spoolvault | |
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Status | build in progress |
Founder | czechu |
Source | https://wiki.hackerspace.pl/projects:spoolvault |
Work in progress
Large 3D printing filament dryer and storage box, with over the top design specs:
Hot surface. Hot contents. Ensure continuous ventilation.
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 | - |
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.
Useful generic information about polymers: 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:
There are industrial dryers that heat up to 150°C:
Filament manufacturers recommendations:
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.
Goal is to have a basic version for a price of a cheapest commercial dual-spool drybox. At the time of writing Creality Space Pi can be found on Aliexpress for 366zł.
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.
Researching products designed for convection ovens (termoobieg) and DIY meat smoking (wędzarnia) helped. There are no unsolved issues here, just a lot of integration.