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Opening a brand new spool of 3D printing filament is always exciting. However, before you immediately load it into your printer and hit start, following these 5 essential steps will save you from failed prints, clogged nozzles, and wasted material.
When you receive the filament, first check the exterior packaging. High-quality filaments are vacuum-sealed. If the bag is loose or has leaked air, the filament may have absorbed moisture. Printing with wet filament causes stringing and a "popping" sound as water boils in the nozzle. If you suspect moisture, especially with hygroscopic materials like Nylon, PETG, or TPU, dry the filament before use.
This is the most common beginner mistake. When you cut the tape securing the filament tip, absolutely never let go of the end. If the tip snaps back and slips under another loop on the spool, it will create a knot that will eventually jam and ruin your print hours later.
Even if the box provides a recommended temperature range, every 3D printer behaves differently. Once loaded smoothly, it is highly recommended to print a "Temperature Tower" to determine the exact temperature that yields the smoothest surface and least stringing. Additionally, carefully observe the first layer to ensure it sticks firmly; you may need to tweak the bed temperature or apply a glue stick.
Different filaments (even of the same material and brand but different colors) might have slightly different ideal settings. To save time and material in the future, attach a small label to the spool recording your tested "Optimal Nozzle Temp" and "Bed Temp." Next time you use this spool, you can just dial in the settings and print perfectly right away.
3D printing filaments are the natural enemy of humidity. If you are not going to print for a few days, do not leave the spool exposed on the printer. Remove it and store it in an airtight ziplock bag or a dedicated dry box along with silica gel desiccants. The drier the storage environment, the more beautiful and stronger your future prints will be.