Why Upgrading to the New PrintDry Pro4 Makes Sense (Even if You Own a Pro3)
The Pro4's upgraded heating unit may finally deliver the solid temperature consistency your moisture-sensitive filaments have been asking for.
PrintDry just launched it’s latest filament dryer, the Pro4, on Kickstarter, that improves upon the current PrintDry Pro3 by adding real-time humidity monitoring and a larger heating unit that larger PTC heating unit that reaches target temperatures faster, holds more stable drying conditions, and reduces thermal stress on the heater, the company says.
Like the Pro3, the Pro4 is designed to dry filament before printing and feed filament directly from the dryer during a print. The Pro4 still supports drying temperatures up to 85°C, offers six preset temperature options from 35°C to 85°C, includes a built-in timer up to 48 hours, and can dry two standard 1-kg spools in its standalone configuration, four standard spools with an additional chamber, or one large 5-kg spool with the large spool holder.
Why Kickstarter?
While Kickstarter is often associated with first-time hardware startups, PrintDry is no stranger to the platform. The Pro4 campaign marks a return to crowdfunding for the company, which launched its first filament dryer on Kickstarter in 2016 and says the new campaign is its ninth. For an established niche brand, the platform appears to function less as a proof-of-concept venue and more as a preorder and community-engagement channel. The Pro4 is already more than 300% funded with 23 days to go in the campaign.
At Kickstarter pricing, the Pro4 appears competitively positioned. The base unit — the component that has all of the upgrades — starts at about $58. PrintDry is already offering the upgraded base unit online at its website for $85. That makes the Kickstarter campaign price look attractive for users already planning to buy a PrintDry system or if you want to upgrade your system with a new base unit.
PRO4 vs PRO 3: What’s New?
The Pro4 is not a dramatically new dryer than the Pro3. For users printing with nylon, PETG, PVA, and other hygroscopic materials, the ability to see humidity drop in real time could reduce guesswork. The Pro4 is designed to let users print directly from the dryer while maintaining controlled humidity and temperature conditions around the spool. That could be especially useful for long prints, where filament can reabsorb moisture if left exposed.
Several Pro4 prototype units have reportedly been under testing for around six months. PrintDry says it tested temperature distribution at multiple locations inside the dryer chamber for each temperature setting to help ensure consistent heating. PrintDry notes that the Pro3’s temperature distribution inside the dryer was “not uniform” and can vary based on ambient temperature, dryer location, number of spools, and desiccant pouches inside. The Pro4’s development emphasis on chamber temperature distribution appears aimed at addressing consistency as a key performance metric.
The Pro4 package includes:
- PRO4 dryer
- 8 spool adapters
- Support bridge
- 2 spool shafts
- 1 regular filament container
- 2 PTFE tubes and plugs
- 4 chamber stabilizers
Shipping for the PRO4 will be available to North America and most countries in Asia and Europe in Q2 2026.
Editor's Note – This article highlights a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. Kickstarter is not a shop; campaigns are under no legal obligation to deliver on crowdfunding promises, nor offer refunds on unfulfilled campaign rewards. For more insight, read our article 8 Things to Watch for When Backing a 3D Printing Kickstarter.
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