Properly storing PLA filament is very important in order to preserve the quality of the filament. Many users get confused about how to do it correctly.
To properly store PLA filament you can use different ways, such as storing it inside airtight containers with desiccants, on vacuum seal bags, or in Ziploc bags. You can also buy filament holders or dryers, repurpose a wine cooler or build your own custom-built cabinet.
Keep reading to find out more on how to store PLA filament properly for 3D printing.
How to Store PLA Filament Properly
These are the main ways to store PLA filament properly:
Airtight containers with desiccants
Filament dryer
Repurposed wine cooler
Filament holder
Vacuum seal bags
Custom-built cabinet
Ziploc freezer bags
1. Airtight Containers with Desiccants
One of the best ways to store PLA filament is by using airtight containers with desiccants. This method works by preventing the filament from absorbing moisture, which can affect its print quality.
Desiccants are materials that absorb moisture from the air, and they come in various forms, including silica gel packets and desiccant beads.
It’s important to choose an airtight container that can seal out the air completely, preventing moisture from entering. Store the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
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One user really recommends the Dry Tote Desiccant as the bags work well and have an indicator that changes color to signal when the beads inside need to be recharged.
There are different sizes for storage boxes, ranging from 12qt to over 50qt, and depending on how much filament you’re looking to store, it may be good to buy a large one.
Another user suggests also having a ThermoPro Thermometer and Humidity Gauge in the box so you can control the humidity level easily. With the ThermoPro Humidity Gauge, he was able to finally control the humidity levels in his garage, where he stores his filament.
Air Comfort Indicator: This humidity meter with humidity level icon indicates air conditions - DRY/COMFORT/WET, allowing this humidity sensor to ensure you’re always aware of changes to your home/household with just a quick glance
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It’s also important to note that the ideal humidity level for PLA filament is below 50%. If the humidity level is too high, the filament may become too soft or brittle, affecting the quality of the print.
Check out the video below for more details on filament storage.
2. Filament Dryer
Another effective way to store PLA filament is by using a filament dryer. A filament dryer is a device that uses heat to dry the filament and remove any moisture.
It’s an excellent option for those who live in humid environments or have a filament that has been exposed to moisture. Using a filament dryer can also extend the lifespan of your filament.
The recommended temperature and duration for drying vary depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to follow them correctly to avoid damaging the filament.
Users recommend the EIBOS 3D Printer Filament Dryer Box as it can hold up to two rolls of filament and feature both a heater and a fan. It is available on Amazon and it is highly recommended for its easy setup and great design.
【DRYER & STORAGE BOX】Eibos dryer box is specifically made for the purpose of drying 3D printer filament, intended to remove the moisture from a spool of filament caused by ambient exposing. Filament can be used while in the box, the dryer function as both storage box and filament holder. Sealed protection, comprehensive dust-proof and damp, no impurities
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One user stated that he really likes the EIBOS filament dryer box because it can be used as a roller for two rolls at a time regardless of if you are drying or not, which is good for people with limited space.
Another user recommends getting a food dehydrator, such as the COSORI Food Dehydrator, as it is the same concept as a filament dryer but provides better control of the temperatures.
A lot of users recommend the COSORI Food Dehydrator as a great alternative to the filament dryer as it is a much cheaper option that achieves the same results.
One user suggests cutting out the center of all but one of the racks to fit multiple spools of filament. By using some flashing, pop rivets, and aluminum tape, he was able to extend the rack to hold up to 6 rolls.
While it doesn’t dry the filament quickly, leaving the spools in for 12 hours at 140 – 165°C degrees helped to fix some stringing issues they had. For a single spool, the user recommends an hour or two in the dehydrator.
Check out the video below for a detailed comparison of different filament dryers.
3. Repurposed Wine Cooler
A repurposed wine cooler is another way to store PLA filament effectively. Wine coolers are designed to regulate temperature and humidity levels, making them an excellent storage option for filament.
Choose a cooler with a digital thermostat and temperature controls that can maintain a consistent temperature of around 20°C. This temperature range is ideal for storing PLA filament. You can add desiccants to the cooler to help absorb moisture.
One user recommended moving the desiccant to the top of a repurposed wine cooler for storing PLA filament because humidity levels are highest there.
Another user shared their experience repurposing a wine chiller they found at Goodwill for storing their PLA filament. They removed all the internal components except for the fans, added LED lights and a 12v power supply, and patched the holes to make sure it’s airtight.
With the racks upside down, the user was able to store 12 spools perfectly. He also plans to add a large desiccant box and humidity gauge to ensure optimal storage conditions.
【Keep Wine Cool】: The wine cooler possesses superb technology, adjustable temperature control from 54-64 °F. Besides, the wine fridge equips with a built-in fan that maintains a consistent temperature throughout, not affected by outside heat sources.
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4. Filament Holder
Another option for storing PLA filament is to use wall-mounted filament holders. These holders are designed to keep the filament spools organized and easily accessible while taking up minimal space.
You can either buy one, such as the YOOPAI Filament Spool Holder, which can fit up to four spools of filament and is available at Amazon, or you can 3D print your own.
【Innovative Design】The spool holder uses minimal space and can hold up to four 1kg filaments, making your filaments even neater. It can be used for filament storage, or it can be printed while it is placed. (Filament not included in the package)
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One user recommends 3D printing the Wall Mounted Filament Rack, which is available on Thingiverse for free. This can be really useful for those who have limited floor space or who want to keep their filament within arm’s reach of their 3D printer.
Another similar option is the RepRack Model, which is an open-source spool holder that can be downloaded and 3D printed. It is very recommended by users as it is very easy to assemble.
Check out the video below for detailed information on how to build the RepRack spool holder.
5. Vacuum Seal Bags
Using vacuum seal bags is another excellent way to store PLA filament. These bags work by removing the air from the bag and creating a vacuum seal.
This method can be very useful if you need to store your filament for an extended period. Make sure to add a desiccant packet to the bag before vacuum-sealing it. Store the bag in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
【12 Pack Reusable Two Sizes Vacuum Bags Kit】- Filament Storage Bags Set come with one Package Box, Vacuum Bags *10 (11.8x13.4inch for 1kg spool), Vacuum Bags *2 (12.6x17.7inch for two 1kg spool), Hand Pump *1, Sealing Clips*2, Humidity Indicator*15, Desiccant*15. One kit 45 PCS in total, which can satisfy to storage 14 used filaments at the same time.
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It comes with 45 pieces and in two different sizes, besides having a double seal zipper that helps protect the filament from humidity.
One user stated that the kit really helped him store his PLA filament as the bags are a great size for 1kg spools and the desiccant packs hold the humidity down pretty well.
Another user stated that he uses the same vacuum seal bag that the filament came in, adding a desiccant pouch to reduce humidity.
Check out the video below for more information about storing filament in vacuum seal bags.
6. Custom-Built Cabinet
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive storage solution, you can build a custom cabinet to store your PLA filament.
The cabinet should be airtight and have a dehumidifier installed to regulate the humidity levels. You can also install temperature controls to ensure that the cabinet maintains a consistent temperature.
This method is ideal for those with a large collection of filaments and want to store them in one place.
One user was looking for a way to store his 50 spools of filament and created a custom cabinet using Fusion 360 design software and printed it on their Prusa MK3S.
The cabinet is made from wood planks for the top, bottom, and sides, with 100 x 125cm acrylic glass for the door, aluminum profiles for support, and a rubber seal to keep the cabinet airtight.
He also used some small parts like bolts, screws, and steel balls for the hinges, as well as paint and primer for the wood.
Check out the video below to see a custom-built cabinet for PLA storage getting made.
7. Ziploc Freezer Bags
Ziploc freezer bags are a simple and affordable way to store PLA filament. They can be found at most grocery or department stores, such as Amazon, and come in a range of sizes.
To use a Ziploc freezer bag for PLA filament storage, start by placing the spool of filament inside the bag. Press out as much air as possible and seal the bag.
It’s recommended to use a larger-sized bag than the spool to ensure that there is enough room for the filament to move around freely. If you want to take an extra step to prevent moisture from entering the bag, you can add a desiccant packet to the bag before sealing it.
One user found that keeping spools in a filament dryer was not effective as the box would become moist each time they opened it to change colors. He instead keeps each spool in a Ziploc Gallon Freezer Bag with a sachet of color-changing desiccant.
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After checking the bags for holes and the desiccant color, the previous spool is stored in that bag. If the desiccant has changed color, it is recharged in a dehydrator later.
Another user stated that the Ziploc Gallon Freezer Bag is perfect to store PLA as the bag has a good size for one spool and a small desiccant pack.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
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