How to Store 3D Printer Filament
TL;DR
Most filaments absorb moisture from air, causing print failures. Store in sealed containers with desiccant. Nylon and PVA degrade within hours; PLA tolerates weeks but degrades over months. If filament is wet, dry it with a food dehydrator at 40-70°C for 4-8 hours.
Key takeaways
- ✓Nylon, PVA, and PC must be sealed immediately after opening
- ✓PLA is forgiving but still degrades over months in humid air
- ✓Sealed container + silica gel desiccant = best storage
- ✓Wet filament causes popping, stringing, and poor adhesion
- ✓Food dehydrator at 40-50°C for 4-8 hours dries most filaments
Why storage matters
Most 3D printing filaments absorb moisture from the air (they're hygroscopic). Wet filament causes popping/sizzling during printing, poor layer adhesion, stringing, and rough surface finish. Some materials (nylon, PVA) can become unprintable within hours of exposure to humid air.
Which materials are most sensitive
Extremely hygroscopic: Nylon, PVA, PC. Seal immediately after opening. Moderately hygroscopic: PETG, TPU, ABS. Should be stored sealed but tolerate brief exposure. Low sensitivity: PLA, PLA+. Can sit on a shelf for weeks in moderate humidity but will degrade over months.
Storage solutions
Best: Sealed container with rechargeable desiccant (silica gel). Vacuum-sealed bags work too. Good: Large airtight storage bins (Sterilite, IRIS) with desiccant packs. Budget: Original sealed bags with the desiccant packet included. The key is low humidity — aim for under 15% RH inside the container.
Drying wet filament
If your filament has absorbed moisture, you can dry it. Food dehydrator at 40-50°C for PLA/PETG, 60-70°C for ABS/nylon, 4-8 hours. Oven at the same temperatures (but ovens are less precise — use a thermometer). Dedicated filament dryers (Sunlu, eSun) are the safest option. Resin does not need drying but should be stored away from UV light.