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  1. #1
    Technologist Ward's Avatar
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    Storing Filament

    I'm new to 3D printing and have read some information on moisture and filament (not good together)

    So, I bought some zip lock mylar bags and rechargable dessicant packs.

    Does that sound like a good way to store filament when not in use?

    I've heard that some filaments do not absorb moisture at all.

    The filament in question is PLA
    Last edited by Ward; 11-23-2015 at 01:45 PM.

  2. #2
    Engineer-in-Training ssayer's Avatar
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    Not worth the chance. I store all my opened filaments in a box with a big rechargeable desiccant pack.

  3. #3
    Technologist Ward's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ssayer View Post
    Not worth the chance. I store all my opened filaments in a box with a big rechargeable desiccant pack.
    Not worth the chance? Can you explain what you mean? Are mylar bags bad for filament?
    Mylar bags are completely air and moisture proof. With a desiccant bag inside there would be far less moisture than in a box.

  4. #4
    Engineer-in-Training ssayer's Avatar
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    No, no... I was referring to your, "I've heard that some filaments do not absorb moisture at all." when I said not worth the chance.

    What you were suggesting that you would do was perfectly fine!

  5. #5
    Technologist Ward's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ssayer View Post
    No, no... I was referring to your, "I've heard that some filaments do not absorb moisture at all." when I said not worth the chance.
    What you were suggesting that you would do was perfectly fine!
    Ohhhhhh....OK !

  6. #6
    I have a big storage box filled with desiccant bags. Does the trick.


  7. #7
    Technologist Ward's Avatar
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    So how long will you leave a spool of filament on the machine when not printing (before you put it in your desiccant storage box)?

  8. #8
    Engineer-in-Training ssayer's Avatar
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    Until I'm done with it for the current print job(s) I'm using it for. AKA, as soon as the print is done, I put it away...

  9. #9
    Technologist Ward's Avatar
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    K.
    I plan to do that too but I have one spool that's having to sit out for a week because I didn't have mylar bags or desiccant. Just ordered both.
    Do you think it will be ok? It's in my air conditioned office.

    Will putting it in a sealed container with desiccant dry it back out?

  10. #10
    Engineer-in-Training ssayer's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ward View Post
    K.
    I plan to do that too but I have one spool that's having to sit out for a week because I didn't have mylar bags or desiccant. Just ordered both.
    Do you think it will be ok? It's in my air conditioned office.
    You don't have access to any Saran wrap (or the equivalents)? All of my filaments come with a bag of desiccant in with them. I've been overloaded in my bin before and just put the desiccant back in the bag with the spool and wrap it up in Saran wrap...

    Quote Originally Posted by Ward View Post
    Will putting it in a sealed container with desiccant dry it back out?

    No, you'd have to put it into your oven for a couple hours at a very low temp (say... 50C/120F to dry it back out.).

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