How do you dry and store nylon filament to avoid moisture absorption and degradation?

2 How to dry nylon filament

The best way to dry nylon filament is to use a filament dryer, which is a device that heats and circulates dry air around the filament spool. You can buy a commercial filament dryer or make your own with a food dehydrator or an oven. The recommended temperature and time for drying nylon filament vary depending on the brand and type, but generally range from 70°C to 90°C and from 4 to 12 hours. You can check the moisture level of your nylon filament by weighing it before and after drying. A dry nylon filament should weigh about 5% less than a wet one.

3 How to store nylon filament

The best way to store nylon filament is to keep it in a sealed container with a desiccant, such as silica gel or calcium chloride. A desiccant is a substance that absorbs moisture from the air and prevents it from reaching the filament. You can use a ziplock bag, a vacuum bag, or a plastic box as a container, as long as it is airtight and durable. You should also label your container with the date and weight of the filament, so you can track its condition and usage. You should store your nylon filament in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

4 How to print with nylon filament

Before you print with nylon filament, you should preheat your extruder and bed to the optimal temperature for your filament. The recommended temperature for nylon filament varies depending on the brand and type, but generally ranges from 240°C to 280°C for the extruder and from 80°C to 120°C for the bed. You should also use a glue stick, hairspray, or blue tape to improve the adhesion of the nylon filament to the bed, as nylon tends to warp and shrink when it cools down. You should also print with a low fan speed or no fan at all, as cooling can cause cracking and delamination of the nylon layers.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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