At Phrozen, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible results with your 3D printing projects. While our PLA filament is designed to deliver excellent quality, we’ve identified that optimal storage and handling play a crucial role in ensuring a seamless printing experience. In this article, we’ll cover tips for keeping your filament dry, untangling it effectively, and preventing mid-print breakage.
Why Keeping Your Filament Dry Is Essential
PLA filament is highly sensitive to moisture. When exposed to humidity, it absorbs water, which can lead to:
- Poor print quality: Moisture causes bubbling and stringing during printing.
- Brittleness: A damp filament is more likely to break during use.
- Clogging: Swollen filament can jam the nozzle and disrupt the print.
To achieve the best results:
- Store your filament in a dry, airtight container with desiccants (e.g., silica gel).
- Use a filament dryer or a food dehydrator set at 40–50°C for a few hours to restore dried-out filament.
How to Untangle PLA Filament
Tangles can occur if the spool is not handled carefully. Here’s how to manage and fix tangles:
Prevent Tangles During Use:
- Ensure the filament feeds smoothly from the spool holder.
- Avoid removing and replacing filament from the spool unnecessarily.
Fixing a Tangled Spool:
- Stop printing and carefully unwind the filament from the spool.
- Slowly rotate the spool, keeping tension on the filament to untangle it.
- Once untangled, secure the filament end with a clip to prevent further knots.
Tips to Avoid Mid-Print Breakage
Breakage is commonly caused by brittleness or tension. Here’s how to prevent it:
- Keep Filament Dry: Drying the filament regularly is essential to reduce brittleness.
- Reduce Tension: Use a spool holder that allows the filament to feed freely. Check for proper alignment between the spool and extruder to avoid unnecessary strain.
- Inspect Before Use: Examine the filament for weak points or visible damage. Cut off any damaged section before loading it into your printer.
Conclusion
By following these best practices, you can significantly enhance your Phrozen PLA printing experience and reduce issues like tangling, breakage, and moisture absorption. If you encounter any difficulties or have additional questions, feel free to contact our support team for assistance.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.