A filament dryer is one of the key companions for most 3D printer users in the season of humidity. If it stops working, not only will the user need to buy a new one, but they will also need to stop their 3D printing processes, or their prints would look deformed or ultimately fall.
If you don’t maintain your filament dryer the right way, chances are, they are not going to last a very long time. So, how do you extend the life of a filament dryer? In this article, we’re covering the five key tips on how you can ensure that your dryer is working at its peak performance season-round.
- Cleanliness Matters the Most
One of the most overlooked aspects of the dryer’s maintenance is its cleanliness. Over time, dust settles, filament shaving comes, and even the smallest resin particles from your workspace can ultimately get inside the unit.
You might ask, What’s the big deal with that? Well, these mere particles can become the reason for your 3D printer’s dryer fan getting clogged, the airflow getting reduced, and ultimately, this makes your dryer work much harder than it should.
It can even cause many overheating issues, which will drastically reduce the overall life of your filament dryer. Here’s why it matters:
- With reduced airflow, your dryer will produce uneven heating.
- The blocked vents trap heat, ultimately increasing the wear and tear of the electrical components residing inside.
- Dust buildup will lead to short circuits in some cases, eventually.
The Fix:
To ensure you never have any filament dryer-related cleanliness issues, you should wipe the exterior surfaces weekly. Firstly, having a microfiber cloth will prevent scratches. Then, you should also use a handheld vacuum or compressed air that can suck up the clear debris, ultimately leaving the poor quality of the filament out of question.
Lastly, always check the fan blades when you’re cleaning out your product. To clean the blades, you can use a soft brush that won’t harm the fan in any way.
Pro Tip: Whenever you’re cleaning, remove the spools from the dryer and ensure that everything is disconnected before starting your cleaning. A clean dryer not only lasts longer, but it also ensures that the filament dries evenly, efficiently, and quickly.
- Don’t Overload the Dryer
It’s always tempting to overload the dryer more than it can handle. This is because we want to be faster and more efficient. Moreover, preparing many spools for a hefty print job seems like the best option, after all, it saves you tons of time, right?
Not really. Cramming too many spools into a chamber reduces airflow and puts unnecessary strain on the heating element and fan. Here are some issues that overloading the dryer can cause:
- Overloading will block heat distribution, leading to uneven drying.
- The heating system works great to maintain the temperature, wearing it down much faster.
- Fans will also be affected as the whole air circulation process is obstructed.
So, what should you do? Instead of buying a filament dryer that supports a single spool, you should get a dryer like Chitu Systems’ FilaPartner E1. This dryer can dry four spools at once, making the overall drying process much faster and efficient.
If your filament dryer doesn’t have multiple spool options, you can dry one spool at a time, especially for sensitive materials like Nylon, TPU, and PVA, because they dry best when given maximum airflow.
- Choosing the Right Temperature Settings
Every filament has its own drying temperature, and if you run the dryer too hot, it may seem like you’re just saving some time. However, it risks damaging both the filament and the dryer itself. But why does it even matter? You see, overheating elements wear down more quickly, and that excessive heat can warp the chamber or damage the seals.
As you use the incorrect settings, you might soften the filament, ultimately leading to jams in future prints. To fix this, you should definitely use the correct settings for different filaments. Just look at the filament box and the company’s official guidelines to print accordingly.
If you’re confused, then contacting the manufacturer for drying recommendations would be perfect for you.
- Give it Some Break
You heard that right. While most filament dryers can work for multiple hours, they are not meant for continuous and unsupervised operations. If you leave the dryer running day and night, it will wear its heating components much faster than you expect.
When you keep the dryer for too long, it can degrade the heating coils much faster, and continuous operation also increases the electricity cost. Some dryers contain limited thermal protection, so when you leave them on for a long time, you can attract a lot of trouble.
To fix this, you must run standard cycles only. For example, once the drying process is completed, give your dryer some rest.
- The Perfect Storing Technique
Many people focus on how to use the dryer but never on how to store it properly after the drying session is completed. Poor storage environments, especially when there’s too much humidity involved or there’s dust, can also shorten the overall lifespan of your filament dryer.
Therefore, always keep it in a dry, calm environment and avoid places with high humidity. While it should be largely fine, it’s better to keep the store covered with a dust cover or a simple cloth while storing in a cool place.
Final Verdict
Like any machine, dryers can also have shortened lives. But if you follow these five tips, you will never have dryer-related issues for its lifespan. If you’re interested in more 3D printing accessories, check out the vast catalog of Chitu Systems.