Filament Drying
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for drying high-performance 3D printing filaments using various methods. Proper drying prevents moisture-induced defects such as popping noises, bubbles in prints, and reduced mechanical properties. Use the guidelines below to select the appropriate method for your setup.
Before you begin - safety and risk
Read the Safety - Before You Begin article to understand the hazards involved in working on the Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 - including electrical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical risks. All procedures in this wiki are provided as recommendations only. By choosing to follow any procedure, you do so at your own risk.
Tools and Materials
For All Methods:
- Filament spool(s)
- Safety equipment (heat-resistant gloves, safety glasses)
For 22IDEX V4 Printer:
- Vision Miner 22IDEX V4 (uses heated chamber for drying)
For Vacuum Storage Chamber (Optional):
- Vision Miner Vacuum Storage Chamber (separate product with built-in vacuum pump and gauge)
Recommended Drying Times and Temperatures
| MATERIAL | DRYING TEMP (°C) | DURATION (HOURS) |
|---|---|---|
| PEEK | 90 | 12-24 |
| PEI | 90 | 12-24 |
| PPSU | 90 | 12-24 |
| PSU | 90 | 12-24 |
| PPS | 90 | 12-24 |
| NYLON | 90 | 12-24 |
| PC | 80 | 8-12 |
| PC/ABS | 80 | 8-12 |
| PC/ASA | 80 | 8-12 |
| ASA | 80 | 8-12 |
| ABS | 80 | 8-12 |
| TPU | 65 | 8-12 |
| PETG | 65 | 8-12 |
| PLA | 60 | 6-12 |
Adjustments may be needed
These values are general recommendations. Adjustments may be necessary based on specific environmental conditions and filament manufacturer specifications.
Drying Methods
1. Drying Filament Inside the 22IDEX V4 Printer
Purpose:
Uses the 22IDEX V4's heated chamber to dry filament through thermal heating. The chamber provides consistent temperature for effective moisture removal.
Procedure:
- Preheat the Chamber:
- Set the chamber heater to the drying temperature specified in the drying table.
- Load the Filament:
- Place the filament spool(s) into the printer's heated chamber.
-
Drying Process:
- Allow the filament to dry for the duration outlined in the drying table.
- Keep the chamber door closed during the entire drying process.
-
Optional: Drying During Print:
- You can place additional filament spool(s) in the chamber while printing with another material.
- The chamber heats up during printing and dries the extra spool(s) simultaneously.
- If printing low-height parts, you can place spools below the build plate level.
-
Remove and Use:
- Once dried, use the filament immediately for printing, or transfer to a vacuum storage chamber (see Method 2 below).
Continuous storage and maintenance of dry filament
The 22IDEX V4's chamber allows you to store dried filament continuously. If you don't have a vacuum chamber, simply leave the filament in the closed chamber. During each print, the chamber temperature will automatically keep the filament dry and ready for your next job. You can also place additional spools in unused areas of the chamber – they will dry simultaneously during your current print.
Note: For extremely hygroscopic materials (PEEK, PEI, ULTEM), a vacuum storage chamber (Method 2) is strongly recommended for guaranteed long-term storage without moisture reabsorption.
2. Storing Dried Filament in a Vacuum Chamber
Purpose:
Preserves dried filament in a moisture-free environment for long-term storage. The vacuum chamber is a separate product from the printer and prevents moisture reabsorption after drying.
Procedure:
-
Dry the Filament First:
- Use Method 1 (22IDEX V4 Chamber) to dry the filament completely.
-
Transfer While Hot (Optional but Recommended):
- Immediately after drying – while the filament is still hot – transfer it to the vacuum storage chamber.
- Transferring hot filament allows you to seal it before it can absorb any atmospheric moisture.
- Seal and Evacuate:
- Place the filament spool(s) inside the vacuum chamber.
- Close the chamber lid and activate the vacuum system.
- Pull vacuum for at least 30 minutes.
Transfer hot filament quickly
Sealing hot filament under vacuum immediately after drying prevents any moisture reabsorption from the air during transfer.
-
Storage:
- Keep the vacuum sealed until you are ready to print.
- Filament stored under vacuum remains dry for weeks or months, depending on seal quality.
-
Return to Printer:
- When ready to print, remove the spool from the vacuum chamber and load it into the 22IDEX V4.
- Keep the chamber heated during printing to prevent moisture reabsorption.
-
Post-Print Storage:
- After printing, place any unused filament back into the vacuum chamber to keep it dry.
FAQ
Support
If you could not find an answer here, reach out to our support team.