Why Should You Invest in a 3D Printer Enclosure?

As extrusion-based 3D printing continues to gain popularity, so too do concerns about its potential health risks, particularly related to the release of ultrafine particles and volatile organic compounds. Numerous research teams have examined this issue, and the findings are consistent: prolonged use of FDM 3D printers in poorly ventilated spaces can pose health risks. Fortunately, mitigating these risks is relatively straightforward. Ensuring proper ventilation is a strong first step, but for added protection—and several other benefits—using a printer enclosure is highly recommended. Not only can an enclosure help filter harmful emissions, but it also provides thermal stability, protects the machine from external disturbances, and reduces the risk of accidental burns. In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of 3D printer enclosures and highlight some noteworthy models currently available on the market.

First of all, let’s go back to the very definition of a 3D printer enclosure. It’s a box (more or less large, depending on the size of the machine) that envelops the 3D equipment and provides several functions, mainly protection. The box can be made of Plexiglas or polycarbonate, depending on the model chosen. It is most often combined with an FDM 3D printer, but is also perfectly suited to a resin machine (SLA/DLP).

3D printer enclosures come in a variety of sizes (Photo Credits: Prusa)

3D Printer Enclosures Improve User Comfort

First of all, using enclosures will reduce machine noise, which can be particularly useful if it’s installed in a work environment or a living room. Depending on the model of your 3D printer, the reduction will be more or less noticeable. What’s more, the 3D printer enclosure will protect the equipment from dust, UV, humidity or other external factors.

This accessory will also camouflage odors emitted by the machine, a particularly important point in resin 3D printing, making the working environment more comfortable. It’s never very pleasant to smell resin fumes or heated plastic.

Finally, one of the important aspects of the 3D printer enclosure is, as explained above, the possibility of reducing the risks associated with the machine’s emissions. Indeed, this enclosure is often accompanied by a HEPA filter that can ventilate the work area and thus limit the release of nanoparticles, which are considered hazardous to our health in the long term. The enclosure facilitates the evacuation of emissions, protecting the user.

A 3D printer enclosure from Creality (Photo Credits: Creality)

Guaranteeing Better Results

In 3D printing, temperature management is paramount. Whatever the material and process used, it’s important to maintain thermal stability so that the material doesn’t undergo too much degradation and shrinkage, and thus achieve a quality result. If, for example, there are too many drafts in the room where the machine is installed, chances are your part won’t be perfect, as the material will have undergone slight alterations. This is a particularly important point when choosing technical filaments: certain thermoplastics, such as nylon or ABS, will require a heated platen or heated enclosure. The box can meet these needs, as it encapsulates the heat around the printing area. It acts as a kind of heat shield.

Manufacturers on the Market

Some FDM/FFF 3D printer manufacturers have developed their own enclosures for their machines, such as Creality, Prusa and FLSUN. They come in a range of strengths – some, for example, are a kind of canvas protection that is placed over the machine. In fact, there are many DIY models on the net, so if you’re a do-it-yourselfer at heart, don’t hesitate! Finally, we must mention Alveo3D, a French company that specializes in the manufacture of enclosures for 3D printers. They even offer customized solutions that can be adapted to the size of your machine.

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*Cover Photo Credits: Alveo3D