Filament dryers have lengthy been wanted in materials extrusion. Each industrial and residential customers profit from conditioned filament with diminished moisture and uniform temperatures nearer to extrusion ranges. Whether or not built-in into the machine or as separate items, filament dryers improve consistency, enhance repeatability, and scale back print errors, particularly with supplies like PLA and PA.
Hygroscopic filaments take in moisture from the air, resulting in filament breakage, stringing, and extruder blockages. ABS, PC, PETG, TPU, and plenty of different filaments endure from these points. Nonetheless, even non-hygroscopic supplies like PP profit from constant temperature management.
I discover it a bit disappointing that many individuals overlook components like room humidity, airflow, and the beginning temperature of filament. Nonetheless, it’s encouraging to see extra consideration being given to moisture discount—it’s an excellent begin.
Whereas we’ve had each improvised and high-end filament dryers for years, none have offered in excessive numbers. Chinese language filament producer SUNLU goals to alter this with the FilaDryer E2. This new unit can attain temperatures of as much as 110°C, making it extra appropriate for PA (polyamide, nylon), PC, and high-performance supplies similar to PEI.
The unit maintains a temperature of as much as 70°C with ±3°C accuracy in an surroundings of 25°C (±5°C). Between 70°C and 110°C, it presents ±5°C accuracy based mostly on measurements taken at 4 completely different factors, guaranteeing constant drying for professional-grade outcomes. The chamber measures 372mm × 192mm × 186mm and may accommodate two 1-kilo spools or a 2- or 3-kilo spool.
The chamber is sealed with silicone plugs, permitting as much as eight filaments to be run by way of in 1.75mm, 2.85mm, or 3mm diameters. It incorporates a touchscreen interface, enabling customers to create customized drying cycles or choose from preset choices. The unit is UL, CE, FCC, UKCA, and ROHS licensed.
The dryer prices $400, which is considerably greater than the $100 Creality Plus Area Pi and Creality’s personal $130 FilaDryer S4 mannequin. The S4 can maintain 4 rolls and can doubtless suffice for many residence customers. SUNLU additionally presents dry box-style items just like the S1 and S2, priced at $40 and $50, respectively. PrintDry has a four-spool unit accessible for $199, whereas EIBOS presents a rolling unit for $140. In comparison with these choices, the SUNLU seems costly. Nonetheless, the actual check might be in its efficiency—if it will possibly preserve a uniform temperature throughout the construct chamber, it can outperform these alternate options. A better temperature vary may also develop materials compatibility.
However SUNLU has another trick up its sleeve. For years, customers have relied on convection and lab ovens to anneal elements, a course of that enhances uniformity and strengthens prints. By heating elements to their glass transition temperature, annealing can enhance tensile energy and warmth deflection, making the fabric extra crystalline. Nonetheless, the method requires exact management—with out it, elements might deform or warp. Whereas some supplies and geometries profit from annealing, others can endure diminished efficiency or extreme distortion.
PETG, for example, is a superb candidate for annealing at round 90–110°C, the place comparatively easy elements can achieve elevated impression resistance. SUNLU’s new annealing mode might make this course of extra accessible for each residence and industrial customers. Even PLA elements might see energy enhancements.
I’m unsure how many individuals will benefit from this function, however for some customers, will probably be a incredible resolution. For those who produce end-use PETG and PLA elements, this machine is price contemplating, because it might considerably improve materials properties.
I really hope to see extra superior filament dryers out there. As desktop materials extrusion machines are more and more used for end-use elements, filament dryers will turn out to be extra widespread. These machines might play a vital position in bettering the economics of 3D-printed elements, and I stay up for seeing additional developments on this house.
Subscribe to Our E mail E-newsletter
Keep up-to-date on all the most recent information from the 3D printing trade and obtain data and presents from third social gathering distributors.
