Taz4 Enclosure

thingiverse

One shortcoming of the Taz line of 3D printers is the lack of an enclosure that regulates temperature effectively, ensuring longer/larger prints with ABS or HIPS do not have layers separate during the print process. To address this issue, I designed a custom enclosure to provide easy access through the front while keeping costs minimal and allowing quick removal if needed. I wanted it light enough that I could take it off quickly, without enclosing the brain box inside, as it needs to stay cool with its fan blowing on the outside. The enclosure consists of dense foam board found at home renovation stores, metalized tape to hold it together, printed parts, and a sheet of acrylic for the door, allowing users to monitor their prints. The total cost is approximately $50.00, excluding time spent building it. I have posted filter designs - Enclosure Fume Filter (thing:929473) and 3D Printer Filter (thing:2073142) - which work with this design; I recommend the latter as it uses a car filter that has performed better for me. If you find my designs useful, please help by contributing. **Assembly Instructions** **Step 1 - Unpacking** First, carefully remove all components from their packaging and lay them out on a flat surface. **Step 2 - Forming the Frame** Begin with the back panel and sides using metalized tape to secure them along the vertical edge so that the back is inside the side piece. Secure the other side to the back by applying more tape, ensuring straight edges will square up well. Next, attach the top panel over the sides and back, checking for square before adding more tape. **Step 3 - Adding Strength and Squaring** Secure the inside edges with metalized tape, providing strength to the frame and stopping air leaks. Apply tape over all exposed edges as this prevents weather stripping from adhering to the foam edge. **Step 4 - Weather Stripping and Filament Portal** Place foam weather stripping across the bottom and front edges, ensuring gaps for power pass-through on the back and one larger gap for the brain box. Cut a hole for the filament portal if required. Attach it to either side with glue, based on filament reel mount orientation. **Step 5 - Door Mounts** Glue front lower door clips in place, extending foam into the channel lightly so that when compressed, the door will lie against the clip. Attach upper clips with glue as well, using them merely as guides for the door. Ensure they do not extend more than 1/2" beyond weather stripping to prevent binding upon tilting the door. **Step 6 - Mounting Printed Parts** This requires some disassembly to get TNuts into rails. Mount vertical arms on outside upper rails centered and horizontal mounts on outside side rails about 10 inches up, only tightening enough so they do not move. **Step 7 - Mounting the Box** Tilt horizontal mounts upward, sliding the box onto the Taz from the top. Adjust heights as needed, tighten down, then attach clips to the outside with metalized tape aiding the process. **Step 8 - Finalizing the Door** Attach an acrylic handle using acrylic cement near the top. Slide the door down into lower clips and ensure it fits within upper clips. If any additional components are missing for arm construction or if you prefer to utilize already available parts, see 'Scavenge Option'. This guide aims at helping Taz printer users build a light yet rigid enclosure that ensures effective temperature regulation and minimal impact on existing structure.