Does Petg Cf Need To Be Dried

So, there I was, a few days back, standing in my garage, staring at my 3D printer like it had grown a second head. I'd just finished printing this amazing PetG coaster - you know, the one with the intricate design that looks like it's straight out of a high-end home decor magazine. I was pretty chuffed with myself, I must say. But then, I noticed something. The darn thing was all... wet. Not like, 'I've been crying over a broken heart' wet, but more like, 'I've just come out of the shower' wet. And that, my curious friend, is where our little tale of woe begins.

PetG: The Unsung Hero of the 3D Printing World

Now, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of whether PetG CF needs to be dried or not, let's give a little shoutout to our filament friend, PetG. It's not as flashy as its cousin, PLA, or as exotic as ABS, but it's got its own unique charm. It's got a lovely glossy finish, it's tough as nails, and it's got a lovely, subtle smell that reminds me of... well, let's just say it's not unpleasant.

But here's the thing, PetG, much like my teenage son, hates the cold. And by cold, I mean room temperature. And by room temperature, I mean anything below its melting point. So, when you print with PetG, it's like you're giving it a sudden, icy cold shower. And that, my friend, is where our little conundrum comes in.

To Dry or Not to Dry, That is the Question

So, back to my soggy coaster. I was wondering, should I dry it? Should I leave it to air dry? Should I stick it in the oven (please, don't do this at home, kids)? I mean, I've seen people do it, but is it really necessary? Let's find out.

First things first, why does PetG get all 'wet' in the first place? Well, it's all about the moisture. You see, PetG absorbs moisture from the air like a sponge. And when you print with it, all that moisture turns into steam, which condenses on the surface of your print, giving it that lovely, dewy look. But here's the thing, that moisture can also cause your print to warp or crack over time. Not cool, right?

Drying PET-CF / PAHT-CF - Bambu Filament and Accesories - Bambu Lab

So, should you dry your PetG prints? The short answer is, it depends. If you're printing in a humid environment, or if you're printing large, complex pieces, then yes, you might want to consider drying your prints. But if you're printing small, simple pieces in a dry environment, then you might be able to get away with leaving them to air dry.

If you do decide to dry your prints, there are a few methods you can use. You can leave them in a warm, dry place (like your garage, if it's not too humid), you can use a dehydrator, or you can even use a food dehydrator. Just make sure you don't overdo it, as that can also cause your prints to warp.

But What About CF?

Now, you might be wondering, what about Carbon Fiber reinforced PetG? Does it need to be dried too? Well, the short answer is, yes. In fact, CF reinforced PetG can absorb even more moisture than regular PetG because of its fibrous nature. So, it's even more important to dry your CF reinforced prints to prevent warping and cracking.

How To Dry Your Filament | 3D Print Beginner

But here's the thing, drying CF reinforced prints can be a bit trickier. Because of the fibers, it can be harder for the moisture to escape. So, you might need to use a slower, more gentle drying process. Again, a dehydrator can come in handy here.

In Conclusion...

So, there you have it. Whether PetG CF needs to be dried or not depends on a whole host of factors. But if you're printing in a humid environment, or if you're printing large, complex pieces, then it's probably a good idea to give it a try. Just remember, slow and steady wins the race when it comes to drying your 3D prints.

And as for my soggy coaster? Well, let's just say it's now residing in my garage, slowly drying out. I'll let you know how it turns out. Happy printing, folks!