3D printing enthusiasts know that high-quality filament is the backbone of any successful print. However, as with most materials, 3D printing filaments have a limited lifespan. Whether you’re a hobbyist or professional, it’s essential to know when your filament is too old and no longer viable for printing.
In this post, we’ll explore the typical lifespan of various filament types, how to identify when the filament has degraded, and a few handy tips to extend its usability, ensuring you get the best results from your 3D prints.
The Lifespan of Different Filament Types
Each filament type has its own characteristics and lifespan. Environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature, play a significant role in determining how long your filament will last before it starts to degrade. Here’s a breakdown of the most common filaments:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is known for being user-friendly and biodegradable, but it’s also highly hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air. Stored in optimal conditions, PLA can last up to two years. However, exposure to moisture can drastically shorten its lifespan, leading to brittle filament and poor print quality.
- ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is a strong and durable material, but like PLA, it absorbs moisture over time. Stored in a cool, dry environment, ABS can last around one to two years. If it’s kept in humid conditions, the filament may become brittle and unprintable much sooner.
- PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Known for its strength and flexibility, PETG is more resistant to moisture than PLA and ABS, giving it a longer lifespan. When stored correctly, PETG can last two to three years. However, if exposed to moisture, it can still degrade and affect your print quality. To ensure you’re using fresh, reliable material, consider using 3D print PETG filament from trusted suppliers.
- Nylon: Nylon is highly durable and flexible, but it’s extremely prone to moisture absorption. If stored improperly, it can start to degrade within a few months. When stored in vacuum-sealed bags with desiccants, nylon filament can last for about a year before noticeable degradation.
Telltale Signs That Your Filament Has Gone Bad
Knowing when the filament has degraded is crucial for avoiding failed prints – here are some telltale signs that it might be time to replace your filament:
- Brittleness: One of the most common signs of filament degradation is increased brittleness. Try bending a small piece of the filament – if it snaps easily, especially in the case of PLA and ABS, it’s likely too old.
- Stringing and Oozing: If your prints are showing excessive stringing (thin, web-like strands between sections of your model) or your printer nozzle is oozing more than usual, your filament may have absorbed moisture. This is a common issue with filaments like PLA, PETG, and nylon.
- Bubbling or Popping Sounds During Printing: This is a clear sign of moisture in the filament. When filament absorbs water, it can evaporate during printing, causing bubbles to form in the extruded material, which leads to weak spots and a rough surface finish.
- Uneven Extrusion: If you notice inconsistent extrusion, where the filament flow seems to vary or the printer struggles to extrude at all, the filament may have absorbed too much moisture or become brittle, affecting its ability to feed smoothly through the extruder.
- Surface Defects and Poor Layer Adhesion: Degraded filament often leads to poor surface quality and issues with layer bonding. If your prints are showing cracks, splits between layers, or an uneven surface finish, it could be a sign that your filament is past its prime.
How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Filament
Proper storage is key to extending the lifespan of your filament and keeping it in top condition. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your materials:
- Store in a Dry Environment: Moisture is the number one enemy of 3D printing filaments. To prevent moisture absorption, always store your filament in a dry environment. Consider using airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags with desiccant packs to keep humidity at bay.
- Use a Filament Dryer: For filaments that have already absorbed moisture, a filament dryer can help restore them to a usable condition. These devices heat the filament gently, driving out any moisture and improving print quality. Drying is especially important for hygroscopic materials like nylon and PETG.
- Control Temperature: High temperatures can also cause filament degradation. Always store your spools in a cool area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources, to prevent warping and other damage.
- Label Your Filament: Keep track of when you purchase your filament by labeling each spool with the date. This will help you monitor its age and know when it’s time to replace older spools.
- Avoid Open-Air Storage: Leaving your filament exposed to the open air for extended periods is a surefire way to speed up degradation. Always return spools to their airtight storage after each use.
Final Thoughts
The lifespan of 3D printing filament varies based on the material and how it’s stored. By keeping an eye out for signs of degradation and following proper storage practices, you can maximize the life of your filament and achieve consistent, high-quality prints. By staying vigilant and following these simple steps, you’ll minimize wasted filament and prevent those frustrating failed prints.