Whether you're just getting started with 3D printing or have been 3D printing for a while, if you haven't invested in a 3D printer enclosure, you're missing a crucial part of your 3D printing setup. Printing enclosures are designed to be placed around your 3D printer. A well-designed enclosure will keep the dust and other toxic fumes produced during 3D printing away from you and protect your health in the long term. They will also help to maintain a stable printing environment and ensure more consistent results.
So what makes a good printer enclosure? The following are features to look out for when shopping for a 3D printer enclosure.
- Adequate space
This may seem obvious, but many people still overlook this feature when purchasing a printer enclosure. It's important to choose an enclosure that is not only large enough to accommodate your printer but also allows for the moving parts to move freely during the printing process. The moving parts of the printer should achieve maximum range without coming into contact with the enclosure. The Snapmaker 2.0 enclosure comes in two different sizes. Be sure to select the size that can accommodate your printer.
- Adequate safety features
One of the main reasons to invest in a 3D printer is to ensure a safe working environment. You should therefore invest in an enclosure that will keep you safe. The enclosure should provide a physical barrier between you and the printer bed to ensure your physical safety and the safety of children and pets that may wander into your workspace. It should keep toxic fumes and dust out of your space. A locking system will boost security and safety too.
- Temperature control
Maintaining the ideal environment within the enclosure is vital for quality and consistent 3D printing. This is especially true when using ABS filaments. Slight temperature changes can result in poor-quality prints. It is therefore important to choose an enclosure with built-in temperature control systems. These systems measure the temperature within the enclosure and help maintain a stable environment. This is vital when working with sensitive filaments.
- An air extraction system
An enclosure should not only be airtight but also have means of extracting the toxic fumes trapped within it. You may even want to add a stand-alone air filter for even greater safety. The air that is extracted from the enclosure will pass through this air filter and be cleaned.
- adequate lighting
You'll also want to choose an enclosure that includes its own lighting system. Adequate lighting is important for 3D printing. You can see the work in progress and, therefore, closely monitor the printing process. LED strip lights offer especially great lighting allowing you to observe the printing from multiple angles.
If you're in the market for an enclosure for your 3D printer, be sure to search for the features outlined above.