The answer is: it depends on the type of 3D printer, the material you are using, and the environment you are printing in. Some 3D printers may benefit from being enclosed, while others may not. In this article, we will explain the pros and cons of enclosing your 3D printer, and how to decide if you need one or not.
A 3D printer enclosure is a box or a case that covers the 3D printer and creates a controlled environment for the printing process. It can be made of various materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, or acrylic. Some 3D printers come with a built-in enclosure, while others can be fitted with an aftermarket or DIY enclosure.
Why would you need a 3D printer enclosure?
There are several reasons why you might want to enclose your 3D printer, such as:
Improving print quality: An enclosure can help prevent drafts, dust, and temperature fluctuations from affecting the print quality. This is especially important for materials that are sensitive to cooling, such as ABS, nylon, or polycarbonate. An enclosure can also reduce warping, cracking, and curling of the printed parts, which are common issues with these materials.
Reducing noise and odor: An enclosure can help reduce the noise level and the unpleasant smell that some 3D printers and materials produce. This can make your printing experience more comfortable and less disturbing for others around you.
Enhancing safety and security: An enclosure can help protect your 3D printer and yourself from potential hazards, such as fire, electric shock, or burns. It can also prevent unauthorized access or tampering with your 3D printer and your prints.
Adding functionality and aesthetics: An enclosure can also add some extra features and benefits to your 3D printer, such as lighting, ventilation, filtration, or storage. It can also make your 3D printer look more professional and attractive.
While there are many advantages of enclosing your 3D printer, there are also some drawbacks, such as:
Increasing cost and complexity: An enclosure can add to the initial and ongoing cost of your 3D printer, depending on the type and quality of the enclosure. It can also make your 3D printer more bulky and heavy, and require more space and maintenance. Additionally, an enclosure can make it harder to access and operate your 3D printer, especially if you need to change the filament, adjust the settings, or troubleshoot the problems.
Causing overheating and overcooling: An enclosure can also affect the temperature and airflow inside the 3D printer, which can have positive or negative effects depending on the situation. For example, an enclosure can help keep the printing chamber warm and stable, which is good for materials that need high temperatures, such as ABS. However, it can also cause the electronics and the extruder to overheat, which can damage them or reduce their lifespan. On the other hand, an enclosure can help cool down the printing chamber, which is good for materials that need low temperatures, such as PLA. However, it can also cause the printed parts to cool down too quickly, which can lead to poor layer adhesion or delamination.
How to decide if you need a 3D printer enclosure?
The decision to enclose your 3D printer depends on several factors, such as:
The type of 3D printer: Some 3D printers are designed to be enclosed, while others are not. For example, most FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers can benefit from being enclosed, as they use thermoplastic materials that are affected by the ambient temperature and humidity. However, some FDM 3D printers may have open designs that are not compatible with enclosures, or may have built-in cooling fans that can interfere with the enclosure’s airflow. On the other hand, most SLA (Stereolithography) or DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printers do not need to be enclosed, as they use resin materials that are cured by light and are not affected by the environment. However, some SLA or DLP 3D printers may have enclosed designs that protect them from dust and UV light, or may have built-in heating systems that regulate the resin temperature.
The material you are using: Different materials have different printing requirements and characteristics, which can influence the need for an enclosure. For example, ABS, nylon, or polycarbonate are materials that need high temperatures and low cooling rates to print well, so they can benefit from being enclosed. However, PLA, PETG, or TPU are materials that need low temperatures and high cooling rates to print well, so they may not need or even suffer from being enclosed.
The environment you are printing in: The environment you are printing in can also affect the need for an enclosure. For example, if you are printing in a cold, drafty, or humid place, you may need an enclosure to keep your 3D printer and your prints warm and dry. However, if you are printing in a hot, stuffy, or smelly place, you may not need or even want an enclosure to keep your 3D printer and yourself cool and fresh.
In conclusion, whether you need a 3D printer enclosure or not depends on the type of 3D printer, the material you are using, and the environment you are printing in. An enclosure can have many benefits, such as improving print quality, reducing noise and odor, enhancing safety and security, and adding functionality and aesthetics. However, an enclosure can also have some drawbacks, such as increasing cost and complexity, causing overheating and overcooling, and making it harder to access and operate your 3D printer. Therefore, you should weigh the pros and cons of enclosing your 3D printer, and decide based on your specific needs and preferences.
