What considerations should be taken when storing unused PLA material?

When storing unused PLA (Polylactic Acid) material, moisture is a critical factor to consider because PLA can absorb humidity from the air, which may lead to degradation of the filament quality over time. Storing PLA in a dry area helps minimize its exposure to moisture, thus preserving its integrity and ensuring optimal performance during printing.

While there are other important storage practices, the emphasis on keeping the filament dry is particularly crucial because moisture can cause issues such as bubbling, popping, or poor extrusion, ultimately affecting the final print quality. Therefore, ensuring the PLA is kept in a dry environment is key to maintaining its usability.

Keeping it at room temperature is important as well, but it is not as pivotal as ensuring it remains dry. Storing in an airtight container and keeping it away from sunlight are both valid considerations that contribute to long-term storage; however, they do not address the unique moisture sensitivity of PLA as directly as the dry storage requirement does.