June 2: Dry Your Filament! Moisture Causes Brittle Prints and Stringing

Introduction

Why do you dry 3D printer filament? Did you know that filament absorbs moisture? Wet filament leads to poor extrusion, brittle layers, and excessive stringing. Drying your filament before printing can improve print quality significantly.

Why This Matters

Excess moisture causes filament to boil and bubble inside the hot end, leading to weak prints and inconsistent extrusion. Proper storage and drying prevent these issues.

How to Apply This Tip

✅ Store filament in airtight containers with silica gel.

✅ Use a filament dryer box or food dehydrator for removing moisture before printing.

✅ Test your filament—extrude it manually, and check for bubbling or popping sounds, indicating moisture.

✅ Slicer Optimization: Adjust printing temperature and retraction settings to compensate for filament damage.