Drying SilicaGel in Sunlu FilaDryer S2 / Trocknung

German

• I currently have approximately 3 kg of desiccant in circulation Each filament spool is vacuum-sealed in a bag and further protected with desiccant within a container integrated into the spool hub
• The SilicaGel beads change color from orange dry to black wet
• After once attempting to restore the small black SilicaGel beads to their orange state using an oven and baking tray I forfeited the right to repeat the process In other words my wife disapproved
• A Sunlu filament dryer caught my attention as it offered dual functionality the ability to dry both filament and SilicaGel
• When drying SilicaGel it is crucial to prevent the beads from clumping a single layer is optimal otherwise the drying process is significantly less effective
• My solution involved employing shallow boxes featuring numerous perforations in both their base and walls allowing for vertical stacking within the dryer
• A guide clip is affixed to the bottommost box securing the stack onto the two rods typically used to support the filament spool
• During initial trials I encountered a minor mishap a single instance of accidental contact with a hot surface resulted in the dispersal of some beads within the dryer
• Subsequently I implemented a transport aid facilitating the movement of the entire stack thereby eliminating the need for clips on the bottom container
• Containers with taller sides are used for desiccant pouches
• The box perforations measure 1mm in width meaning all SilicaGel beads exceeding 1mm in diameter are suitable for drying
• Due to imperfections in the initial transport aid print caused by vibrations the part thickness was increased to 4mm The result is now satisfactory Transport_aid_v2stl
• For drying SilicaGel beads I recommend the smallest 15mm boxes as this maximises surface area

• Additional boxes with heights of 20 25 30 40 and 50mm are available for selection and download from the STL list

   

• Improvements Upgrades

  • v2
    • Due to print imperfections caused by vibrations during production the part thickness was increased to 4mm The result is now satisfactory Transport_aid_v2stl
  • v3
    • A new transport aid was designed which incorporates clips for secure guidance within the dryer Transport_aid_v3stl This eliminates the need for individual clips on each container
    • For users who have already downloaded the older v2 transport aid a guide plate is available for attachment Clip_transport_aid_(for_old_v2)stl This saves both time and material
    • And for those preferring to use clips directly on the containers improved clips are available for each container size Clip_15mmstl … Clip_50mmstl
  • v4

    • User @michu293 suggested chamfering the overhanging edges of the stacking aid My Bambu X1C handled it fine but this might not be true for all printers
      Thank you for the suggestion I have modified all boxes Users who prefer to use the old boxes with overhanging edges can find them in a subdirectory within the STL file list

       

  • A remix by Gary for PolyDryer “PolyDryer Stackable drying containers” is also available
  • And Marcus has created an Adapter for PolyDryer allowing for the use of the baskets within the PolyDryer system

   

• Assembly

  • The stack of containers is placed onto the transport aid and then inserted into the dryer
  • The transport aid remains within the dryer throughout the drying process

  • Tip Transportation to the dryer is made safer by preemptively securing the transport aid arms with a clip This clip can be downloaded from the STL file list Clip_transport_aid_v3_(new)stl 
    The clip design is based on an idea by @T.K.Whipp.

     

• 3D Printing
  • Avoid using PLA as it deforms above approximately 60 degrees Celsius The dryer may reach 70 degrees Celsius
  • I printed my containers and guides using ASA and the transport aid with PETG due to warping issues experienced with ASA on longer parts even with a brim

  • When using PETG for the containers consider the material's softening temperature when setting the dryer's temperature

    	PLA	PETG	ASA
    Heat Deflection Temperature [degrees Celsius]	57	69	100