The Best Ender 3 Enclosures – DIY and Pre-Built Options

An enclosure can be a wise upgrade for your Ender 3 to optimize printing performance. By containing heat while blocking drafts, enclosures allow safer printing of tricky materials like ABS while reducing warping and layer splits. Here we’ll look at the benefits of Ender 3 enclosures and review DIY and pre-made options to consider.

The open design of the popular Ender 3 3D printer makes it great for watching your prints emerge. But the lack of enclosing walls leaves prints exposed to cooler ambient temperatures that can impede results when printing with sensitive filaments like ABS.

Key benefits of adding an enclosure for your Ender 3 include:

• Higher Ambient Temperature – Retains heat inside for materials like ABS that print best hot.
• Draft Blocking– Eliminates tiny air currents that can warp edges or cause layer splitting.
• Cleaner Prints – Contained environment keeps dust off parts during printing.
• Filament Dryness – Maintains low humidity inside for improved filament properties.
• Odor Containment – Traps smells from smelly filaments inside the chamber.
• Noise Reduction – Enclosing panels muffle printer noise for quieter operation.

DIY Enclosure Options

Building your own custom Ender 3 enclosure allows tailoring it exactly as needed. Here are some popular DIY approaches:

IKEA Lack Table Enclosure

The IKEA Lack table’s dimensions make it a perfect enclosure base for Ender 3 printers. Just flip the table upside down, cut a hole for filament, and add top and side panels.

Cardboard or Acrylic Box

Simple cardboard boxes or acrylic panels can be adapted into serviceable enclosures. Use binder clips or tape to attach and allow lifting off panels for access.

Wood Frame Construction

For more permanent installations, wood frames with acrylic or polycarbonate panels offer a sturdy enclosure option. Hinged doors provide convenient access.

3D Printed Panels

Panels designed specifically for the Ender 3 can be downloaded from sites like Thingiverse and printed out of ABS for high durability.

Complete Enclosure Kits

For a quick and easy enclosure solution, complete kits offer a turnkey way to enclose your Ender 3. Here are some top options:

Creality Official Enclosure

Creality’s custom enclosure is specifically designed for optimal fit with the Ender 3 dimensions. The kit includes detachable acrylic panels, doors, and a smoke absorber.

Sovol Enclosure

Sovol makes a similar acrylic flat pack kit sized for the Ender 3 line. Panels screw together and allow full enclosure or partial side shielding.

Creepy Room Full Cover

This sturdy acrylic enclosure completely surrounds on all sides for maximum thermal control and noise reduction. Lift-off panels provide access.

Artillery Enclosure

From the makers of the Sidewinder printer, this rugged enclosure features thick acrylic panels, temperature display, and HEPA/carbon filtration system.

Enclosure Placement Tips

To get the most benefit from your enclosure, follow these usage tips:

• Place the enclosure atop a wire shelf or table to allow insulation under the heated bed.
• Keep electronics outside the enclosure interior to avoid overheating.
• Install cabinet or appliance door seals around access doors.
• Use small computer fans to circulate air through ventilation holes.
• Monitor temperature and humidity inside and adjust as needed.
• Only use outdoors or in well-ventilated areas to avoid fume buildup.

Key Takeaways

Adding an enclosure provides major benefits for ABS and other materials requiring higher, draft-free temperatures for optimal layer bonding. Both DIY and pre-made options allow creating the perfect ambient environment tailored to your specific workflow. With an enclosure, the versatility of the Ender 3 expands greatly.

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