Most people know that a microwave works by exciting water molecules, but I’m not interested in the dangers of the high voltage/current of a magnetron. I wonder what might be possible with scrap consumer drivers such as a piezo, speaker drivers, or ultrasonic inducers, preferably at a frequency outside of the core human audible spectrum.
- Would an induced vibration in an around 60°C, lightly convective environment, likely significantly increase the evaporation rate of water moisture absorbed within the filament of a spool of consumer grade 3d printing filament such as PLA, PETG, PC, TPU, or Aramid?
- Would certain frequencies likely alter performance?
Desiccants only passively absorb what is present in the air. Lowering the humidity while raising the temperature are both passively altering the environment to cause evaporation. I think induced vibration should add some additional energy regardless of the frequency, but perhaps certain harmonics will induce water moisture more than others and directly increase the energy in the specific molecule of interest. This might greatly reduce the time it takes to dry most filaments.
I have a old subwoofer from a computer speaker set I’m going to make into a filament drier. I already have the amp and power supply built in. It would be trivial to try this if it is potentially effective.
It’ll be interesting if it works, the only thing I can say is best of luck!✊