Choosing the Best 3D Filament Dryer for Better Prints

If you have experience with 3D printing, you probably know how frustrating it can be when your filament absorbs moisture. Materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and especially hygroscopic materials like Nylon and PVA, absorb moisture from the air very easily. You may notice issues like thin layers, bubbles, or stringing in your prints when this happens. This is not the quality you want. right?

So, what’s the solution? Drying your filament before printing is key. In this post, we’ll dive into why filament drying matters and check out some great filament dryer options that can help keep your prints looking perfect.

Why Does Moisture Matter for 3D Filament?

Here’s the deal: when filaments are wet, the moisture inside them turns to steam when they pass through the hot end of your 3D printer. That steam causes bubbles, and irregular extrusion, and can totally mess up your prints. To avoid that, drying your filament before use is super important.

What Makes a Good Filament Dryer?

When you're shopping for a filament dryer, here’s what you should keep in mind:

Temperature Control: Different filaments need different drying temperatures. A good dryer will let you adjust the heat to match the material you're using. Some filaments like PLA only need low heat, but tougher ones like nylon need a bit more care.

Humidity Control: The best filament dryers keep the humidity in check as well. Too much moisture and your filament won’t dry properly, so make sure the dryer has decent humidity control.

Drying Time: Some filaments take longer to dry than others. Having a dryer that lets you control the time is helpful, so you don’t end up over-drying or under-drying your filament.

Ease of Use: Look for something that’s simple to load, unload, and monitor. You don’t want to spend forever fiddling with settings or worrying about how your filament’s doing.

Best Filament Dryers for 3D Printing

Let’s get into some of the dryers that users rave about:

1. Sovol SH02 Filament Dryer – Best Overall

First up, we’ve got the Sovol SH02, and honestly, it’s one of the top choices out there. It's reliable, well-priced, and easy to use. The SH02 offers great temperature control, and it works with pretty much any filament you throw at it. Whether you’re working with PLA, ABS, or more moisture-sensitive materials like nylon, this dryer has you covered. It can also display the temperature and humidity inside the dryer in real time to achieve real-time monitoring. Plus, it’s got a sleek design that doesn’t take up too much space on your workbench.

2. Eibos Filament Dryer – Budget-Friendly Option

For those on a tighter budget, the Eibos Filament Dryer is a solid choice. It’s straightforward, effective, and doesn’t cost a fortune. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, it gets the job done well enough for most filaments. If you don’t need super fancy features but want something that just works, this one’s worth checking out.

3. Sunlu Filament Dryer – Affordable and Functional

The Sunlu Filament Dryer is a great choice for those on a budget but still looking for something reliable. It’s super affordable and easy to use, with adjustable temperature settings that range from 40°C to 70°C, making it perfect for drying a variety of filaments like PLA, PETG, and ABS. One of the standout features of this dryer is its ability to hold multiple filament spools at once, so if you’re working with more than one material, it’s a time-saver. The compact design means it won’t take up too much space, either. Plus, the clear display makes it easy to keep track of your drying process. If you're looking for a solid, budget-friendly option, this is definitely one to consider.

4. Polymaker Filament Dryer – Good for Hygroscopic Filaments

If you work with moisture-sensitive filaments like nylon or PVA, the Polymaker Filament Dryer might be your best bet. It’s got great temperature control and is especially effective at drying these tricky materials. It’s a bit on the higher-end price-wise, but if you’re serious about your prints, it’s worth the investment.

DIY Filament Drying: Can You Skip the Dryer?

Not everyone wants to splurge on a filament dryer, and that’s totally fine. There are some DIY methods that can get the job done:

Using an Oven: A lot of people dry their filament using a regular kitchen oven. Just set it to a low heat (around 40-50°C) and keep a close eye on it. While it’s not as precise as a dedicated filament dryer, it can work in a pinch if you’re careful.
Silica Gel Packs: Another trick is using silica gel packs or other desiccants. Stick them in a sealed bag with your filament to help absorb moisture. It’s not as effective as a full-on dryer, but it can help keep your filament in better shape, especially if you’re storing it for a while. However, if the filament is already damp, the desiccant will hardly work.

If you want to make your own filament dryer, this video may be helpful to you.

Drying Times for Different Filaments

Here’s a quick reference for drying your filaments:

• PLA: 40-45°C for 4-6 hours
• ABS: 50-55°C for 6-8 hours
• PETG: 50-60°C for 4-6 hours
• Nylon: 60-65°C for 8-12 hours
• PVA: 40-45°C for 6-8 hours

Make sure to check the specific drying recommendations for the filament brand you're using, as they can vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you want to take your 3D printing game to the next level, investing in a filament dryer is definitely worth it. It can save you from wasted filament and failed prints, and it’ll make a noticeable difference in the quality of your projects. The Sovol SH02 is a top pick, thanks to its reliability and user-friendly features, but there are plenty of other great options like the Sunlu and Polymaker dryers, too.

If you’re not ready to buy one just yet, there are always DIY options to hold you over. No matter how you do it, though, drying your filament is a must for better prints.