Heated 3D Printer Enclosure

thingiverse

This is a custom temperature-controlled 3D printer enclosure designed for my Lulzbot Taz5. It boasts 3D printed corner pieces that surpass the quality of those available from 8020. Printing them myself was much less expensive than purchasing them. I also created my own hinges, making eight corner pieces and four hinge pieces. To ensure strength, print the corner pieces out of Inova or NVent copolyester. PLA or HIPS won't suffice for this application. When printing the corner pieces, place the triangular surface (outside chamfer cut) flat on the bed. Print slowly with cooling fans set to maximum. Although there are some tough overhangs, parts come out fine if you print slowly and use a brim. The 8020 extrusions used in this enclosure are 10 series, which are 1-inch square T-slot type. Purchasing these from 8020 will cost around $75 for approximately 325 inches of 10-series extrusion, plus about $20 for cutting charges, plus $40 to tap the ends. Twenty-four "low-profile head" 1/4-20 screws are needed to secure the corner pieces. These screws can be bought from 8020 for approximately $14. If you don't have the necessary tools, it's worth the cost to let 8020 do the cutting and tapping. For the enclosure's top, back, and sides, I purchased CoroPlast panels from Home Depot for around $10 each. The acrylic front panel costs about $25. You may be able to find these cheaper if you shop around. Alternatively, you can use cardboard if budget is a concern. If you're looking for more premium options, 8020 offers polycarbonate double-wall translucent corrugated panels and a clear polycarbonate door cut to size for approximately $150. The necessary hardware includes two 3-inch #10 bolts/screws and eight 1/4-20 screws and nuts for the hinges. A heater with temperature control was an Ebay item that I purchased for $25. You can also consider using a compact 120vac space heater with a built-in thermostat if you're on a tight budget. Print Settings: Printer Brand: LulzBot Printer: TAZ 5 Rafts: No Supports: No Infill: 30% Notes: Print the corner pieces out of Inova or NVent copolyester. These really need to be strong. PLA or HIPS won't do. Print the corner pieces with the triangular surface (outside chamfer cut) flat on the bed. Print slowly with cooling fans set to maximum. The parts have some tough overhangs, but if you print slowly with good cooling and a brim, they come out fine.