1 Topic by FelixP

  • FelixP
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Topic: High humidity during extrusion?

So I'm getting close to getting my new printer up and running, which means it is almost time for me to buy my own filastruder.

I plan on getting a food dehydrator to pre-dry pellets before trying to extrude anything. However, my local humidity is 65% !
If it takes several hours to extrude a batch of pellets, then doesn't that put them at risk of absorbing water from the air while extruding? Do I need to take extra steps to make the pellets safe from the humidity?

I know for PLA/ABS this probably isn't a major issue, but I am planning on trying to extrude Polycarbonate and Nylon, which are both more hydrophilic.

2 Reply by n2ri

  • n2ri
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  • From: St Louis MO USA area
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Re: High humidity during extrusion?

buy a dehumidifier for room being worked in

Solidoodle 2 with Deluxe kit cover & glass bed with heater. and 2nd board SD2 used not 3rd and alum platform not installed yet still wood. also need cooling fan installed to board. use Repetier Host couple vers. Slic3r also have all free ware STL programs

3 Reply by elmoret

  • elmoret
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Re: High humidity during extrusion?

65% humidity is not significant. I have extruded in 90% or higher humidity.

If you are concerned, keep the raw material dry and sealed, then add it a few hundred grams at a time (a few hours worth) to the hopper - that way it has less time to be exposed to moisture for extrusion.

Filastruder - the robust, inexpensive filament extruder
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4 Reply by Superdave

  • Superdave
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Re: High humidity during extrusion?

A lid on the hopper would be helpful also

If you build it they will come. Then they will make fun of it, tell you it's not worth doing and go home and try to copy you.
If a picture is worth a thousand words then being there is worth a thousand pictures.

(2) Stock Makerbot Z18s, Filastruder w/Melt Filter, Filawinder, Autodesk Inventor Design Suite 2014 .........so far.