3D printing with moist filament can lead to compromised print quality and frustrating failed prints. A filament dry box offers an affordable way to keep your filament dry and improve print results.
In this guide, we’ll walk through easy methods for constructing your own DIY filament dry box. With just a few common materials and tools, you can ensure your filament stays dry for optimal printing.
Why Dry Filament?
Fresh out of the vacuum packaging from manufacturers, 3D printing filament contains very little moisture. But as soon as it’s exposed to air, the hygroscopic properties of materials like ABS, Nylon, and PETG cause them to absorb humidity.
Printing with damp filament can cause:
- Poor layer adhesion
- Weak porous prints
- Lots of popping and cracking sounds
- Stringing or oozing
- Higher risk of clogs and jams
Storing filament in a dry, airtight box prevents absorption of atmospheric moisture. An added desiccant pack also actively pulls any residual moisture out of the material.
Benefits of a DIY Filament Dry Box
Constructing your own filament dry box offers these advantages:
Low Cost – A DIY box can be built for under $50, much less than commercial dryers.
Compact Storage – Stores neatly on a shelf near your printer. Takes up minimal space.
Custom Sizing – Build a box tailored to however many spools you need to store.
Easy Temperature Control – Add a heating element to keep filament warm and dry.
Ideal for Exotics – Protects moisture-sensitive exotics like Nylon, TPU, and Carbon Fiber.
Prevents Wet Spots – Storing partial spools stops humidity forming in open areas.
Longer Shelf Life – Keeps filament dry and usable for months vs weeks.
While DIY boxes won’t dry filament as fast as commercial dehumidifying dryers, they excel at maintaining dryness once achieved. Let’s look at how to build your own.
Materials and Tools Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to construct a basic DIY filament dry box:
Container – Airtight plastic storage bin or container with lid, 5-20 gallon capacity
Desiccant – Silica gel packs, molecular sieve beads, clay desiccant etc.
Mesh Bag – Drawstring mesh bag to hold desiccant
Hygrometer – Measures relative humidity levels inside box
Power Drill – For cutting holes to mount components
Jigsaw or Dremel (optional) – For cutting box to size if needed
Duct Tape – For sealing box and mounts if needed
Digital Thermometer – Monitors internal temperature
Aquarium Heater (optional) – Heats box interior to 30-60°C
With these basic items, you can construct a custom dry storage system for your filament spools.
How to Build Your Filament Dry Box
Follow these steps to assemble your own DIY filament dry box:
1. Choose Container
Select an airtight plastic box big enough for your filament collection. Measure spools to calculate needed capacity.
2. Cut and Drill Holes
Use a power drill to make holes for hygrometer, thermometer probe, power cords, and spool feeds.
3. Add Desiccant
Place moisture-absorbing desiccant beads, clay, or silicone packs in a mesh bag. Position near fan inlet.
4. Install Components
Mount hygrometer, thermometer display, inlet/outlets, and optional heater using tape for air-tight seals.
5. Organize Spools
Layout spools neatly so filament feeds and retracts smoothly without tangles.
6. Seal Box
Close lid tightly and seal any gaps with additional tape to maintain positive air pressure inside.
7. Power On and Test
Turn on connected devices and monitor temperature and humidity levels. Make any needed adjustments.
8. Dry Filament
Place wet filament in box at 30-60°C for 6-12 hours until hygrometer confirms dry state.
The box should maintain below 20% relative humidity. Swap desiccant as it becomes saturated. Now enjoy water-free printing!
Variations for Enhanced Performance
Some additional options for improved filament drying performance include:
- Add computer fans inside box to circulate air
- Use filament buffer tubes for airtight spool connections
- Incorporate rechargeable desiccant beads
- Add lighting inside box for better visibility
- Use Raspberry Pi controller for remote monitoring
- Print spool holders and shelving to optimize layout
- Upgrade to commercial desiccant dryers for faster drying
Customize your DIY dry box with these enhancements over time to achieve the perfect storage conditions.
Maintaining Your Filament Dry Box
Follow this routine maintenance to keep your filament dry box performing effectively:
- Check humidity and temperature levels regularly.
- Replenish desiccant as it becomes saturated.
- Periodically re-dry stored filament every few months.
- Ensure box seals remain air-tight. Re-tape if needed.
- Replace hygrometer/thermometer batteries when depleted.
- Monitor fans and heaters for continued functionality.
- Remove dust buildup that can hold moisture.
- Only open box when swapping out filament spools.
Well maintained, a DIY filament box can keep filament dry for 6-12 months. Be diligent and your filament will stay ready for printing.
Get Printing With Dry Filament
Equipped with your customized DIY filament dry box, you can now keep all your ABS, Nylon, PETG, TPU and other exotic filaments free of moisture for better print quality.
Take your time designing a box sized appropriately for your needs. Assemble quality components like an airtight container, efficient desiccant, accurate sensors, and ample circulation. Setup will be easy with our guide.
Notice the disappearance of popping sounds and improvement in bed adhesion, layer bonding, and surface quality once printing exclusively with dry filament. You’ll wish you built a box sooner! With perfectly dry material, you can focus on fine-tuning designs rather than fighting filament moisture. Achieve better prints through smart filament storage.
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