Welcome, 3D printing enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the essential filament drying kit designed for high-temperature performance thermoplastics such as PEEK and ULTEM. We’ll walk you through the unboxing process and explain how each component works together to ensure your filaments are perfectly dry and ready for your next 3D printing project.
Why Choose This Filament Drying Kit?
You might wonder why you need this specific kit when there are other options available. The answer lies in the unique requirements of high-temperature thermoplastics. While other solutions are excellent for low-temperature filaments, they typically operate between 50 to 70°C. In contrast, high-temperature materials demand a minimum drying temperature of 120°C. Traditional dehydrators at 70°C won’t keep these filaments dry for extended periods. To ensure thorough moisture removal, a vacuum chamber combined with a hot spool is the most effective method. Let’s explore what’s inside this kit.
Unboxing the Filament Drying Kit
When you open the kit, you’ll find a carefully organized set of components, ready for use:
- A Vacuum Drying Chamber
- A Vacuum Pump
- A Customized Toaster Oven
- Instructions
The Oven
Start by taking out the customized toaster oven. This oven is specially tailored for your needs and can reach temperatures of around 130°C, which is ideal for high-temperature filaments. We’ve labeled the control knobs with different temperature settings to make your job easier. For high-temp filaments, it’s typically set to 130°C, while lower-temp materials can be dried at around 70°C or lower. Make sure to preheat the oven to maintain temperature stability.
The Vacuum Chamber
The vacuum chamber is where the magic happens. It’s designed to accommodate three to four filament spools, depending on their width and weight. When you put your filament inside and create a vacuum at around -30 psi, you can even agitate the spools slightly to enhance the moisture removal process. Remember, it’s crucial to insert a hot filament spool into the vacuum chamber for the best results.
The Vacuum Pump
The vacuum pump comes with the kit, and it’s pre-assembled with a brass fitting. To get it ready, ensure you’ve filled it with the provided 300 milliliters of vacuum pump oil, which is high-quality and suited for the task. Use a sharp tool to remove the tape and attach the pump to the chamber easily.
Setting Up the Vacuum Chamber
Once you have the pump attached, open the valves as needed. You can pull a vacuum by opening the relevant valve, and once the gauge reaches around -30 psi (or -1 bar), close the valve. This step evacuates the moisture effectively. Afterward, you can disconnect the hose or perform other tasks. To reopen the chamber, be sure to use the filtered side to prevent any vacuum oil from entering. Now, your filament is ready for 3D printing.
Additional Tips
It’s important to note that if you have a 3D printer with a filament chamber that reaches around 70°C, it can help keep the filament dry while printing, especially for long print jobs. Using a metal spool is recommended to avoid filament deformation due to excessive heat.
Conclusion
With this comprehensive filament drying kit, you can ensure that your high-temperature filaments, including PEEK and ULTEM, are perfectly dry and ready for your 3D printing projects. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We specialize in high-temperature polymers and are here to support your 3D printing endeavors. Thank you for watching, and have a fantastic day!