As storing the filaments of 3D printing

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Storing 3D printing filaments is key to maintaining their quality and avoiding problems during the printing process.

The best way to store 3D printing filaments is to keep them in airtight containers with moisture absorbers in a cool, dry place, away from dust and moisture.

These containers can be airtight bags or boxes that prevent the entry of outside air, thus preventing deterioration.

Why it is important to store filaments

Filament is a key component in the 3D printing process, and any damage or degradation in its quality can negatively affect the final result.

In this post I show you what are the Consequences of humidity on printing filaments with photos and examples.

3D printing filaments are sensitive to moisture, heat, direct sunlight and other environmental factors, which means they must be stored properly to maintain their quality and avoid printing issues.

What to Consider When Storing 3D Printing Filaments

Temperature, humidity, direct sunlight and dust can all affect the quality of printing filaments. Therefore, you should consider all of these factors before choosing how and where to store them.

Temperature

Temperature is a key factor when storing 3D printing filaments. Most 3D printing filaments should be stored at cool, dry temperatures, preferably somewhere between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius..

PLA filaments can be stored at slightly higher temperatures, between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, while Nylon and ABS filaments should be stored at lower temperatures, between 10 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Humidity

Humidity is another important factor when storing 3D printing filaments.

Moisture in the filament can cause problems during the printing process, such as bubbles, streaks, and other imperfections.

To avoid humidity, it is important to store the filaments in a dry environment.

You can store them in an airtight bag with a desiccant packet to absorb moisture.

Light

Direct sunlight can degrade 3D printing filaments, especially those that are sensitive to UV light. It is important to keep the filaments away from direct sunlight and store them in a dry place, not exposed to the sun.

Dust

Dust can adhere to 3D printing filaments and affect the quality of the resulting prints. It is important to store filaments in a clean, dust-free location.

In case your filament has already collected dust you can download and print a filament cleaner from Thingiverse, link Here.

How to store 3D printing filaments

Now that you know what to consider when storing 3D printing filaments, here are some tips on how to do it correctly:

Use an airtight bag

One of the most common and economical ways to protect your filaments is to store them in an airtight bag, with moisture absorbers.

A ziplock bag is a great way to keep your 3D printing filaments dry and dust-free. You can use the original bag or if you've already thrown it away, buy new bags.

You can buy special ziplock bags for 3D printing filaments or simply use a vacuum storage bag.

Be sure to include a desiccant packet in the bag to absorb moisture.

On Amazon you will find two types of bags For vacuum sealing, one model with a manual vacuum pump and another model with a USB vacuum pump.

I'll leave you the links to both products here below.

Use an airtight container or “Dry Box”

An airtight container with moisture absorbers is another option for storing your 3D printing filaments. Make sure the container is clean and dry before placing the filaments inside.

The biggest benefit is that you can store (and protect) multiple rolls of filament at the same time.

You must ensure that the container has a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture or dust from entering.

In 3D printing we know them as “Dry Boxes” (or “DryBox” in English) and their function is to keep the 3D filaments dry, free of moisture.

You can look for ideas in thingiverse on how to place a roll holder inside these containers.

By printing some supports and accessories you can keep your filaments safe from moisture, while being able to use them easily without having to remove them.

Print some Filament Holders

Print a sealed filament holder, ready to dispense filament while you print.

With a filament holder you can keep your roll protected while you use it, this can be useful since you won't have to take it out and put it back every time.

Store the filaments in a dry and cool place

To prevent degradation of 3D printing filaments, it is important to store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

You can store them in a closet or on a shelf in a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Do not expose them to moisture

Humidity can damage 3D printing filaments, so it's important to avoid exposure to moisture. If you live in a very humid environment, you may want to consider using a dehumidifier in your storage location to reduce the moisture in the air.

Do not store them for a long time

Even if you store your 3D printing filaments properly, you shouldn't store them for too long periods of time. Ideally, you should use them within six months to a year. If you need to store them for longer, make sure to check their quality before printing with them.

Conclusion

Storing your 3D printing filaments correctly is key to maintaining their quality and avoiding problems during the printing process. By following these tips you can ensure that your filaments stay in good condition and you can achieve high-quality prints.