Different 3D printing filaments vary in their ability to absorb moisture. Some filaments absorb a lot, while others absorb far less. Either way, any level of moisture has a detrimental effect on final print quality.
Fortunately, you can dry different filaments using the same dryer, saving you time and effort. If your dryer has a dual chamber, you have two sealed spaces for drying. This means efficiency, flexibility, and improved 3D printing results.
Other benefits of dual chamber drying include.
Hygroscopic filaments easily absorb moisture from the air. Examples of these types of filaments include nylon, polycarbonate, and PETG. Absorbed moisture vaporizes during printing. When this happens, the final result may be stringy or have poorly bonded layers.
Dual-chamber dryers help prevent this by providing separate ‘environments’ to dry filaments. You can set up each chamber according to the filament you need to dry and remove moisture faster without compromising the filament quality.
When you dry multiple filaments at the same time, you can do so under optimal conditions for each. For example, one chamber can dry a high-temperature nylon filament at 70°C. The other chamber can dry a lower-temperature PLA filament at 50°C.
If you have more than one filament dryer, you can dry up to four or more filaments at the same time. You may also find it easier to work on large or multi-material projects.
Drying filament in a dual chamber is not only about setting the temperature. You also have to get the humidity just right for optimal drying. A dual-chamber dryer allows you to independently control these parameters in each chamber. You can dry each filament type perfectly according to its requirements. Therefore, dual chambers can help prevent potential damage from inappropriate conditions, improving print quality.
The absorbed moisture in filaments vaporizes when you extrude your print. This can cause several issues.
Bubbling and popping sounds. As the filament passes through the hot end, absorbed moisture turns into steam. This causes bubbles and popping noises, which are detrimental to the print. Nylon, TPU, and PVA are especially susceptible to this issue.
Inconsistent extrusion. Excess moisture also causes fluctuations in extrusion flow. When this happens, the layers are deposited inconsistently, and the print surface becomes uneven.
Surface imperfections. The presence of moisture can also cause rough surfaces on printed objects. These imperfections impact the appearance and functionality of 3D prints.
Dual chambers effectively remove moisture, mitigating these issues. With a dual chamber dryer, you can look forward to smoother and more consistent 3D printing.
Properly dried filaments show better layer adhesion. Moisture weakens the interlayer bonding. This leads to delamination and a reduction in part strength. A study showed that moisture content can alter the adhesion between printer layers. The result is a significant impact on the mechanical properties of the printed object.
By maintaining optimal drying conditions, dual-chamber dryers allow filaments to retain their intended properties. With these properties intact, you will experience more reliable and high-quality prints.
Dual-chamber filament dryers can speed up your print workflow by allowing you to dry and print simultaneously. You can run a print job from one chamber while continuing to dry new filament in the other.
It is the ideal setup to minimize downtime and maintain a continuous printing process. If you need to change materials frequently or maintain a high print output, a dual chamber is a must.
You cannot dry filaments properly without using energy. Fortunately, dual chamber dryers tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional dryers. You can process multiple spools while controlling each chamber independently. This reduces the overall energy usage.
You can even use your dual chamber dryer for extra storage. Once you have dried your filaments, you can leave them in the chambers. Here, they will stay in low humidity to prevent more moisture absorption.
If you want to preserve filament quality over a short time, this is an invaluable option to have. Also, if you work in an environment with high ambient humidity, it is crucial to have this option. Some dual-chamber dryers even come with the option to add more storage boxes as well.
Modern dual-chamber filament dryers are equipped with a range of features designed to simplify the drying process. For instance, many have intuitive digital interfaces. These touch screens allow you to switch between Fahrenheit and Celsius and access one-key presets. You can also use the screen to monitor and adjust your settings as needed.
If you prefer presets, dual-chamber dryers can meet your needs. Some dryers can recommend humidity and time settings, eliminating the guesswork associated with filament drying.
When you work with a dual-chamber dryer, you will likely also have built-in sensors that monitor the environment while drying filament. When you have updated humidity information, you can quickly determine how fast the filament will dry.
New dryers also come with memory and power-off resume features. If the power goes off, the dryer memory retains the last-used settings.
If you want to invest in a dual-chamber dryer, look for the following features and functions:
Filament compatibility. You want to choose a dryer that can accommodate all the filaments you use. If you purchase a limited dryer, your specialized filaments may become unusable.
Temperature range and precision. If the dryer can handle most filaments, it should also be able to handle all temperature settings. For instance, you need to be able to set PLA between 104°F and 122°F and PETG between 140°F and 149°F.
Capacity and chamber design. Ideally, you want to buy something that allows the simultaneous drying of two spools in two different environments. You should also be able to feed the filament directly while drying for ‘dry-and-print’ projects.
Modern features. Look for a dryer with LCD panels or touch screens, as well as memory functions and transparent lids.
Quality and safety. You need a strong dryer that does not overheat or make excessive noise.
With a dual-chamber filament dryer, you get better moisture control and the option to dry two or more filaments at once. This ensures a vastly improved 3D print.
3D printing will undoubtedly continue to evolve over the coming years. If you invest in a dual-chamber dryer now, you will be one step ahead in terms of print quality and efficiency.