Unboxing and Reviewing the FixDry NT1 Filament Dryer for 3D Printing

3D printing with filament requires precision and proper material care, especially when dealing with sensitive filaments prone to moisture absorption. Enter the FixDry NT1 Filament Dryer—a handy tool for keeping your filaments in optimal condition. In this blog post, we’ll walk through the unboxing, setup, and key features of the FixDry NT1, giving you a detailed review after using it for several weeks.

Why Use a Filament Dryer?

Filament, especially types like PETG, nylon, or TPU, can absorb moisture from the air, leading to poor print quality. A filament dryer keeps your material dry, ensuring smooth and high-quality prints. The FixDry NT1 takes things a step further, offering customizable temperature and timing settings for different filament types, making it a versatile tool for any 3D printer enthusiast.

Unboxing the FixDry NT1

1. What's Inside the Box?

• When you unbox the FixDry NT1, the first thing you’ll notice is the sleek, modern design. The device comes packed in a protective plastic sheath, with foam padding around the heater and fan components.

• The unit is designed to fit either two 1 kg spools or a single 3 kg spool, which is great if you’re working with larger filament reels.

2. Key Features Unveiled

• Filament Use During Drying: One of the standout features is the option to use your filament while it's drying, thanks to the 10 routing holes on top of the dryer. This is a practical design for users who want to print directly from the dryer.

• Humidity Sensor and Heater: Inside the chamber, you’ll find the humidity sensor and heating elements. The fan and heater work together to circulate air, remove moisture, and maintain a stable environment for your filament.

• Front Panel Controls: The front of the FixDry NT1 features a simple, intuitive control panel. You can adjust the temperature between 20°C and 70°C and set a timer for up to 48 hours of continuous drying—far more flexibility than many other dryers on the market.

Setting Up the FixDry NT1

1. Assembling the Dryer

• Setting up the FixDry NT1 is straightforward. After unboxing, place the spools on the two rollers inside the chamber. These rollers allow for smooth filament rotation during drying or printing.

• Attach the PTFE tubing if you're routing filament through the dryer into your 3D printer. If you’re using it purely as a dryer, the routing holes will remain open to allow air and moisture to escape.

2. Plugging In and Powering Up

• Once the filament is loaded, plug the dryer in and turn it on. The plus and minus buttons on the front allow you to adjust the temperature and time settings to fit your specific filament needs.

• For example, exotic filaments like nylon or polycarbonate require higher temperatures for effective drying, and the FixDry’s 70°C maximum temperature is perfect for this.

Performance Review: A Few Weeks In

After a few weeks of use, the FixDry NT1 has proven to be a reliable tool for maintaining filament quality. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and some quirks we encountered.

1. Precise Temperature and Timing Controls

• The ability to fine-tune the temperature and timing is a significant advantage. You can set temperatures down to 59°C, for example, or run the dryer for 8 hours and 28 minutes—extremely precise compared to other models, which often have preset intervals of 5 degrees or limited drying time options.

• This flexibility allows you to dry filaments like TPU, PETG, or nylon with much more control.

2. Improved Button Quality

• The tactile feedback on the FixDry NT1’s buttons is a vast improvement over some other dryers on the market. The buttons feel solid, making it easy to confirm adjustments, whereas other dryers often leave you unsure if you pressed a button properly.

3. Noise Levels

• When in operation, the fans in the FixDry NT1 emit a soft hum—quiet enough to let you know it’s running but not loud enough to be disruptive. Occasionally, you may hear a clicking sound, which is the heater cycling on and off, but it’s not intrusive.

4. Design Flaws

• Routing Holes: One downside we noticed is that the FixDry NT1 doesn't come with plugs for the routing holes. This is a minor inconvenience if you're not using them, as moisture can re-enter the chamber through these open holes. A solution could be to 3D print plugs, but it would be nice if the manufacturer included them.

• Lid Fitment: Another small quirk is the lid design. It sometimes takes a bit of effort to align and secure the lid, but once in place, it stays securely closed.

Final Thoughts: Is the FixDry NT1 Worth It?

Overall, the FixDry NT1 filament dryer is a solid investment for 3D printing enthusiasts, especially if you work with moisture-sensitive filaments. The granular control over temperature and time, combined with the capacity to handle larger spools, makes it a versatile and powerful tool.

Pros:

• Flexible temperature control up to 70°C.

• Precise timing adjustments for up to 48 hours.

• Quiet operation with easy-to-use buttons.

• Sleek, modern design that fits well in most workspaces.

Cons:

• No plugs for the routing holes when not in use.

• Slightly tricky lid alignment during setup.

If you’re tired of dealing with moisture issues in your filament, the FixDry NT1 is a great solution. While there’s room for improvement in future models, it offers superior control and ease of use for anyone serious about 3D printing.

If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out my YouTube channel for more 3D printing tips, product reviews, and live streams! Until next time, remember: Keep making stuff!