The Comgrow 3D Printer Filament Dryer Box wins as a budget-friendly pick for hobbyists, boosting print quality by drying filaments—despite a clunky interface and iffy power adapter, it’s a steal for casual printers.
When it comes to 3D printing, moisture is one of the biggest enemies of filament. Wet filament can lead to clogging, poor layer adhesion, and overall print quality issues. That’s where the Comgrow 3D Printer Filament Dryer Box comes in. This filament dryer promises to keep your filaments dry and ready for printing. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into the details.
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Comgrow 3D Printer Filament Dryer Box
Comgrow Filament Dryer Box
- Stores and dries two 1kg spools simultaneously
- Compatible with PLA, ABS, PETG, and SILK filaments
- Adjustable temperature (40°C to 50°C) and drying time (6-12 hours)
- Real-time temperature and humidity monitoring via 2-inch LCD screen
- Sealed design with snap-button lid and silicone cable sheaths
- Built-in filament holder for printing while drying
- Compact size: 9.29 x 6.49 x 9.13 inches
Key Features
- Large Storage Capacity: The Comgrow Filament Dryer Box can store two 1kg spools of filament simultaneously, making it ideal for users who work with multiple materials. It’s compatible with 1.75mm and 2.85mm filaments, including PLA, ABS, and SILK filaments. The inner dimensions of 9.29 x 6.49 x 9.13 inches ensure it can accommodate most standard spools.
- Adjustable Temperature and Drying Time: The dryer offers an adjustable temperature range of 40°C to 50°C, with a maximum temperature of 50°C. The drying time can be set between 6 to 12 hours, allowing users to customize the drying process based on their filament type and moisture levels.
- Real-Time Temperature and Humidity Monitoring: A 2-inch LCD screen displays real-time temperature and humidity levels inside the box. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring the drying process and ensuring optimal conditions for your filament.
- Sealed Design for Moisture Control: The dryer box features a snap-button lid and silicone cable sheaths for the filament outlet, ensuring a tight seal to keep moisture out. When not in use, the outlet can be covered with a plug to maintain the dry environment.
- Filament Holder and Feeding Mechanism: The dryer includes a built-in filament holder that allows you to feed filament directly into your 3D printer while it’s being dried. This feature is especially handy for long printing sessions, as it ensures the filament remains dry throughout the process.
Performance and Usability
The Comgrow Filament Dryer Box is designed to remove moisture from filaments, which is critical for achieving high-quality prints. Users have reported significant improvements in print quality after drying their filaments, with fewer issues like clogging, poor adhesion, and layer migration.
- Ease of Use: The interface is straightforward, with touch buttons for adjusting temperature and drying time. However, some users found the controls slightly confusing, particularly the lack of a dedicated start button.
- Drying Effectiveness: The dryer works well for PLA, ABS, PETG, and other common filaments. Users noted that even in humid environments (like Hawaii), the dryer was able to reduce humidity levels to around 18% when used correctly.
- Printing While Drying: One of the standout features is the ability to print directly from the dryer. This ensures that the filament remains dry during the entire printing process, which is a game-changer for long prints.
Related: Creality Space Pi Plus Filament Dryer Review: Say Goodbye to Moisture Issues
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable price point compared to competitors.
- Can store and dry two spools simultaneously.
- Real-time temperature and humidity monitoring.
- Sealed design with good moisture control.
- Ability to print directly from the dryer.
Cons
- The interface can be unintuitive for some users.
- The power adapter may run hot and fail over time (some users recommend upgrading to a 5A adapter).
- Limited maximum temperature of 50°C, which may not be sufficient for some advanced filaments like nylon.
User Feedback
The Comgrow Filament Dryer Box has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Here’s what users are saying:
- Joni: “Simple clean design. Not complicated to use. Works great! Love that it is a sealed box and can be used for filament storage.”
- John Andrew Schultz: “After 16 hours in this dryer, all my filaments work great. It made a difference between 90% failure and (so far) 0% failure.”
- KF: “Even though the highest temp is 50°C, it’s more than enough to get the humidity down to 18% in Hawaii!”
- Crash Davis: “The first one I bought works great! The second one, however, is not the same quality.”
- Andy: “The filament dryer performs exceptionally well, but the power adapter failed after 8 months of light use.”
Tips for Optimal Use
- Crack the Lid for Moisture Escape: When drying, slightly open the lid to allow moisture to escape. Close it tightly for storage.
- Use Desiccant Packs: Adding desiccant packets inside the box can help maintain low humidity levels after drying.
- Raise the Dryer for Airflow: The bottom of the dryer can get warm, so consider placing it on a small stand to improve airflow.
- Check Cables and Connections: If you encounter errors like E0 or E1, check the cable sockets on the motherboard for damage or looseness.
Related: Why Risk Poor Prints? SUNLU FilaDryer S4 Guarantees Dry, Ready-to-Use Filament!
Conclusion
The Comgrow 3D Printer Filament Dryer Box is an excellent budget-friendly option for hobbyists and casual 3D printing enthusiasts. It effectively removes moisture from filaments, improves print quality, and offers the convenience of printing directly from the dryer. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as an unintuitive interface and a potentially unreliable power adapter, its performance and affordability make it a solid choice for most users.
If you’re looking for a reliable filament dryer that won’t break the bank, the Comgrow Filament Dryer Box is definitely worth considering. For advanced users or those working with high-temperature filaments, however, you may want to explore more robust (and expensive) alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of filament can the Comgrow Filament Dryer Box handle?
The Comgrow Filament Dryer Box is compatible with PLA, ABS, PETG, SILK, and other common 1.75mm and 2.85mm filaments. However, it may not be suitable for high-temperature filaments like nylon due to its maximum temperature limit of 50°C.
Can I print directly from the Comgrow Filament Dryer Box?
Yes, the dryer includes a built-in filament holder and feeding mechanism, allowing you to print directly from the box while keeping the filament dry during long printing sessions.
How long does it take to dry filament in the Comgrow Dryer Box?
The drying time can be set between 6 to 12 hours, depending on the filament type and moisture levels. For heavily moist filaments, longer drying times may be required.
Is the Comgrow Filament Dryer Box suitable for humid environments?
Yes, users in humid climates, such as Hawaii, have reported success in reducing humidity levels inside the box to around 18%, making it effective even in high-humidity areas.
What are the common issues with the Comgrow Filament Dryer Box?
Some users have reported minor issues, such as an unintuitive interface, a power adapter that may run hot or fail over time, and a limited maximum temperature of 50°C, which may not be sufficient for advanced filaments.
