PLA Filament Dryers: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Option for Your 3D Printing Needs
PLA filament is widely used in the 3D printing industry due to its low cost and ease of use. However, PLA filament can be prone to warping and curling if not properly stored. This is why it's important to have an effective PLA filament dryer in your workspace.
PLA filament dryers are an important part of any 3D printing setup. They help keep your filament dry and ready for use. That being said, there are many different types of PLA filament dryers available on the market today and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll go over what makes a good PLA filament dryer, the different types of PLA filament dryers available and their pros and cons, as well as some tips on how to choose the best one for your needs.
What is a PLA Filament Dryer?
A PLA filament dryer is a piece of equipment that heats up the print head when you are ready to remove your print from the bed. The heated air will help evaporate any moisture left on the surface of your print without damaging it or causing any damage to other parts of your printer. This ensures that all parts of your printer are kept clean and free from any harmful substances so that they can keep working properly for a long time.
PLA filament is a biodegradable plastic that's made from renewable resources like corn starch and sugar cane. This means it's a great choice for environmentally conscious users who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
But, despite its eco-friendly credentials, PLA can still be a little tricky to use. The material tends to be more sensitive than other plastics, and it requires very specific temperatures and settings in order to print properly.
PLA filaments also tend to have low melting points, so they can become gummy or tacky if they're not dried properly. This can cause problems with both the printing process itself and with the final results. Gummy filaments stick together during printing and don't produce smooth surfaces on your 3D prints.
If you're looking for an easy way to dry your PLA filament, here are some options:
The best PLA filament dryer is the one that works for you. We've compiled a list of dryers that are sure to meet your needs and help you get the most out of your filament.
PLA drying can be a tricky process. If you're not careful, it can cause your prints to warp, curl, or even fall apart completely. While there are many methods for drying filament, including air-drying and oven baking, mechanical dryers are easy to use and will ensure that your prints come out perfectly every time.
The step in choosing a PLA drying device is figuring out what kind of print you want to make. A lot of people use their filament dryers to make objects with rounded details or small holes (like eyes), which is relatively easy to do but doesn't require much heat or pressure on the part itself. However, if you're looking to make something with a flat surface or sharp angles — like a toy soldier or car — then you'll need more heat and pressure over time than an ordinary PLA dryer can provide.
There are several ways you can go about this. If you're looking for an easy way to dry your PLA filament, here are some options:
Air Drying: This is one of the easiest ways to dry PLA filament. Just leave the spool of filament sitting on a table or shelf and let it air dry for several days. The downside is that this method may take longer than other methods depending on how humid your environment is and how much moisture there is in the air around your spool of PLA.
Dry Box: A dry box is basically a container filled with desiccants (materials that absorb moisture) that help remove any remaining moisture from your spool of PLA filament before it reaches your printer. You can buy one off-the-shelf or build one yourself using a Tupperware container or similar enclosure filled with silica gel crystals (these look like white powder).
Fortunately, there are several ways you can dry your PLA filament before using it. Here's a look at some of the most popular options:
Fiber Filament Dryer：This device uses fiber optic cables and a heating element to dry your PLA filament. It can be used in conjunction with an enclosure or on its own.
UV Light Drying：UV light is another option for drying PLA filaments. It works by exposing them to ultraviolet light waves that break down their chemical bonds so they're easier to handle without sticking together or falling apart during printing processes.