The three new additions are specialized for automated filament handling, integrated print preparation, and enhanced long-term reliability.
Thought3D, the material reliability experts and creators of the Magigoo® line of adhesives, has upgraded its in-line filament drying system.
The filament management device Drywise v1.5 features a motorized Autoloader and an Ultimaker Cura plug-in (with other software plug-ins coming up soon). It is engineered to eliminate key workflow bottlenecks and deliver unprecedented consistency for professional Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) users.
What issues does it solve?
Drywise solves one of the most persistent challenges in FFF 3D printing: moisture absorption in thermoplastic filaments. Hygroscopic materials such as Nylon, PEI (Ultem), TPU, PETG, and PC are prone to absorbing atmospheric moisture, leading to common print failures including stringing, poor surface finish, weak interlayer adhesion, and dimensional inaccuracy.
Unlike conventional batch dryers that heat entire spools for hours, Drywise utilizes a patented in-line drying process. The system actively dries only the segment of filament that is about to be extruded, ensuring that the material reaches the print head in optimal condition. This approach saves significant time, prevents material degradation from repeated heat cycles, and maintains stable 3D printing filament quality throughout the longest and most demanding print jobs.
“Budget dryers offer a partial solution, but their temperature instability and batch-based process fail to meet the demands of industrial applications,” said Andrei-Andy Linnas, Co-founder of Thought3D. “Drywise is a purpose-built, sensor-driven system that provides a stable, closed-loop, desiccant-assisted drying environment. It delivers repeatable results with engineering-grade materials, print after print.”
Responding to industry leaders: What’s new in Drywise v1.5
Based on extensive feedback from industrial partners and early adopters, Drywise v1.5 directly addresses real-world production challenges. Users like Ford Werke GmbH, Briggs Automotive Company (BAC), and Printpool validated the in-line concept’s effectiveness but highlighted opportunities for workflow enhancement.
The v1.5 update introduces transformative improvements:
- Motorized Autoloader: This intelligent push-pull feeder eliminates manual loading and maintains near-zero tension in the filament path. By actively managing the feed, the Autoloader removes drag from heavy or large-format spools (e.g., 3 kg and larger) and prevents stretching in soft, flexible materials. This ensures superior extrusion stability and consistency.
- Ultimaker Cura Plug-in: To fully automate the print preparation process, the new plug-in integrates Drywise’s pre-drying sequence directly into the slicing workflow. The plug-in automatically inserts the necessary G-code to pause the print start until the initial filament segment is conditioned, followed by a purge, before seamlessly commencing the main print. This removes manual timing and operator guesswork, standardizing the process across teams and machines.
- Enhanced Reliability and Serviceability: Drywise v1.5 features a refined, lower-friction filament path and simplified access to internal components, alongside firmware updates that improve stability and expand the library of pre-tested material profiles.
Industrial Impact and Return on Investment
Already available for commercialization and priced at €1,499 (ex-VAT), the enhancements in Drywise v1.5 deliver a clear return on investment by maximizing machine uptime, reducing material waste, and elevating part quality. Service bureaus like Printpool have reported cutting an estimated £2,000–£3,500 in annual filament waste by salvaging moisture-exposed spools. For engineering and manufacturing teams, the primary benefit is the dramatic increase in first-time print success and part-to-part repeatability.
“Our goal with v1.5 was to make perfect filament conditioning an invisible part of the professional workflow,” stated Edward Borg, Co-founder of Thought3D. “With the Autoloader and Cura plug-in, operators can simply load the material and press print, confident that the system will manage moisture without intervention. Drywise elevates the reliability of prosumer and professional printers to rival that of high-end industrial systems costing tens of thousands of dollars.”
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