May 11, 2016 | By Benedict

PrintDry has introduced an in-line filament dryer for 3D printing. Designed to work with both 1.75mm and 3mm filaments, the PrintDry 3D printing filament dryer helps prevent moisture buildup, reducing the possibility of moisture-related defects such as nozzle clogs and weak inter-layer bonding.

As many of us know from first-hand experience, a lot can go wrong with 3D printing. Failure to properly prepare a file for 3D printing, irregular or insufficient printer maintenance, and bad material choices can each contribute to defective 3D printed objects. Depending on the situation, these problems can be easy or difficult to rectify, but each receives a fair amount of discussion within the 3D printing community. There is, however, another important factor, very simple but often hard to identify, which continues to plague many a print job: moisture.

While proper storage of 3D printing filament can help to eliminate many moisture-related 3D printing problems, further action is occasionally required. 3D printing materials are notoriously hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the air at a rapid rate—especially in humid atmospheres. Moist filament can then cause problems with the 3D printed object, such as weak inter-layer bonding, nozzle clogging, and rough or grainy surface textures.

After being left high and (not) dry on too many occasions, the team behind Canadian startup PrintDry decided to create an effective and affordable solution to the problem: an in-line filament dryer for 3D printing. The innovative machine, which has been designed to work with both 1.75mm and 3mm filaments, uses a heating element to warm up filament and release any internal moisture, and a fan to blow the moist air out of the device via an air vent. When used for a number of hours, the dryer can significantly lower the water content of 3D printing materials, and has a selectable temperature range of 35°C to 70°C (95°F to 160°F) for different materials.

The PrintDry 3D printing filament dryer can be used in a number of ways. To consolidate the drying and printing processes, users can actually employ the dryer during the printing process—a turntable in the dryer can be used to steadily feed filament into a 3D printer immediately upon drying. For a more complete drying process, however, users can also dry an entire roll of filament prior to storage. The machine can even be used to dry the moisture-absorbing desiccant packs usually included with printing materials. This allows the packs to be reused over and over.

Suitable for up to 40 hours of continuous use, the PrintDry filament dryer has been independently tested by both Intertek and TUV to meet safety standards in Europe and North America and, given its low cost, could soon become an essential 3D printing accessory—especially in rainforests.

The PrintDry 3D printing filament dryer is available for preorder for $79. Estimated delivery is July 2016.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer Accessories

 

 

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Dion wrote at 7/26/2017 9:45:07 AM:

I have one of these things. Food dehydrators are surprisingly expensive here in NZ - this was cheaper annnd it was setup for filament. Overall though - it's temperature control, out of the box was hilariously bad. Setting the dial to 45degrees C would often have the filament at 60 or 70. Killed a couple of rolls of PLA (stuck to itself, got all kinky). Pulled it to bits and found the problem. Their temp control is just a crappy adjustable bi-metallic thermostat. Bad enough but it lives in the bottom section of the drier - well out of the way of the heater. Nowhere near the heated chamber. Not sure how they ever thought that was going to work. Grabbed a cheap digital temp controller from fleabay for a few bucks, cut a hole in the side of the unit and stuck it in. The whole thing is wired with a switched neutral so kept it in that configuration but swapped the bimetallic disaster for the temp controller. Popped a little hole between the base and the first drying chamber. Ran the temp probe through it and taped it to the inside of the clear plastic bin thing with some kapton. Works perfectly now. Holds temp accurately. No more floppy PLA. Overall - crappy electrical design but the whole thing is nifty enough to be worth it - just order a better temp controller when you buy one.

Heartlander wrote at 10/8/2016 6:47:47 PM:

The more I look at this, I THINK I see a couple differences (improvements) between this and the food dehydrator. It looks like these guys took the dehydrator, added a fan and made the larger clear canisters to hold spools. So, maybe I would like to retract my earlier snark attack. ;)

Heartlander wrote at 10/8/2016 4:53:55 PM:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Beef-Jerky-Machine-Meat-Maker-Food-Dehydrator-Fruit-Dryer-Electric-Harvest-NEW-/272346085602?hash=item3f691778e2:g:qosAAOSwV0RXtkmW

John wrote at 5/13/2016 11:56:55 AM:

@Michael But.. but.. It's INNOVATIVE!!!!!! Think of the research and development time to source and apply that sticker. Almost as good as a $20 for a $3 USB soldering iron with a few extra bits.

Mbc wrote at 5/12/2016 5:14:39 PM:

Can make jerky too, bonus!

Michael wrote at 5/12/2016 11:49:52 AM:

just a food drying machine... even the logo is a sticker...



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