Currently, most 3D printers are constructed using a Cartesian design, which implies that they are offered for sale without an enclosure.

Examples include well-known printers like the Anet A8, Prusa I3, or Ender 3.

Given that they are open, your print will be subject to various elements, including air currents and different temperatures, which may impact the final printing quality.

This may cause significant printing problems or even render printing impossible, depending on the material you intend to use and the environment in the room where your printer is located.

Consider the benefits of owning a 3D printer enclosure if you already have some expertise with 3D printing but have just used PLA as your primary printing material. Suppose you want to explore different plastics or enhance your printing abilities overall.

Are 3d Printing Enclosures Thus Required?

Enclosures aid in temperature stabilization within 3D printers, which means that the materials used won't be susceptible to abrupt temperature swings that might impact the print's overall quality by causing warping.

An enclosure is not required if you use PLA as your preferred filament, but ABS or PETG must have one because they are the materials most affected by temperature variations.

Let's discuss the benefits and drawbacks and if you should construct your 3D printer enclosure or purchase a printer that already has one.

Advantages Of 3d Printer Enclosure

I'll also cover the drawbacks, but I'll start with the advantages because the positives exceed the downsides.

It Keeps The Working Temperature Constant

Due to the open sides of 3D printers, air currents may carry heat away from the item's surroundings, causing temperature variations to increase and the object to cool too quickly.

As a result, the higher layers compress more quickly than, the lower layers, which are warmed by the heated bed. After then, the top portion of the piece bends and "pulls" the lower layers upward, separating the print's corners and, in some circumstances, the entire print from the bed.

Due to the open sides of 3D printers, air currents may carry heat away from the item's surroundings, causing temperature variations to increase and the object to cool too quickly.

As a result, the higher layers compress more quickly than, the lower layers, which are warmed by the heated bed. After then, the top portion of the piece bends and "pulls" the lower layers upward, separating the print's corners and, in some circumstances, the entire print from the bed.

It Aids In Regulating Hazardous Gases

Some materials, including ABS, during printing, produce hazardous gases and poisonous particles that might hurt your health.

Most of these pollutants are restricted during printing by enclosed printers. A ventilation system may also be implemented to remove these gases and let them out into the outside air outside of your workstation.

Protects Your Models From Moisture

One of the deadliest enemies of 3D printing is moisture. When a spool of printing material is wet, it becomes brittle and challenging to use, if not impossible. Since an enclosed printer is in a controlled environment, the humidity in the surrounding area does not impact the item.

It Reduces The Bed's Heat Loss

To increase the adhesion of the initial layer, the heated bed converts electrical energy into heat. Although certain polymers, such as PLA or TPU, may not require a hotbed, utilizing ABS or other demanding materials necessitates one. 

The 3D printer enclosure shortens the heating process and minimizes temperature swings by preventing the heat from escaping into the entire space.

Notably, this will cut down on power usage.

It Facilitates Cleaning

If you already own a 3D printer, you undoubtedly already know that the dust in your home collects in virtually every area of the device, including the cooling fans and electronic components.

Regular machine maintenance prevents potential short circuits and boosts productivity; enclosed printers make this process considerably simpler.

Aesthetics

Even if it is only a matter of taste, enclosed printers seem much better and appear more "professional."

This is an efficient approach to impress your friends or clients. The enclosure can also mount lights or sensors while concealing wires and other electrical components.

There are further benefits if you have already decided to purchase a closed printer. For instance, if you have pets or young children at home, the danger of damage is decreased by separating moving parts and hot areas.

Additionally, there is substantially less noise. Regular 3D printers may be as loud as a typical conversation, but occasionally (particularly if you're using a cheap one), they can exceed 60/70 dB, which is almost as loud as a large vacuum cleaner!

Your hearing may get irritated and damaged if exposed to that noise level for numerous hours. Your family and neighbors will undoubtedly value the enclosure's ability to significantly decrease noise in addition to its ability to isolate heat.

Disadvantages Of 3d Printer Enclosure

Using printers with enclosures has several drawbacks, even though the advantages generally exceed the drawbacks. Here are several for you to consider.

They Cost More Money

Closed printers often cost more since they need more components. Nearly all inexpensive DIY kits do not come with an enclosure. It will require a larger total budget, and the cost-to-quality ratio may only sometimes be favorable.

They Require More Work To Maintain

Maintenance might be challenging since having a 3D printer enclosure restricts access to some components. In a printer without an enclosure, changing the nozzle, replacing a thermistor, or cleaning a fan are straightforward procedures. Still, they are far more difficult in a printer with an enclosure.

You will need to remove several pieces to get to the precise item that needs cleaning or replacement.

Increased Risk Of Fire

High temperatures are involved as plastic is melted during the 3D printing process.

Thermal protection from the control board may fail to detect an excessive temperature rise within an enclosure.

Any combustible substance might cause a fire, endangering your house, loved ones, and pets. You should install smoke detectors and fire protection in your workstation (this is also advised if you use any 3D printer). It is best to use a non-flammable material for the enclosure.