Filament Labels - what info is good to have on them?

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Hi all, I’m just starting to get into 3D printing and am entering the phase where I need to start organizing my filaments. I have opted to use the cereal-box method and am trying to figure out what info is good to have on my tags.

So far I have:

  • filament type
  • color
  • brand

and have contemplated the additional info:

  • min/max nozzle temp
  • min/max plate temp
  • chamber temp
  • aux fan on/off
  • filament feed rate
  • expansion ratio
  • flow ratio
  • pressure advance

Then I got to thinking that might be overkill, as those settings are probably printer-specific, and if I ever get additional different printers, they might have their own filament configuration values, so those might be better kept in a spreadsheet?

What have you guys found to be useful?

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If you are only using BL filaments and only then using the AMS, you don’t need anything.

Unfortunately, the isn’t that simple.

I print the company, type, sub-type, colour, material speciality, for all filaments. I add min max hot end and bed for brands that are not BL.

So:

  • Bambu Lab
  • PLA Basic
  • Red

Or

  • eSun
  • PLA+
  • Red
  • Matte
  • 205-215°
  • 45-65°

With PLA being the type and Basic or + being the sub-type with Matte being material specialty.

I 3D print these as lozenges, one for a swatch box I use to refer back and one I stock on the box for any that are not obvious, I’m thinking non-BL and reused boxes for BL refills.

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3

Awesome, thanks for confirming the direction I was going in is actually useful to a certain degree. I will limit it to the main settings that come on the box, and keep the calibration settings to a spreadsheet.

4

Remember that you will likely only buy a few different brands and then those will generally keep the same settings within a colour palette.

Essentially; eSun PLA+ is the same for green as it is for red, thus, the label doesn’t need massive details attached to it.

Also, you can define your own filaments, so, you can enter the details into that and then select your brands when you use them and match them with the filament type you created.

Sorted.

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5

I have started doing that, and you’re right, I won’t be needing these values for everyday reference. Thinking more of a sanity check, since I’m tossing the box and probably spool (if it’s cardboard) they came on, and would like to preserve those details at least.

Thanks for sharing how you do it.

6

I keep mine on the spool it comes with in a ziplock one gallon bag in the original box in one of many cupboards.

I do this to reduce the requirement of drying my filaments.

Unless you are in an area of near zero moisture, filaments will soak it up, even in the enclosed AMS if you have one.

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I am transferring them to sealed cereal containers with desiccant to prevent moisture buildup and keep them organized on my shelves.

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Then you will be fine. It won’t prevent all moisture, but, it is better than using the boxes.

Just remember scale is nit cheap.

I have over 220 spools that are unique, spares are a different number.

I couldn’t possibly justify housing those individually like you are.

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Ha! that’s a fair point, I haven’t even thought that far ahead. In my mind I’m just a small hobbyist making things for around the house and workshop, but it might grow unexpectedly.

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PLA and PETG are in sealed storage bins by type. I can see the colors through the clear walls of the bin. Probably adding another bin for ASA soon.

Infrequently used filament types are vacuum bagged, in original boxes, and on the shelf. Type and color are written on the box with a medium wide marker for quick identification from a distance.

All of my spools have come with factory labels to indicate manufacturer and type, and usually color. Color should be obvious anyway.

All of this info goes in my (OrcaSlicer) User filament preset where the slicer can use it. No reason to have it on the spool. I do have a cheat sheet near the printer with reminders for special instructions about chamber temperatures, favored plates, glue, etc. I find I use it less and less.

To monitor moisture content, I keep a record of spool weight before it goes into storage and when it comes back out. I glue a small paper label to each spool to record the weights and dates.

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