Printer Filament PLA Summary

Dehydrators for Filament Drying

• A cheap dehydrator or rechargeable silica beads can dry filament properly.
• An example of a dehydrator used successfully is the Elite Gourmet EFD319 Food Dehydrator.
• Works well for keeping PLA filament dry; may not be suitable for PETG.
• Some users use silica dehumidifiers in closed containers to keep filament dry.

Benefits of Food Dehydrators for Filament Drying

• Allows drying multiple spools simultaneously.
• Cost-effective solution, especially for hobbyists.
• Can be effective for PLA and PETG.

Issues with Using Silica Gel Packs

• Silica gel packs may take longer to dry filament.
• Filament may lose water but not entirely.

Recommendation for Filament Storage

• Using Desiccant in airtight storage containers can help keep filament dry.
• A proper dryer is quicker than using silica gel packs.
• Adding heat source on a heat bed with a box for drying is suggested.

Wood Filament Printing

• Wood filament can be stringy and prone to clogging.
• Issues with stringing may be improved by adjusting fan speed.
• Quality wood filament can be expensive, and some users face issues with clogging.

Armor-Plated Nozzles and Filament Drying

• Wood filament can be abrasive and users may need a hardened nozzle.
• Filament dryers can prevent wood filament from breaking and clogging.

Evaluation of Filament Quality

• Cheap filament can vary in quality and may lead to clogs and under-extrusion.
• Users recommend testing filament with temperature towers and adjusting settings accordingly.

Measuring Filament Diameter

• Using digital calipers may not provide accurate measurements for filament diameter.
• A micrometer with one decimal place more than the measurement needed is recommended for precision.
• Variations in filament diameter can impact print quality and extrusion.

General Tips

• Always dry new filament before use.
• Different brands may require adjusting slicer settings for optimal prints.
• Switching to reputable filament brands can improve print quality and reduce troubleshooting efforts.

This summary covers various aspects of Printer Filament PLA, including drying methods, wood filament challenges, quality evaluation, and diameter measurement issues.