Airtight filament container / box

thingiverse

3D printing filament is incredibly hydrophilic, requiring extremely careful storage after opening to prevent moisture absorption. It's crucial to maintain an environment with humidity levels below 20% to prevent damage to the filament. Storing filament in airtight containers alongside silica gel packets is an effective solution for maintaining low humidity. I've found that using a combination of silica gel and airtight containers ensures that my filament remains dry, even in environments with high humidity like those typically found indoors. To streamline the printing process, it's essential to have a continuous supply of filament readily available. To address this need, I designed custom bowden connectors for the 9.5mm bowden tube and a filament roll holder that can be used inside an airtight container. This innovative design allows users to leave the filament connected to the extruder while storing it in a dry environment. Printer Settings: * Printer: Achatz easydelta remodeled * Rafts: Doesn't Matter * Supports: No * Resolution: 0.2mm with 0.4mm nozzle * Infill: 50% Post-Printing Process: Building the Box: To assemble the box, users can employ a range of materials and techniques. STL files are available for adapting to specific needs, including the use of 9.5mm bowden tube fittings or connectors with smaller holes. The filament holder is constructed from several key components, including an 8mm rod/threaded rod (133mm length), two ball bearings (22x8x7mm), and either a 22mm steel/aluminum tube or a 19mm electrical PVC tube (96mm length). The parts that hold the ball bearing are printed separately to fit snugly over the tube on both sides. A separate STL file is provided for the 22mm tube parts. To assemble the box, users should predrill holes and secure the components using small woodscrews. Silica Gel: When selecting silica gel packets, it's essential to choose ones with indicators that change color when saturated, signaling that they need to be replaced. To dry silica gel, users can place it in an oven at 130C for a few hours. This process is remarkable, as it showcases the significant amount of moisture absorbed by the silica gel. However, caution must be exercised when using ovens, ensuring that the temperature does not exceed 120-130C and that the silica gel can handle this heat safely. Airtight Box: To store large quantities of filament, users can acquire 44L sealed boxes that accommodate approximately 8-10 rolls each. These containers are widely available from various online retailers, including Goedkope Opbergbox NL (http://www.goedkopeopbergbox.nl/opbergbox-luchtdicht-44-ltr).