Tips for Storing PETG 3D Printer Filament

Have you ever experienced a failure while printing and wondered what caused it? There is a good chance that improper filament storage was the culprit. And if you use PETG filament, you know well that it demands an extra level of care when it comes to storage. In this blog, we’ll discuss tips for storing PETG 3D printer filament to maintain quality and prevent filament catastrophe.

First, THAT Dreaded Word

If you have read any of the earlier blog posts about Nylon products on filamatrix.com, you have seen lots of mentions of that word—hygroscopic. If you remember this word, then skip to the next section. If it doesn’t sound familiar, hygroscopic (and its often-mistaken form, hydroscopic) essentially means “water loving.” Hygroscopic filaments like Nylons and PETG absorb water from the atmosphere and retain it. This water, when heated during printing, expands and turns to steam, making a mess of your print. So, how can you prevent this?

Appropriate Container

An airtight container is highly recommended for storing filament and is an absolute must for PETG. A desiccant bag should go into the container with the filament to prevent moisture intake. Water buildup causes various issues during printing, such as bubbling, warping, stringing, and other defects. Using a container with a vacuum seal and adding a few silica gel packets or other absorbent materials can increase the protection against moisture.

Use or Long-Term Store Within Six Months

You like your apples fresh. You like your peanuts fresh. So why not your PETG? If you cannot use your spool of PETG within six months of opening it is best to put it into long-term storage. That means you should vacuum seal it with desiccant packs, not just a closed container with desiccant. You paid for that PETG; don’t waste it.

Check Filament Appearance

Visually inspecting the filament is a great way to identify signs of improper storage. If there’s discoloration, the filament might have been exposed to moisture or UV light or otherwise become compromised. If the filament has a stench or becomes tacky, run, don’t walk away. Avoid using such filaments at all costs.

Keep Away from Chemicals

Like most plastics, PETG can absorb airborne chemicals in its environment and should be kept away from foreign substances. Again, store the material inside suitable, airtight containers and keep it separate from substances that emit damaging gases or vapors.

What If I Have a Problem?

If your filament is UV-damaged, contaminated, or physically unsound, throw it out. It’s plastic, not gold. But if your PETG just picked up some water, dry it. PETG’s glass transition temperature (Tg) is about 80° C (175° F), so it must be dried well below that point. We recommend drying it for 6 to 12 hours at 60° C (140° F).

Summary

Improperly storing PETG filament can lead to many problems, such as filament failure, brittleness, and print deformities. Therefore, it’s important to keep PETG and other materials separate and not risk your creation’s quality. Invest in the premium Zenith PETG 3D printer filament from Filamatrix for optimal results. Every spool you receive is the result of stringent quality checks and comes with the guarantee of Filamatrix’s superior service and support. Don’t let poor storage options ruin your investment.

Filamatrix offers a community of support that ensures you Never Feel Limited! For more ideas, tips, tricks, and information about filaments for your creation process, follow our blog. Keep reading, printing, and learning; choose Filamatrix to always ensure quality.

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