Moisture is one of the most common causes of printing errors in FFF 3D printers. Technical plastics such as nylon, PETG, and PEEK in particular absorb water from the air, which leads to bubbles, poor surface quality, and reduced strength during extrusion. To avoid this problem, many users rely on filament dryers or simply print their own with the new AeroDry project.
The system developed by Creative3DP consists of 3D-printable components that can be manufactured on standard desktop printers. The modular design allows up to three 1 kg filament spools to be accommodated. Integrated feed-throughs allow the filament to be fed directly from the housing into the printer. This keeps the material dry throughout the entire printing process.
In addition to the housing, the design also includes space for desiccant bags and an electric heating unit with a recirculation fan. A digital display shows the current humidity inside, and a timer allows material-specific drying times to be set. This allows the drying process to be adapted to common recommendations for PLA, ABS, or technical polymers.
The AeroDry project is offered as a data set for self-printing. It includes STL files, a parts list for commercially available components such as screws, fans, and heating elements, and assembly instructions. Users must purchase the electrical components separately, which according to Creative3DP cost around $50.
In terms of licensing, the provider distinguishes between private and commercial use. For $29, the system may be built for personal use, and for $54, the resale of self-built devices is also permitted.
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