Samu Hupli, Author at Ruuvi

Q: How often should I check the humidity levels in my filament storage?

Continuous monitoring is ideal, especially for hygroscopic filaments like PLA or PETG. Weekly checks are sufficient in stable environments, but in humid areas (>50% RH), daily monitoring is recommended to prevent moisture absorption, which can degrade filament quality.

Q: Can I still use filament that has absorbed moisture?

Yes, moisture-absorbed filament can be salvaged using a filament dryer. Drying at controlled temperatures (e.g., 45–55°C for PLA) restores printability by reducing moisture content. Studies show that drying improves mechanical properties and reduces extrusion issues like bubbling.

Q: Are there any filaments that don’t absorb moisture?

While all filaments absorb some moisture, some filament types are less hygroscopic compared to others. PETG, for example, requires low moisture content during printing, but it has been shown to maintain its mechanical properties better in humid conditions compared to some other filaments, making it a good choice for applications requiring durability in varying environments.

Q: How many RuuviTags do I need for my 3D printing setup?

For effective environmental monitoring, place one RuuviTag near your printer and another in your filament storage area. Larger setups may require additional sensors to account for microclimate variations across the workspace.

Q: How humid is too humid for 3D printing?

Humidity levels above 55–60% RH are problematic for most filaments, as they lead to moisture absorption and print defects such as stringing and poor layer adhesion. Maintaining humidity between 30-50% RH ensures optimal print quality

Q: What humidity is bad for PLA?

A: PLA performs best at humidity levels between 20–40%. Exposure to >50% RH can cause moisture absorption, resulting in weakened mechanical properties and extrusion issues like popping sounds during printing.

Q: Is 38% humidity too dry for 3D printing?

A: No, 38% RH is within the optimal range (30–45%) for most filaments like PLA and PETG. Lower humidity (<30%) is beneficial for long-term filament storage but does not negatively impact printing performance.

Q: What is the best humidity for 3D printing?

The ideal humidity range for most filaments is between 30–45%. This minimizes moisture absorption while avoiding issues caused by excessively dry air, such as static buildup in certain materials like PETG.

Q: Is 40% humidity too high for filament storage?

No, 40% RH is acceptable for short-term storage of filaments like PLA and PETG. For long-term storage (>6 months), maintaining lower humidity levels (<30%) using silica gel or vacuum-sealed containers is recommended.

Q: Is 70% humidity too high for 3D printing?

Yes, 70% RH is far too high for 3D printing. At this level, filaments rapidly absorb moisture, leading to defects such as stringing, popping sounds during extrusion, and poor layer adhesion. Use dehumidifiers or sealed containers to mitigate these issues.

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