Does Filament Absorb Moisture?
Moisture absorption rate by material
| Material | Sensitivity |
|---|---|
| Nylon | Extreme, dries out a sealed spool in days when opened |
| TPU | High, dry every week or two during use |
| PETG | Medium, dry if open a month |
| ABS / ASA | Medium |
| PLA | Low to medium, still affected after months |
| PC | Medium |
Signs of wet filament
- Popping or hissing at the nozzle
- Visible steam at the hotend
- Stringing that was not there before
- Dull, foamy surface finish
- Brittle prints that snap at layer lines
Storage
Sealed bag plus silica gel for occasional use. Sealed dry box with bulk silica for long-term. Active filament dryer for nylon, TPU and PC.
Drying times
- PLA: 45 to 55 C for 4 to 6 hours
- PETG: 65 C for 4 to 6 hours
- ABS / ASA: 75 C for 4 to 6 hours
- TPU: 50 C for 6 to 8 hours
- Nylon: 80 C for 8 to 12 hours
Browse
Nylon, TPU. Related: Storage and drying guide.