A 3D printer enclosure is an essential tool for any 3D printing enthusiast. It provides insulation to protect the printer from dust and helps to maintain a consistent temperature, which is essential for successful prints. Enclosures come in a variety of sizes and materials, and can be custom-made or purchased from a store. They are also useful for storing resin bottles and prints, such as 3D printed miniatures.
The purpose of a 3D printer enclosure is to keep the printer insulated and the indoor temperature constant. This helps to ensure that the material used is compatible with the printer, and that the print quality is high. For resin 3D printers, an enclosure is essential as it helps to keep the resin from evaporating. For FDM 3D printers, an enclosure should maintain a temperature between 30 and 60 degrees Celsius for optimal results.
Some “closed” 3D printers actually have open covers, which makes them more similar to open 3D printers. In this case, an enclosure can help to maintain a consistent temperature around the printer and prevent deformation of filaments at high temperatures. A 3D printer enclosure can be made from scratch or purchased from a store. DIY enclosures are often made from acrylic and IKEA furniture, while store-bought enclosures are usually transparent or have an opening to observe the print as it is created.
Enclosures are not strictly necessary for 3D printing, but they can be beneficial in terms of safety and maintaining optimal printing conditions. They also provide a neat and tidy way to store multiple printers at once. If you're looking for an easy, fast and economical solution for enclosing your 3D printer, consider an IKEA PAX case.
