Drying temperature and time depend on the polymer, moisture level, spool size and dryer airflow. A single generic number is unreliable; use the material limit, verify weight loss and confirm with a print test.
Start with the polymer limit
- PLA: low temperature, avoid softening
- PETG: moderate temperature
- TPU: gentle heat and airflow
- PA/PC: higher temperature within supplier limits
Choose time by moisture history
A freshly opened, well-sealed spool may need only a few hours. Material exposed to humid air for days may need a longer cycle. Weigh before and after to measure the actual change.
Control airflow and spool position
- Spread the windings
- Turn the spool
- Avoid hot spots
- Let it cool before sealing
Verify with a print
Print the same test part before and after drying. Check bubbles, surface, layer adhesion and extrusion stability. Record the successful cycle for future batches.
| Material | Temperature | Time | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | 40–50 °C | 4–6 h | Softening |
| PETG | 55–65 °C | 4–6 h | Fused windings |
| TPU | 45–55 °C | 4–8 h | Deformation |
| PA/PC | 70–90 °C | 6–12 h | Supplier limit |
| PVA | 40–50 °C | 4–8 h | Overheating |
Common engineering mistakes
- Using one temperature for every material.
- Drying a full spool at pellet temperature.
- Skipping weight measurement.
- Sealing a hot spool.
- Judging from appearance only.
Checklist
- Is the dryer temperature verified?
- Is the spool spaced for airflow?
- Was weight recorded before and after?
- Did the test print improve?
- Was the spool sealed with desiccant?
Request a drying profile for your material through the quote form.