Author: Beth Nicholls
Published by: Creative Bloq
In the ever-evolving world of 3D printing, one common challenge hobbyists and professionals face is dealing with moisture-absorbed filament, which can sabotage your prints with issues like stringing, bubbling, rough surfaces, inconsistent extrusion, and weak layer bonding. If you've ever wondered, "Should I buy a filament dryer for my 3D printer?" a recent in-depth review explores this very question, weighing the benefits against common misconceptions.
The article explains that while not all filaments are equally prone to moisture, hygroscopic materials like Nylon and PC are the biggest culprits—leaving spools exposed in humid environments can lead to steam formation during printing, ruining your results. Fortunately, filament dryers provide a straightforward fix by gently heating spools to evaporate trapped water, restoring material quality for smoother, more reliable prints.
Pros of investing in a dryer include affordability (options start under $50), ease of use, and advanced features in models like the SUNLU FilaDryer E2, which supports high-temperature drying up to 110°C and even an annealing mode to boost print strength and accuracy. Other recommended picks include the compact SUNLU S2 and S4, Creality's Space Pi, eSUN dehydrators, and the Polymaker PolyDryer. On the flip side, if you maintain proper storage with airtight containers and desiccants, you might not need one, and some community members argue that software tweaks can mitigate issues without hardware.
Alternatives highlighted include modern 3D printers with built-in drying, such as the Bambu Lab H2D or Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo, plus add-ons like the SUNLU AMS Heater. The review advises against DIY hacks like using ovens, emphasizing dedicated dryers for safety and effectiveness.
Overall, as Beth Nicholls notes in her Creative Bloq guide, filament drying methods are "becoming much more common and accessible," making them a smart addition for anyone serious about consistent 3D printing quality.