Diy Dry Box 3D Printing for Plastics
Filament storage in the IKEA 365+ box
Over the years, I have tried all sorts of ways to keep filament dry, and finally I have come up with a solution that has worked surprisingly well in my own everyday life. I use a 10.6 liter storage box from the IKEA 365+ series, in which I print the spool holder myself. Different 3D models can be found in many places, such as Printables and Makerworld, so it is quite easy to choose the right one according to your needs.
The box itself has been a good base for the whole thing. It's actually waterproof, so no moisture can get in, and thanks to the transparency, I know right away which spool is inside and how much is left. The box can hold two one-kilo spools without any forced adjustment, and there's room at the bottom for the dehumidifiers. I've noticed that just not having the filament sitting in the open makes the prints more consistent. The dehumidifiers do the rest.
The 3D printed spool holder has been a big help because I can make it exactly how I need it. I usually choose PETG or ASA as the material because they are durable and don’t crack easily. The holder holds the spool well in place, and it spins smoothly without rubbing against the walls of the box. If I want to feed the filament directly from the box to the printer, I make a small hole in the lid for the PTFE tube – this has been especially handy with moisture-sensitive materials.
While this solution may not be perfect for everyone, for me it has significantly reduced the problems caused by humidity. The prints have been smoother, and I have hardly seen any brittle or cracking filament. I also appreciate that the boxes can be stacked on top of each other, which keeps the workspace tidy even with multiple spools.
Finally, the supplies I use: a 10.6 liter storage box from the IKEA 365+ series, a self-printed spool holder with my own dimensions, a few dehumidifiers, and a small PTFE feedthrough if needed, if you want to feed the filament directly from the box to the printer. I've been fine with these, and nothing extra has been needed.
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