Filament drying guide
Wet filament strings, pops and prints weak. Pick a material to see a typical dryer setting and how dry to keep the spool, or read the whole table.
Pick a material
All materials
| Material | Dryer | Time | Store below |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 45–55 °C | 4–6 h | 20% |
| PETG | 60–65 °C | 4–6 h | 20% |
| ABS | 65–80 °C | 4–6 h | 20% |
| ASA | 65–80 °C | 4–6 h | 20% |
| TPU | 45–55 °C | 4–8 h | 20% |
| Nylon | 70–80 °C | 8–12 h | 15% |
| PC | 70–90 °C | 6–8 h | 15% |
| PVA | 45–55 °C | 6–10 h | 10% |
Typical values from maker guides and dryer manuals. Check them against the spool's label or the maker's data sheet, which come first. Store below = relative humidity in the box.
Worked example
A PETG spool that strings: dry it at 60 to 65 °C for 4 to 6 hours, then keep it in a sealed box with desiccant, below 20% humidity. A cheap hygrometer in the box shows when the desiccant needs drying too.
How it works
Pick a material and the page shows its row from the table above. Everything runs in your browser. Nothing is sent anywhere and there is no account.
Questions
How do I know my filament is wet?
Popping or hissing at the nozzle, wisps of steam, more stringing than usual, a rough or bubbly surface, and PLA that snaps when bent are the usual signs.
Can I use my kitchen oven?
It is risky. Ovens swing well above the dial at low settings and can soften the filament or warp a plastic spool. A filament dryer or a food dehydrator holds a low temperature steadily.
How should I store spools?
In a sealed box or bag with silica gel, below the humidity in the table. Dry the silica gel when its colour changes, or when a hygrometer in the box reads high.