Dry filaments are especially important for reaching the printability and mechanical properties a material should provide, This is one of the main reasons for me to design COREBOXX.
This model is made as an addition to the drying functionality. Just Implementing this silica gel holder will help dry the filament, best results are gotten when combining this model with the Semi-Smart add-on (heats the chamber)
How drying works; Increasing the temperature inside the chamber allows the moisture to be drawn out of the filament and into the air. However, it is a common misconception that this completely solves the issue, since when the heating turns off, the humidity is still present inside of the chamber. Therefore, this holder can be added to absorb it from the air into the silica.
If you add dryable silica, you may need to dry the silica separately in an oven to revive its function. If you choose to go for a standard type, you need to replace it when it gets saturated.
Parts & material;
Always print both the “Silica_Box” and "Silica_Box_Lid".
Choose the holder type based on your preferred way of mounting; - Heatset inserts - Hex nut inserts - Double-sided tape
Print this part in PETG
Use the "0.20mm STRUCTURAL" settings
Printing instructions;
Load “Silica_Box” and "Silica_Box_Lid" into Prusaslicer
Right-click on the “Silica_Box”, go to “add modifier” and click “load”. choose “box_modifier” from your downloads
select this just inserted modifier mesh,, and right-click to add custom settings for both "infill" and “Layers&perimeters”
Now, in your parts tree, select these modified settings, and set the following settings;
Fill density; 40%
Fill pattern; Gyroid
Bottom/ Top solid layers; 0
Perimeters; 0
Repeat the same for the “Silica_Box_Lid”, with the “Lid_Modifier”
Now Slice and check the file! It should look something like this;
That is it, happy drying!
Specifications;
Maximum volume is about 250ml, which equates roughly to 175 grams of desiccant. it is however not necessary to fill it all the way, 150Grams is a more sold volume so easier to source.
Works with any type of desiccant / Silica gel beads with a diameter bigger than 1,5mm;
I used this type from AliExpress, it will change colour when saturated and can be dried in the microwave.