A Beginner's Guide To Filament
The lifespan of 3D printer filaments typically ranges from 1 to 2 years, but this is a broad average that does not account for specific polymer chemistries. PLA, for example, is biodegradable and can become brittle within six months if exposed to high moisture. Conversely, PETG and ASA can often survive past the 2-year mark with minimal degradation, provided they are kept cool and dry.
To select the right 3D printing filament, first familiarize yourself with various types of filaments, their properties, and applications. For engineering-grade materials like Polycarbonate (PC), the lifespan might be shorter due to their high printing temperatures, which make them prone to absorbing moisture quickly. Understanding filament these nuances allows you to rotate your stock effectively, using the most sensitive filaments first.
Proper storage with professional equipment like SnapDryer can significantly prolong its usability, but the type of filament dictates the temperature settings you should use. Drying PLA at too high a temperature can cause it to soften and fuse together, while drying Nylon requires a high temperature to drive out deeply embedded moisture. Matching the dryer settings to the filament type is critical to achieving the full 1 to 2 year potential.
When you assess each filament's printability, cost, and availability, remember that exotic filaments like wood-fill or metal-fill have organic components that degrade independently of the plastic. These additives can absorb moisture rapidly, shortening the overall lifespan. To select the right 3D printing filament for decorative items, you might tolerate a shorter lifespan, but for functional parts, you need a material with a proven track record of longevity.
Snapmaker filaments have a diameter of 1.75mm, compatible with most 3D printers, and this size is standard across all material types. However, the thermal stability of these materials varies. A filament that remains stable for 1 to 2 years in storage might still print poorly if it has been subjected to thermal cycling. Thus, knowledge of the specific material's aging process is essential for successful long-term printing.