How Should You Properly Store PLA Filament to Maintain Its Quality?
When it comes to 3D printing, the quality and longevity of your prints heavily depend on the condition of your filament. PLA filament, one of the most popular and user-friendly materials, is no exception. Proper storage of PLA filament is essential to maintain its integrity, prevent moisture absorption, and ensure consistent printing results every time you load your spool.
Understanding how to store PLA filament effectively can save you both time and money by avoiding common issues like brittle strands, poor layer adhesion, and clogging. While PLA is known for being relatively easy to handle compared to other filaments, it is still sensitive to environmental factors such as humidity and temperature. This article will explore the best practices and tips to keep your PLA filament in optimal condition, so your 3D printing projects always start on the right foot.
Whether you’re a seasoned maker or just starting out, knowing the fundamentals of PLA filament storage will elevate your printing experience. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with practical knowledge to protect your filament investment and achieve consistently high-quality prints.
Optimal Storage Conditions for PLA Filament
Proper storage of PLA filament is essential to maintain its print quality and mechanical properties over time. PLA is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air, which can degrade its performance. To minimize this effect, it is crucial to control environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and exposure to light.
Humidity should be kept as low as possible, ideally below 20% relative humidity. Moisture causes PLA to become brittle and can lead to poor extrusion, bubbling, and stringing during printing. Using desiccants like silica gel packets in storage containers helps absorb residual moisture. Vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers are highly recommended to prevent moisture ingress.
Temperature control is also important. PLA filament should be stored in a cool, stable environment, preferably between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat sources, as elevated temperatures can cause the filament to soften or deform. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) light can degrade PLA over time, so opaque or UV-resistant containers are beneficial.
Recommended Storage Methods and Materials
Choosing the right storage method and materials can significantly extend the lifespan of PLA filament. The following options are commonly used:
- Vacuum-sealed bags: These are effective for removing air and moisture, greatly reducing filament degradation.
- Airtight plastic containers: Containers with silicone seals prevent humid air from entering and allow for the inclusion of desiccants.
- Filament dry boxes: Specialized enclosures designed to maintain low humidity and temperature, often with built-in sensors and heaters.
- Original packaging: If it includes moisture barrier bags and desiccants, it can be reused effectively.
When using desiccants, it’s important to refresh or replace them regularly to maintain their efficacy. Some users also employ filament storage stations that combine humidity control and filament dispensing, enhancing convenience.
Handling and Long-Term Storage Tips
To further protect PLA filament during storage and handling, consider the following practices:
- Avoid touching the filament with bare hands excessively, as oils and dirt can transfer onto it and affect print quality.
- Re-spool filament carefully to prevent tangling, which can cause printing issues.
- Label stored filament with the date of purchase and any drying treatments applied, to keep track of its condition.
- If filament has absorbed moisture, consider drying it before use using a filament dryer or an oven set to a low temperature (around 45-50°C) for several hours.
| Storage Factor | Recommended Condition | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Humidity | Below 20% RH | Prevents moisture absorption and filament brittleness |
| Temperature | 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) | Avoids softening and deformation |
| Light Exposure | Avoid direct sunlight and UV light | Prevents polymer degradation |
| Container Type | Airtight with desiccants or vacuum-sealed | Maintains low humidity and protects filament |
Optimal Conditions for Storing PLA Filament
Polylactic Acid (PLA) filament requires specific storage conditions to maintain its print quality and mechanical properties over time. Exposure to moisture, dust, and ultraviolet (UV) light can degrade PLA filament, causing issues such as brittleness, poor extrusion, and surface imperfections. To prevent these problems, it is essential to store PLA filament in an environment that controls humidity, temperature, and light exposure.
Key environmental factors for PLA filament storage include:
- Humidity Control: PLA is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture from the air, which leads to bubbling and stringing during printing. The ideal relative humidity (RH) level for PLA storage is below 20%.
- Temperature Stability: Store PLA in a cool, stable temperature environment, ideally between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Avoid temperature fluctuations to prevent filament deformation and brittleness.
- Light Protection: UV and direct sunlight can degrade PLA polymer chains. Keep filament spools in opaque or UV-resistant containers to shield them from light exposure.
Recommended Storage Methods for PLA Filament
Effective storage methods can significantly extend the shelf life and performance of PLA filament. Below are commonly used techniques and materials:
| Storage Method | Description | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sealed Plastic Bags with Desiccants | Place the filament spool in a resealable plastic bag (e.g., ziplock) along with silica gel or other desiccant packets. | Maintains low humidity; prevents moisture absorption; inexpensive and easy to implement. | Requires periodic replacement or reactivation of desiccants; ensure bag is airtight. |
| Airtight Storage Containers | Use airtight plastic or metal containers with desiccants inside to store filament spools. | Provides excellent moisture and dust protection; reusable and durable. | Containers must be properly sealed; may require desiccant maintenance. |
| Filament Dry Boxes | Specialized boxes designed to maintain controlled humidity and temperature for filament storage. | Automated humidity control; ideal for long-term storage; often includes filament feed-through ports. | Higher upfront cost; requires power source if active control is used. |
| Vacuum Sealing | Remove air from the storage bag or container using a vacuum sealer before sealing. | Excellent moisture barrier; extends filament shelf life significantly. | Requires vacuum sealing equipment; desiccants still recommended. |
Best Practices for Handling and Storage
Beyond selecting appropriate storage containers and environments, following these handling practices ensures PLA filament remains in optimal condition:
- Keep Filament Clean: Avoid touching the filament directly with bare hands to prevent oils and dirt from contaminating the surface.
- Label Spools Clearly: Mark spools with purchase or opening dates to track filament age and usage history.
- Use Desiccants Properly: Replace or recharge silica gel packets regularly to maintain their moisture-absorbing capacity.
- Store Vertically or Horizontally: Both orientations are acceptable as long as the filament spool is supported and not under mechanical stress.
- Minimize Air Exposure During Use: When printing, keep the filament spool in a dry box or container to reduce moisture uptake during prolonged print jobs.
Signs of Degraded PLA Filament and Remediation Techniques
Even with careful storage, PLA filament may degrade over time. Recognizing the symptoms early allows for corrective actions:
| Symptom | Description | Potential Cause | Remediation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brittleness or Cracking | Filament snaps easily when bent or wound. | Excessive moisture absorption or aging. | Dry filament in an oven at 40-50°C for 4-6 hours; store properly afterward. |
| Stringing and Bubbling During Printing | Excessive strings or bubbles appear on prints. | Moisture trapped in filament vaporizes during extrusion. | Use filament dryer before printing; improve storage humidity control. |
| Uneven Extrusion or Jamming | Filament feeds inconsistently or clogs the nozzle. | Filament brittleness or contamination. | Clean filament path; dry filament; replace if severely damaged. |