wet filament commonly leads to stringy and irregular prints with a rough surface finish.
- Weakened Parts: Moisture scatters the filament, producing bad layer bonding, and brittle printed items.
The relevancy of drying ABS filament is that it guarantees smooth extrusion, strong layering, and professional quality outputs.
How to Dry ABS Filament
Filament drying is a simple task, however one must meticulously consider temperature and timing. Below are some effective methods to dry ABS filament:
1. Using a Filament Dryer
An efficient filament dryer is the simplest and most straightforward measure for moisture removal. These devices slowly warm the filament by dry air circulating.
- Temperature Setting: Adjust the dryer temperature to 70°C (158°F), which is permissible for ABS.
- Drying Time: Dry out the filament for 4 to 6 hours.
Advantages: Closed environment, reproducible results, and in-built storage for drying the filament before use.
2. Using an Oven
A conventional oven can be a cost-efficient substitute to the filament dryer. Follow these steps:
- Preheat: Set the oven to 70°C (158°F). Use an oven thermometer for accurate readings.
- Place the Filament: Put the coil on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drying Time: Bake the filament for 4 to 6 hours.
- Precautions: Please do not rise to 80°C (176°F) to avoid deformation of the spool.
3. Using a Food Dehydrator
Food dehydrators provide a controlled environment for drying filaments.
- Setup: Fill the filament in the dehydrator and turn the temperature on to 70°C (158°F).
- Drying Time: 6 to 8 hours for ABS.
Advantages: Affordable and precise temperature control.
4. DIY Methods with Desiccant
Without a drying device, desiccant packs (eg, silica gel) may be used to remove moisture.
- Process: Keep the filament spool in a container with a multi pack of desiccants, sealed and airtight.
- Limitations: This method is more effective for moisture prevention than active drying.
How Long to Dry ABS Filament?
The drying time of ABS filament is based on the amount of moisture uptake. On average, 4 to 6 hours at 70°C is sufficient. However, if the filament has been exposed to high humidity for an extended period, you may need to extend the drying time to 8 hours or more.
Do I Need to Dry ABS Filament Every Time?
Yes, drying ABS filament is optional when the filament has been stored in a humid environment. Even minor moisture absorption can impact print quality. Storing the filament in a container sealed with desiccant after its drying will lower the incidence of drying.
ABS Filament Storage Tips
Proper storage is crucial to prevent moisture absorption. Here’s how to keep your filament dry:
- Airtight Containers: Store spools in sealed containers with desiccant.
- Vacuum Sealing: Vacuum-seal your filament for maximum moisture protection.
- Controlled Environment: Keep your storage area cool and dry.
Conclusion
Drying ABS filament is an essential step to achieve flawless 3D prints. Moisture can be responsible for print degradation which can lead to the formation of bubbles, stringing, and weak components. Using filament dryers, ovens, food dehydrators, among other tools, it’s possible to remove moisture and thus increase print consistency.
Investing time in drying and properly storing your filament not only enhances the quality of your prints but also ensures long-term success in your 3D printing projects. Explore the following techniques and select the one that best suits your workflow, making sure your ABS filament drying time is kept ideal to guarantee optimal results.