Trying Out SnapDryer: Practical, Affordable, and Worth It?
Hi Makers!
About a month ago, we launched the SnapDryer, which is powered by Polymaker & FabNotion. If you’re struggling with moisture in your filaments, want to learn more about SnapDryer, or have already purchased the SnapDryer and are waiting for it to arrive, this blog post is for you.
Many of you might be wondering: how is SnapDryer different from PolyDryer? While they share a similar design and functionality, SnapDryer has some key enhancements tailored specifically for Snapmaker users. Here’s a quick rundown of the differences:
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SnapDryer is a collaborative brand product with Polymaker & FabNotion, specifically optimized for compatibility with Snapmaker Printers.
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SnapDryer features detailed improvements such as the addition of a Filament Tube, Filament Entry Cover, Filament Tube Connector, Round Clamp, and Tape Measure. These improvements make it easy and hassle-free for users to adapt to Snapmaker machines.
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After-sales service is fully handled by Snapmaker, ensuring that users can rely on the product with confidence.
Before SnapDryer was launched, we invited 10 users to try it out, and we would like to extend a special thanks to those who provided feedback and insights for this blog: macdylan, Shibing Huang, Dmitrii Savin, David Key, Skreelink, xchrisd, Rudi Jetten, Jeffrey Edgett, Martin Falk-Hansen, and Barry Rathbone. Their real and valuable thoughts helped shape this content. Before we dive into their feedback, let’s introduce the backgrounds of the users who participated in the try-out.
User Background
| User | Machine | Country/City | Indoor Temperature | Humidity |
| macdylan | Artisan, J1 | Shanghai, China | 26-27℃ | 55-60% |
| Shibing Huang | Artisan | Yunnan, China | 17-25℃ | 30-65% |
| Dmitrii Savin | A350T | Key West, USA | 26℃ | 41% |
| David Key | A350, Ray | Brisbane, Australia | 28℃ | 43-79% |
| Skreelink | A350, F350 | Tennessee, USA | 22.2℃ | 55% |
| xchrisd | A350 | Austria | 22℃ | 65% |
| Rudi Jetten | Artisan | Lanaken, Belgium | 18℃ | 35-55% |
| Jeffrey Edgett | J1s | Chandler, AZ, USA | 21-35℃ | 12% |
| Martin Falk-Hansen | Artisan | Vejen, Denmark | 21℃ | 40% |
Let’s take a look at the users’ experiences, covering the entire process from unboxing to usage.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Let’s start with the first impressions of SnapDryer from our tryout users.
The branding and co-development with Polymaker, and its Polydryer. It’s not something new, as many of you have already noticed; it’s the “same thing” —well, with a few exceptions.
- Snapmaker’s branding – it’s included in the top cover molding, print, as well as the heating element (and the stickers).
- Color alterations – green to gray etc.
- The included accessories – the included items are for Snapmaker Original, Snapmaker 2.0 (250, 350, single and/or dual filament toolhead), as well as J Series. The tooling/plugs are Snapmaker specific. Also included are 2 super long filament tubes.
With what’s said above, Snapdryer’s storage box, heating elements are fully compatible with Polydryer.
Martin Falk-Hansen Unboxing the brand newly released collaboration between Snapmaker and PolyMaker.
Testing SnapDryer’s Performance
Let’s look at how SnapDryer performed in drying different types of filament.
Filament Type: PA – Nylon
Before Drying: It is impossible to print with this at all.
After Drying: After 18h of drying the steam and bubbles are 99% gone making a smooth extrusion of Nylon. This made it possible to print with the nylon filament. The 100% infill looks very consistent with no issue of moisture.
Drying Time: 18 hours (Level 3 setting)
Filament Type: Wood PLA
Before Drying: Open Air for 1 week.
After Drying: Stringing is greatly reduced after drying.
Drying Time: 6 hours (Level 3 setting)
Filament Type: Clear PLA
Before Drying: Very brittle and stringy to use.
After Drying: More flexible, WAY less stringing.
Drying Time: 8 hours (Level 3 setting)
Before drying the filament was brittle and hard to feed without breaklng it. It printed with a lots of blobs and strings, and generally needed a lot of cleanup. After drying the filament felt a lot more flexible, more like when I bought it. The print has very fine strings still, but WAY smaller and finer than before. (OProbablya dirty nozzle). The print looks a lot cleaner, and is nearly ready straight off the print bed. Nothing else was changed other than drying the filament.
Filament Type: PETG
Before Drying: Displayed bubbles and poor extrusion.
After Drying: The filament showed much less bubbling and better extrusion after 6 hours.
Drying Time: 6 hours (Level 2 setting)
What our users said?
Pros
Ease of Use & Modular Design
Shibing Huang Easy to assemble and use. Seamlessly switches between a dryer and a storage box. For storage, I used to rely on rice buckets, but now SnapDryer works just as well without the need to take anything out. Just put in the silica gels, and you’re good to go.
David Key Easy to use after a few minutes. Easy to assemble. Modular storage allows for additional boxes to be bought and used as ready-to-dry storage.
xchrisd Separate storage box with additional dryer.
Performance
Rudi Jetten It makes printing Nylon possible after 18 hours of Drying – Spool of nylon is proximately 3 years old and has not been storaged in a dry environment. The first extrusion shows the massive steam bubbles created by the moisture. After 12 hours of drying it proximately 90% usable for printing. Adding an extra 6 hours made the nylon look smooth without any bubbles. PLA and PETG filament are not any issues for my printer and quality advantage is very minimal.
Additional Features
xchrisd Humidity display and the ability to refill with silica gel.
David Key Replaceable/reusable desiccant changes color to indicate effectiveness. Bright display and spool rollers accommodate spools of various sizes.
Martin Falk-Hansen Allows drying and storage without breaking the seal to the enclosure.
Shibing Huang It allows simultaneous printing and drying (requires pre-drying for 1-2 hours beforehand).
Cons
Connection Stability
xchrisd Connection between storage and dryer is loose.
Rudi JettenThe storage box is not very stable.
Note: This loose connection is actually part of the SnapDryer’s design, allowing users to lower costs by adding extra storage boxes. Once the filament in one box is dried, you can seal the box and switch it out for another, keeping the drying process going without interruption.
Display and Visibility
macdylan The viewing angle of the hygrometer screen is relatively narrow, making it difficult to read the information from the side or top view.
Substitutability of products
Rudi Jetten It works well but the storage box idea is not economical at all.. my food dryer did basically the same thing being cheaper and same temperature and fits 2 spools of filament…maybe even 3 spool .. and I can still use it for food.
Conclusion: Is SnapDryer Worth It?
In conclusion, the core functionality of SnapDryer lies in drying and storing filaments. For moisture-sensitive materials, it can help maintain optimal filament conditions, reducing common printing issues like poor layer adhesion or stringing. While it might not be a groundbreaking product, it caters to users who have a genuine need for effective filament storage and drying, making the 3D printing process smoother and more reliable. Overall, SnapDryer is designed to meet practical demands and aims to be a handy assistant in your printing journey.
As a token of our appreciation, we’re offering an exclusive 30% discount to our loyal customers. Don’t wait—place your order as soon as it’s available to secure the best price and fastest delivery for your SnapDryer!
For more details, please check:
Make something wonderful!
The Snapmaker Team
