How hot can I dry filament?
Short answer
The drying temperature is the highest temperature a filament can safely be dried at. Most filament slowly absorbs moisture from the air, which causes stringing, popping and weak, rough prints. Drying it near, but not above, this temperature drives the moisture out without softening the plastic or the spool.
Typical drying temperature by material
The middle value across the filaments we list for each material. Always check the range for your own filament.
| Material | Drying temperature |
|---|---|
| PLA Polylactic acid | Up to 55 °C |
| PETG Polyethylene terephthalate glycol | Up to 65 °C |
| TPU Thermoplastic polyurethane | Up to 70 °C |
| ABS Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene | Up to 80 °C |
| ASA Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate | Up to 85 °C |
| PA6 Nylon 6 (polyamide 6) | Up to 80 °C |
| PA12 Nylon 12 (polyamide 12) | Up to 70 °C |
| PC Polycarbonate | Up to 75 °C |
| PP Polypropylene | Up to 60 °C |
| TPE Thermoplastic elastomer | Up to 60 °C |
Guide
Why filament needs drying
- Moisture boils in the nozzle, causing popping sounds, bubbles, stringing and a rough surface.
- Some materials soak up water quickly: nylon such as PA6, TPU and PVA can become hard to print within days in damp air.
- PLA and PETG absorb moisture more slowly, but still benefit from drying if they've been left out for weeks.
How to dry filament
- Use a filament dryer or a printer's built-in drying, set a little below the maximum drying temperature.
- Allow a few hours: many makers suggest around 4 to 8 hours, longer for nylon and very damp spools.
- Be careful with ovens: many can't hold a low temperature accurately, and overshooting can melt the spool or fuse the filament.
- Store it dry afterwards in a sealed bag or box with desiccant.
Drying temperature questions
What temperature should I dry PLA at?
Most PLA can be dried at up to around 55 °C; many people use 45–50 °C to be safe. Going hotter risks softening it on the spool.
What temperature should I dry PETG at?
Most PETG can be dried at up to around 65 °C.
How do I know if my filament is wet?
Popping or crackling from the nozzle, extra stringing, bubbles on the surface and brittle filament that snaps easily are the usual signs.
Can I dry filament in the oven?
You can, but carefully. Many ovens can't hold a low temperature accurately and can overshoot, which can melt the spool. A filament dryer is safer.
How should I store filament?
In a sealed bag or airtight box with desiccant, such as silica gel. Re-dry the desiccant when its indicator changes colour.