SUNLU FilaDryer E2 Filament drying and annealing

SUNLU, a recognized leader in the manufacturing of 3D printing materials, has launched the FilaDryer E2, its next-generation drying and annealing solution. This device is designed to meet the needs of the most demanding users, ensuring high-precision, strength, and durability prints. Previously, SUNLU introduced the FilaDryer S2 and FilaDryer S4, consolidating its commitment to quality in the 3D printing process.

The FilaDryer E2 from SUNLU is an innovative tool, specially designed for advanced engineering materials. This device combines drying and annealing in a single unit, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for professional creators and 3D printing enthusiasts. With the FilaDryer E2, the possibilities for creation are greatly expanded, allowing work with materials that require high strength and durability, and ensuring optimal filament preparation before printing.

Photo 1: The FilaDryer E2 reaches temperatures of up to 110°C, allowing the treatment of up to 99.99% of engineering materials available on the market. Source: SUNLU.

Photo 2: The FilaDryer E2 is compatible with major engineering filaments as well as standard filaments in 1.75mm and 2.85mm format. Source: SUNLU.

Drying of Advanced Engineering Materials

The FilaDryer E2 is compatible with a wide range of materials, from standard filaments such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU to advanced engineering materials such as reinforced nylons and PC. These require higher drying temperatures to optimize their properties, and the FilaDryer E2 can reach up to 110°C, ensuring ideal conditions for drying these advanced filaments. By eliminating excess moisture, it ensures the quality and stability of the printing process. It includes preset configurations for filaments, which can be applied with a single click.

Photo 3: The FilaDryer E2 provides a professional drying and annealing solution designed for engineering materials. Source: SUNLU.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Parts

The annealing process is essential for improving the mechanical properties of 3D printed parts. By applying controlled heat, the relaxation of macromolecules in plastics is accelerated, which helps to reduce residual stresses generated during manufacturing. This treatment, also known as annealing, significantly improves the stability and mechanical strength of the material, optimizing the durability and performance of parts in demanding applications.

Photo 4: The annealing of printed parts has multiple benefits. Source: SUNLU.

Video 1: Annealing function tutorial. Source: SUNLU YouTube channel.

Benefits of Annealing: Increased Stability and Strength

The main benefits of annealing include the improvement of mechanical strength, the reduction of internal stresses, and an increase in the thermal and chemical stability of the material. This process transforms materials into more heat, wear, and chemical resistant products, while also increasing their flexibility and hardness. It is particularly useful for plastics like PPS, PC, PA, ABS, and ASA, which require greater stability in prolonged use conditions or in demanding environments.

Photo 5: If we increase the annealing time, the property improvement increases. Examples: SUNLU PA and SUNLU Easy PA. Annealing parameters depend on the specific use. Source: SUNLU.

Photo 6: The FilaDryer E2 allows significantly reducing the annealing time of PA. Source: SUNLU.

Annealing of High-Performance Materials

Another good example of a material that benefits from annealing is PPS (such as Fiberon PPS-CF10), a high-performance polymer known for its resistance to extreme temperatures and stability against aggressive chemicals. To maximize its properties, PPS must undergo a post-crystallization process, which improves its crystallinity and, consequently, its mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance. Without this treatment, 3D printed PPS parts would not achieve their maximum performance.

Photo 7: Comparison of drying effects in the PA6-CF example. The FilaDryer E2 allows higher temperature in less time. Source: SUNLU.

Photo 8: Performance comparison of the new FilaDryer E2 with previous models. Source: SUNLU.

Exceptional Material Compatibility

The FilaDryer E2 offers exceptional compatibility, easily handling a wide range of filament types and specialized applications. It is compatible with filament diameters of 1.75mm and 2.85mm, covering standard materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU as well as engineering filaments like PA-CF, PA-GF, PC, and ASA. Additionally, the E2 can support specialized applications such as rapid resin AB curing, providing creators and professionals with more possibilities for their 3D printing projects.

Photo 9: FilaDryer E2 is compatible with most of the market. Important: the material of the spools and their maximum temperature must be considered to avoid deformation during the drying process. Source: SUNLU.

Excellent Sealing

The FilaDryer E2 features a design with excellent sealing thanks to its one-piece silicone stopper, silicone sealing strips on the cover plate, and a magnetic suction block, which prevents external water vapor from entering the drying and annealing chamber. Its dual-chamber design at the top, middle, and bottom allows it to reach temperatures above 100°C.

Photo 10: Excellent hermeticity with superior insulation effect thanks to the one-piece silicone stopper over the line hole. Source: SUNLU.

Smart Protection System

Safety is a priority in the design of the FilaDryer E2. It includes a smart protection system that ensures the safe operation of the device. If the temperature exceeds the preset value by more than 10°C or if the device continues to operate improperly, an alarm will sound to alert the user. Additionally, the FilaDryer E2 has a temperature control system that automatically disconnects the power in case of overheating, allowing the device to cool down and return to normal operation.

Photo 11: Smart protection system with over-temperature alarm, automatic disconnection, and double-layer insulation to ensure the safety of the equipment and personnel. Source: SUNLU.

Reaches Drying Temperatures Quickly

The design of the FilaDryer E2 includes double-layer thermal insulation, which ensures that the external temperature does not exceed 60°C, even when the internal temperature reaches more than 100°C. This significantly reduces the risk of accidental burns and makes the device safe to handle at all times. Additionally, its construction with fire-resistant grade materials provides comprehensive protection for both the device and user safety.

The FilaDryer E2 features a 500W PTC heating system, which allows it to reach drying and annealing temperatures quickly. This powerful heating not only improves the process efficiency, but also helps maintain a stable and controlled internal temperature, optimizing the functionality of the device and maximizing its performance with engineering materials.

Photo 12: Optimized internal details to extend the machine's lifespan, with a new baseplate fan, metal ball, and improved cover to prevent damage to the air ducts. Source: SUNLU.

Improved Cooling for Better Performance

The FilaDryer E2 has been optimized to offer greater durability. Internal details, such as the new cooling fan for the baseplate, have been improved, enhancing airflow and reducing heat buildup, thus extending the lifespan of the device. The addition of a metal ball in the design improves heat resistance, ensuring reliable performance during prolonged use. Additionally, the new cover design prevents foreign objects from falling and damaging the air ducts, reducing the likelihood of damage and increasing the overall durability of the device.

Photo 13: FilaDryer E2 also stands out for its large internal capacity, compatible with spools up to Ø250mm x 153mm. Source: SUNLU.

Improved Capacity

The FilaDryer E2 also stands out for its increased internal capacity, allowing it to support filament spools up to Ø250mm in diameter and 153mm in height. With this large capacity, the FilaDryer E2 can handle a wider range of filament types and sizes, making it a versatile solution for both standard and engineering filaments.

Photo 14: FilaDryer E2 can handle spools up to Ø250mm in diameter and 153mm in height. Source: SUNLU.

The FilaDryer E2 is a truly impressive device, offering multiple features that make it one of the best filament dryers available on the market. Its advanced technology, superior design, and exceptional functionality make it the perfect solution for creators and professionals who demand the best performance from their 3D printing materials.