Most print-quality problems that get blamed on the printer are actually caused by the filament — and specifically by how it was stored. Filament absorbs moisture from the air, and wet filament shows up as stringing, popping sounds, rough surfaces and weak layer adhesion.
Why moisture ruins prints
When moist filament passes through a hot nozzle, the absorbed water flashes into steam. That steam creates tiny bubbles in the extruded plastic, which weakens the part and leaves a rough, inconsistent surface. You can often literally hear it: a crackling or popping sound during printing is a strong sign of wet filament.
Which materials are most sensitive?
- TPU is the most hygroscopic material in our range — store it dry, always.
- ABS absorbs moisture at a moderate rate.
- PLA and PLA PRO1 are more forgiving, but degrade too when stored in open air for months.
Practical storage rules
- Keep spools in a sealed container or zip bag with desiccant (silica gel) when not in use.
- Don't leave a spool mounted on the printer for weeks in a humid room.
- Buy spool sizes that match your usage: a 4.5 kg spool is economical for a print farm that empties it in weeks, while a 0.75 kg spool is smarter for occasional printing.
- If filament has been exposed for a long time, dry it before printing (a filament dryer or a low-temperature oven) — for PLA around 45 °C, for ABS and TPU somewhat higher.
How we handle it
Our filament comes vacuum-sealed with desiccant, straight from a production floor where the same spools feed our own printers. Store it well, and it will print the same on the last meter as it did on the first.
Questions about a specific material? Get in touch — we're happy to help.