Every good 3D printing project starts with the right materials. Whether you’re printing with filament or resin, you must maintain your supplies to produce high-quality work.
Keeping 3D printing materials in good condition isn’t difficult. Stop wasting your money and supplies, and learn how to take care of your technology.
Store in a Dry Place
To care for your 3D printing materials adequately, you need proper storage. Moisture will ruin a filament and make printing nearly impossible. One advantage of 2.85mm filament over 1.75 filament is it doesn’t absorb water as easily. Still, it’s better to store things in a dry area.
Keep your materials in air-tight containers. De-humidifiers will suck moisture from the environment that could damage your equipment. To avoid spills and other catastrophic events, never keep water near your 3D printing setup.
Reduce Contamination
Water isn’t the only element that can damage your materials. Dust particles, dirt, and debris can contaminate the surface of filaments and resins. The result? Rough prints with very obvious imperfections.
Clean nozzles and print beds after every project to keep old materials from polluting new designs. Wipe your printer and workspace often so dust doesn’t infiltrate the machine. Consider dedicating an area just for your 3D printing projects to avoid contamination.
Keep Out of Sunlight
The sun is a 3D printer’s worst nightmare. UV rays warp filaments and fade colors while curing resin before it’s had time to process. If you want to keep 3D printing materials in good condition, you need to protect them from sunlight.
Your filament or resin likely comes in UV-resistant packaging. Keep materials in their containers until you’re ready to use them. Store your supplies away from windows; while natural light is great for human health, it’s detrimental to your materials’ quality.
Keep Expiration Dates in Mind
Did you know that 3D printing materials can expire? Age and maintenance play a huge role in filament and resin quality. If you stick to a good care routine, your supplies will have a longer shelf life.
Always use older materials first. Allowing things to age puts them at risk. Expired materials create dull, weak prints and may damage your expensive device.
Fortunately, these are the only steps you need to take to maintain your equipment. 3D printing unlocks doors to unlimited creative possibilities; don’t let lousy materials stand in the way of your potential.
Categories: Product Talk Stuff
