I’ve been 3D printing for a while, so I was eager to try the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2. After using it for a month with various filament types, including engineering filaments like Nylon and PC-ABS, I’m ready to share my honest thoughts. This review covers how the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 performs, its key features, and whether it’s worth the $359.99 price tag for 3D printing hobbyists and pros.
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Related: The Best Filament Dryers for 3D Printing: Top 10 Picks
What Is the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2?
The SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 is a 2-in-1 device that dries and anneals 3D printer filaments. It’s built for engineering filaments like PA6-CF, PA12-CF, and FR-ABS, but it also works with standard ones like PLA and PETG. With a 500W PTC heater reaching up to 110°C, it tackles moisture-sensitive filaments and boosts print strength through annealing. I tested it with projects like a tent anchor and a sprinkler, and here’s what I found.
How It Performs
The SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 heats up fast. It hits 50°C in 20 minutes and 70°C in 30 minutes, which is great for drying moisture-sensitive filaments like Nylon. I dried Nylon CF in about 6 hours, way faster than the 12+ hours my old dryer took. The annealing process is a standout. It heats prints to reduce stress, making them stronger. I annealed a PA6-CF drone part, and it held up better than a non-annealed version under stress.
The dual-chamber design keeps the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 airtight. Silicone seals and a plug block moisture, which is key for hygroscopic materials. It fits spools up to Φ250mm x 153mm, like two 1KG SUNLU spools or one 3KG spool. Some 2KG spools from other brands didn’t fit, so double-check your spool sizes. For more on filament compatibility, see this guide.
Safety is solid. The SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 has a triple-safe system with dual temperature controls and a cool-touch exterior (under 60°C outside when it’s over 100°C inside). It uses fire-retardant materials, and an alarm sounds if the temperature overshoots by 10°C. The smart controls offer preset settings for different filament types, making it easy to use. Learn more about 3D printing safety gear here.
Pros
✅ Quick Heating: The 500W PTC heater in the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 dries moisture-sensitive filaments fast, saving time.
✅ Effective Annealing: The annealing process strengthens engineering filaments for durable prints like drone parts.
✅ Airtight Design: The dual-chamber design with silicone seals keeps moisture out, perfect for filament storage.
✅ Broad Compatibility: Supports 1.75mm, 2.85mm, and 3.00mm filaments, including PLA and engineering materials.
✅ Safe to Use: Fire-retardant materials and smart controls make the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 worry-free.
Cons
❌ High Price: At $359.99, the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 is pricier than basic dryers like the SUNLU FilaDryer S4.
❌ Spool Size Limits: Some 2KG spools don’t fit, which can be a hassle for non-SUNLU brands.
❌ Noisy Fan: The cooling fan for the electronics is loud, which might bug you in quiet spaces.
Testing It Out
I printed a camping tent anchor with PA12-CF filament using the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2. After drying at 70°C for 6 hours, the filament printed smoothly with no clogs. I annealed the part at 100°C, following the E2’s steps: pick a temperature, heat evenly, hold, and cool slowly. The anchor was sturdy and passed a stress test, unlike a non-annealed version that cracked. For more project ideas, check out 3D printed decor ideas.
I also tested PLA for a small model. The SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 dried it in 4 hours, and the prints were clean. But annealing PLA at high temperatures caused slight warping, so use lower settings for standard filaments. The included Teflon tubing helped feed filament to my printer smoothly. For tips on choosing filaments, see this filament guide.
Is It Worth the Price?
The SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 costs more than budget options like the Creality Space Pi. But for engineering filaments, its annealing process and fast drying make it worth it. It’s a middle-ground between basic dryers and lab ovens, ideal for serious hobbyists or small businesses. If you only print PLA or PETG, a cheaper dryer like the Comgrow Filament Dryer might do. For hygroscopic materials, the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 is hard to beat.
What Others Say
Amazon users give the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 a 4.4-star rating from 91 reviews. Many love its drying speed and annealing process. One user dried Nylon CF in hours and liked the preset settings. Another printed a PC-ABS water bottle holder with great results. Some complained about spool size issues and fan noise, which I also noticed. For a comparison with other dryers, check out this top 10 filament dryers list.
SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 vs. Other Filament Dryers
Feature | SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 | SUNLU FilaDryer S4 | Creality Space Pi | Polymaker PolyDryer |
---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $359.99 | $139.99 | $65.99 | $74.79 |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Max Temperature | 110°C | 70°C | 70°C | 80°C |
Heater Power | 500W PTC | 350W PTC | 80W PTC | 300W |
Annealing Capability | Yes | No | No | No |
Drying Time (Nylon) | 4-8 hours | 12-24 hours | 8-12 hours | 12-36 hours |
Spool Capacity | Up to Φ250mm x 153mm (2x 1KG or 1x 3KG) | Up to Φ210mm x 85mm (4x 1KG) | Up to Φ200mm x 75mm (1x 1KG) | Up to Φ200mm x 70mm (1x 1KG) |
Filament Types | PLA, PETG, ABS, PA, PC, etc. | PLA, PETG, ABS, PA, PC, etc. | PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon, etc. | PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon |
Safety Features | Triple-safe, fire-retardant, cool-touch | Overheat protection, humidity sensor | Overheat protection | Basic safety controls |
Design | Dual-chamber, airtight | Single-chamber, triple-fan | Single-chamber, 360° heating | Single-chamber |
Noise Level | Moderate (fan noise) | Moderate | Low | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 different from other filament dryers like the SUNLU FilaDryer S4 or Creality Space Pi?
The SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 stands out due to its dual-chamber, airtight design and annealing capability, which strengthens prints, especially for engineering filaments like Nylon and PC-ABS. It has a higher max temperature (110°C) and a powerful 500W PTC heater, allowing faster drying (4-8 hours for Nylon) compared to the SUNLU FilaDryer S4 (70°C, 350W, 12-24 hours) or Creality Space Pi (70°C, 80W, 8-12 hours). However, it’s pricier at $359.99 and has a moderate noise level due to its fan, unlike the quieter Creality Space Pi or Polymaker PolyDryer.
Can the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 handle large spools or multiple filament types?
Yes, the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 can accommodate spools up to Φ250mm x 153mm, fitting two 1KG spools or one 3KG spool. It supports a wide range of filament types, including PLA, PETG, ABS, PA, PC, and other moisture-sensitive engineering filaments. Its triple-safe system and preset temperature settings make it versatile for both standard and high-end filaments, though some 2KG spools from non-SUNLU brands may not fit.
Is the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 worth its $359.99 price tag for casual 3D printing hobbyists?
For casual hobbyists printing primarily PLA or PETG, the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2’s high price may not be justified, as more affordable options like the Creality Space Pi ($65.99) or Polymaker PolyDryer ($74.79) suffice for basic drying needs. However, for serious hobbyists or professionals working with moisture-sensitive engineering filaments like Nylon or PC-ABS, its fast drying, annealing feature, and robust safety features make it a valuable investment for high-quality, durable prints.
Final Verdict
The SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 is a dependable choice for 3D printing with engineering filaments. Its dual-chamber design, 500W PTC heater, and annealing process deliver strong, high-quality prints. Spool size limits and fan noise are minor drawbacks, but they don’t outweigh the benefits for serious users. If you work with moisture-sensitive filaments or need durable prints, the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 is a solid investment. Casual printers might prefer a budget option like the Polymaker PolyDryer.
Get the SUNLU Filament Dryer E2 on Amazon and level up your 3D printing.