How to Store 3D Printing Filament to Maintain Quality

3D printing has revolutionised the way we create and design, offering endless possibilities for hobbyists and professionals alike. Whether you’re crafting prototypes or personalised gifts, the quality of your 3D print is heavily dependent on the condition of your filament. From PETG to PLA, each filament type requires proper storage to maintain its quality and longevity – neglecting to store your filament correctly can lead to printing problems like warping, stringing, and uneven layers.

In this post, we’ll guide you through the best practices for storing 3D printing filament so your projects come out perfectly every time.

The Importance of Proper Storage for 3D Printing Filaments

Before diving into specific storage methods, it’s crucial to understand why proper filament storage is essential. Filament is highly susceptible to moisture, and even small amounts of humidity can significantly degrade its quality. When filament absorbs moisture from the air, it can become brittle, swell, or lose its structural integrity. This results in printing issues like bubbles in the extruded material, layer adhesion problems, or even complete print failures.

By storing your filament in the right conditions, you protect its properties, ensuring smoother prints and saving yourself from the frustration of filament-related print problems.

The Best Conditions for Storing Filament

To maintain the highest quality of your filament, you should store it in a cool, dry environment. Here are a few essential conditions to keep in mind:

• Temperature: Filament should be stored in a temperature range of 10°C to 30°C. Extreme temperatures can warp the spool or cause the filament to deform.
• Humidity: The ideal humidity level for filament storage is below 20%. Most filaments, especially hygroscopic materials like PETG and Nylon, absorb moisture quickly in humid environments.
• Sunlight: Direct sunlight or UV exposure can degrade filament over time, especially for materials like PLA. Keep filament away from windows or any light sources that emit UV rays.

Storage Solutions for 3D Printing Filament

Now that we know what conditions are necessary, let’s explore a few practical ways to store your filament:

Use Airtight Containers

Airtight containers are one of the simplest and most effective storage methods – look for sealable plastic boxes with a rubber gasket to keep moisture out. For extra protection, you can add silica gel packets or moisture-absorbing desiccants inside the container. These packets absorb excess humidity and keep your filament dry.

Tip: For hobbyists with a growing filament collection, label your containers with the filament type and purchase date to track filament freshness.

Vacuum-Sealed Bags

Vacuum-sealed bags are another popular option, especially for long-term storage. Many filament spools come packaged in vacuum-sealed bags, but you can also purchase reusable ones. These bags remove air and prevent moisture from getting in, which is ideal for highly hygroscopic filaments like PETG and Nylon. Vacuum bags also save space and are great if you need to store multiple spools in a compact area.

Dry Boxes

For those who live in particularly humid environments or need frequent access to their filament, dry boxes are an excellent investment. These boxes are specifically designed to store filament in low-humidity conditions, and many have built-in hygrometers to monitor the moisture levels inside.

Some dry boxes can even feed filament directly to your 3D printer, allowing you to print without exposing the filament to air. This is particularly beneficial if you’re working with moisture-sensitive filaments.

Filament Desiccant Systems

Desiccant systems are devices or kits that actively remove moisture from the air. If you’re serious about maintaining filament quality, consider pairing your airtight containers with desiccant packs or a rechargeable silica gel system. This ensures that any residual moisture in the storage environment is absorbed, providing an added layer of protection for your filament.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place

In addition to humidity, high temperatures and UV exposure can degrade filament quality. Store your filament spools in a cool, dark place like a cupboard or a closet to protect them from these environmental factors. If you have a dedicated 3D printing workspace, consider adding shelves or wall-mounted racks in areas away from windows or direct heat sources.

How to Identify Moisture-Damaged Filament

Even with the best storage practices, accidents can happen, and you may end up with moisture-damaged filament. Here are a few signs to look out for:

• Brittleness: If the filament snaps easily when bent, it may have absorbed too much moisture.
• Popping or Bubbling: When printing, moisture-laden filament can produce popping sounds or visible bubbles in the extruded material. This occurs because the water in the filament is vaporising and expanding as it passes through the heated nozzle.
• Poor Print Quality: Moist filament often leads to stringing, poor layer adhesion, and inconsistent extrusion, resulting in subpar print quality.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to dry your filament before using it. There are filament-drying machines available, or you can use a regular food dehydrator to remove moisture.

Storing Different Types of Filament

While the general storage rules apply to most filaments, it’s worth mentioning a few specifics for common materials:

• PLA: This filament is less sensitive to moisture than others but still benefits from proper storage. PLA should always be kept in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight.
• PETG: PETG is more hygroscopic than PLA, so it’s essential to keep it in an airtight container with desiccant. If you’re using PETG filament in Australia, especially in humid regions, consider using a dry box to maintain its quality between prints.
• Nylon: Nylon filament is highly hygroscopic and can absorb moisture in a matter of hours. Nylon should always be stored in vacuum-sealed bags or dry boxes with desiccants.
• ABS: While ABS is less prone to absorbing moisture compared to PETG and Nylon, it’s still important to store it in a cool, dry place to prevent warping or becoming brittle.

Proper storage of your 3D printing filament is essential to ensuring long-lasting print quality and avoiding common printing issues

By keeping your filament dry, cool, and away from sunlight, you can extend its shelf life and produce cleaner, more reliable prints. Whether you’re working with PLA, ABS, or PETG filament, following these storage tips will help you get the most out of your 3D printing materials and maintain their quality for future projects.

Paul Petersen