Storage of 3D printing filaments
Storage is an important factor with all of these materials. All filaments will absorb moisture, which makes storing in a low-humidity environment preferable. An airtight, plastic storage container or heavy-duty Ziploc storage bag with desiccant is helpful.
If a filament has absorbed moisture, the usual symptom is the sputtering of filament material when it extrudes. This is caused when the moisture stored in the filament surpasses the boiling point of water in the heat chamber and exits the nozzle in bursts of steam.
It is possible to dry out small portions of filament in a normal kitchen oven. Lay the filament on a nonstick surface such as a tin foil and heat it at around 55 to 75 degrees Celsius for an hour. PLA shouldn't be heated over 50 degrees Celsius. Care must be exercised while drying all materials or the filament will deform if heated too much. Move the filament around during the heating and cooling processes to prevent sticking.
