{{template>:template:project | name=spoolvault | status=build in progress | founder=[[user>czechu]] | repo=https://wiki.hackerspace.pl/projects:spoolvault }} ====== SpoolVault filament dryer ====== **Work in progress** {{:projects:spool-vault-box.jpg?400&direct}} Large 3D printing filament dryer and storage box, with over the top design specs: * Max drying temperature above 100°C 🔥 * Air-tight construction (not while drying) * Ability to hold 4×1kg or 6×700g spools and fit 2×2kg ==== Safety ==== {{:projects:iso_7010_w017.svg.png?60&nolink}} {{:projects:iso_7010_w079_color.svg.png?60&nolink}} {{:projects:iso_7010_m057.svg.png?60&nolink}} Hot surface. Hot contents. Ensure continuous ventilation. ==== Settings ==== We will develop filament settings after calibrating the heat. **Check filament manufacturer recommendations before drying.** Here is a list of approximate values sourced from resources linked below. ^ Material ^ Drying (°C) ^ Duration (h) ^ Printing (°C) ^ | ABS | 60-85 | 3-4 | - | | ASA | 60-80 | 2-4 | - | | HIPS | 60-80 | 2-3 | - | | PA (Nylon) | 70-90 | 4-12 | 60 | | PETG | 55-65 | 3-8 | - | | PLA | 40-50 | 4-6 | - | * Drying temperature can vary. It's a generic safe value. * Duration: The best method is to observe spool weight. After some time drying stops being effective. * Printing temp: Educated guess. More research needed. Filament will probably cool in the tube between dryer and a 3D printer, but high temperature will prevent it from absorbing moisture while printing. === About overheating and over-drying === Filament can form cracks if dryed too rapidly. If a spool absorbed a lot of water, start with lower temperature and longer drying time. The best approach is to take regular weight measurements while drying. Over-drying can result in filament degrading and becoming brittle. Don't exceed manufacturer recommended drying time. It's better to have some moisture then an aged spool. === Research === Useful generic information about polymers: [[https://www.tworzywa.pl/wiedzopedia/baza-tworzyw/|tworzywa.pl/wiedzopedia/baza-tworzyw]] Theoretical glass-transition temperature doesn't look relevant for engineering materials. [[https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-print-tips-archive/glass-transition-temperatures-not-what-they-seem/]] Most dryers don't go higher then 70°C. Resources: * Glass transition temperature table [[https://omnexus.specialchem.com/polymer-property/glass-transition-temperature|omnexus.specialchem.com/polymer-property/glass-transition-temperature]] * Prusa guide [[https://help.prusa3d.com/article/drying-filament_332086|help.prusa3d.com/article/drying-filament_332086]] * PrintDry guide [[https://www.printdry.com/how-to-dry-filaments/|printdry.com/how-to-dry-filaments/]] * Eibos3D Polyphemus settings [[https://shop.eibos3d.com/products/pre-order-eibos-3d-filament-dryer-polyphemus|shop.eibos3d.com/products/pre-order-eibos-3d-filament-dryer-polyphemus]] There are industrial dryers that heat up to 150°C: * Apium F300; 13 000 zł; Presets visible in the promotional video * [[https://apiumtec.com/en/apium-f300-filament-dryer]] * ABS 60°C 4h, Nylon 70°C 10h * Purpose FD5; 3200 €; Manual found online * [[https://www.igo3d.com/mediafiles/Sonstiges/PurposeAMS/USER%20MANUAL_FD5.pdf]] * PLA 50°C 4h, PA 65°C 6h Filament manufacturers recommendations: * 3DXTECH Filament Drying Recommendations * [[https://www.3dxtech.com/drying-instructions/]] * PLA 65 2-4, PETG 65 2-4, FLEX TPC 65 4, NYLON 90 4, ASA 80 2-4, ABS 80 2-4 ---- ===== Build ===== {{:infra:tools:iso_7010_w012.svg.png?32&nolink }} **Warning!** Do not attempt to replicate this without experience with handling electricity. This is not an Arduino project. Working with AC current can kill or maim you. ==== BOM ==== * ✔️ Ammunition Box 47x21x37cm (NATO size 3) * ✔️ PTC heater 220V 400W 120x50mm * ✔️ Thermostat (REX-C100) * ✔️ High temperature fan (from convection oven) * ✔️ Steel threaded rivets M10 ≥6pcs. * ✔️ PTFE tubing & couplers * ✔️ Alarm light and buzzer * ✔️ AC IEC socket with power switch and fuse (AC-01-2) * ✔️ Wire crimper and supplies * ❔ Thermal insulation * ❔ Air supply fans and filter === Cost === Goal is to have a basic version for a price of a cheapest commercial quad-spool drybox. At the time of writing SUNLU FilaDryer S4 can be found on Aliexpress for 600zł. I was able to get surplus ammunition boxes for 100zł (~$25). I'm not sure what the best heating solution is yet. PTC heater with automatic shutoff at 150°C and with higher power then other commercial dryers have seems safe. Safer then disassembling a hair dryer. It might be under-powered, we will see. It was cheap, at 52zł. I chose REX-C100 for a PID temperature controller. It's extremely widely used, and it makes it very cheap. 48zł including SRR with radiator and a K thermocouple. Fused IEC socket with rocker switch costs 10zł. I also added optional 2x 220V signal diodes, 7zł. Threaded rivets will make installing ports for printing directly from the box very easy. I got both M4 and M10 from Aliexpress for ~30zł. Convection oven fan with motor is will costs 75zł new, ~50zł used. I opted for a new one named C460002A9. Plus speed controller for 8zł. Lastly, alarm light/buzzer for 6zł. Spent so far: **346zł**. === How to search for parts === Researching products designed for convection ovens (termoobieg) and DIY meat smoking (wędzarnia) helped. There are no unsolved issues here, just a lot of integration. ==== Log ==== * 2024-03-06 - project started, initial purchase - box i.d. 43.5×37×18.5cm * 2024-03-09 - box has been delivered * 2024-07-13 - electronics assembled on a bench and tested * 2024-09-22 - work on lower enclosure started * 2024-09-24 - control panel design * 2024-09-28 - front panel, relay, fan, heater mounted ===== Ideas for improvements ===== * Glass visor * Alternative gasket material * Painting inside with heat-resistant paint (white 800°C paint) * Flament rotation motor (oven roast motor? microwave oven turntable?) * Humidity sensor (needs to be temperature resistant) * "IoT" reporting and control * Load cell for spools * Klipper/printer integration