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Solved Newbee question about storing the printer

Discussion in 'General Questions' started by Greg Thomas, Jul 12, 2015.

  1. Greg Thomas

    Greg Thomas New Member

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    I have looked all over the forums and google and I cant seem to find anything on what to do when turning off the printer.

    My big concern is the filament. Do I leave it loaded or should I remove it when I am done printing. I have been removing it. But its a huge pain to get loaded again and if I don't have to that would be nice.

    On a side note these forums have been a great resource in getting things tweaked just right. I appreciate all the info everyone has posted.
     
    #1 Greg Thomas, Jul 12, 2015
  2. StevenPatterson

    StevenPatterson New Member

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    Shouldn't be a problem to just leave it in the printer, just make sure you heat up the extruder before loading and unloading the filament. That being said, I'm definitely not an expert but from my experience, this is what I recommend. So if anyone wants to correct me, please do.


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    #2 StevenPatterson, Jul 12, 2015
  3. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Unless you are changing filament there is little need to unload it.
     
    #3 mark tomlinson, Jul 12, 2015
  4. Greg Thomas

    Greg Thomas New Member

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    Thanks for the quick response, and that makes my life a lot easier. Loading the filament is the hardest thing about 3D printing :)
     
    #4 Greg Thomas, Jul 12, 2015
  5. jtn7040

    jtn7040 Active Member

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    Wouldn't the filament absorb humidity if you don't unload it?

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    #5 jtn7040, Jul 12, 2015
  6. StevenPatterson

    StevenPatterson New Member

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    You know, I never even thought about that! I'll stand corrected. Lol thanks


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    #6 StevenPatterson, Jul 12, 2015
  7. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Sure, but it already has the humidity unless you keep it stored in a sealed container with desiccant.
     
    #7 mark tomlinson, Jul 13, 2015
  8. jtn7040

    jtn7040 Active Member

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    That's exactly what I do.... Is it overkill?

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    #8 jtn7040, Jul 13, 2015
  9. mark tomlinson

    mark tomlinson ༼ つ ◕_ ◕ ༽つ
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    Depends on your use I imagine.
    I live in Central FLA. It is terribly humid most of the year.
    I just live with wet filament. It does degrade the visual appearance slightly (steam bubbles will end up in the extruded filament). I have never had it have any effect other than visual so I just live with it.
     
    #9 mark tomlinson, Jul 13, 2015
  10. Mike Kelly

    Mike Kelly Volunteer

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    If you're concerned about humidity then it's a good idea to store your filament in a dehydration bin. Though I leave my spools out a lot and don't notice significant issues.

    If it's a particularly dusty area then that might cause issues as well.
     
    #10 Mike Kelly, Jul 13, 2015
  11. Greg Thomas

    Greg Thomas New Member

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    We keep the AC on all summer so I don't think humidity is an issue, unless I am forced to move into the Garage. I really do appreciate all the responses. I am really learning a lot from reading everyone's posts.
     
    #11 Greg Thomas, Jul 14, 2015

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