Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
The first thing that my wife asked me when we got the MK3S was if we should buy a cover for it.
It seems like a good idea, but I wanted to double check what other owners do first.
Do you guys cover yours? Any suggestions on covers?
Many thanks!
Carlos
Best Answer by --:
Simple answer is not required. But do keep the print sheet safe. I cover the sheet with a paper towel when not in use to keep dust off it.
That said, I did purchase a printer cover than mostly fits the printer (too many odd angles), but I never actual use it. The wife is probably worried more about esthetics... so it might be worth the investment.
This is the one I purchased: it works, but the fit is - well - a bit off.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
Simple answer is not required. But do keep the print sheet safe. I cover the sheet with a paper towel when not in use to keep dust off it.
That said, I did purchase a printer cover than mostly fits the printer (too many odd angles), but I never actual use it. The wife is probably worried more about esthetics... so it might be worth the investment.
This is the one I purchased: it works, but the fit is - well - a bit off.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
On my printer that isn’t in an enclosure I cover the removable print bed with a plastic bag (same type as I store opened filament in) as that keeps dust and other stuff off the bed. I don’t bother with the rest of the printer though.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
I’ve just been wiping the sheet down before printing... am I missing something?
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In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is. -Yogi Berra
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
I use an air spray can to remove dust in the fans, aluminium profiles and plastic parts. When I am away, I just cover it with a towel but you probably don't need to.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
@james-watriss
Contamination. You don't want unknowns on the print surface and it seems to me wiping the bed after some time of non-use only drives dust, collected aerosols, and anything else like dander into the surface. Clean is a mantra that saves time.
As for canned air - I bought one of these and can't say enough about how much I like it. Wasn't cheap, but it has already paid for itself in canned air I have not had to buy.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
I have the compressor/airbrush so canned air is not really a problem and I do use it to clean out the Mk3 (not s) filament sensor from time to time.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
@tim-m30
‘Clean is a mantra that saves time.’ Love it.
My wipe down typically involves isopropyl, so hopefully the contamination is minimal, but that’s a very good point.
How loud is that air blaster?
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In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice, there is. -Yogi Berra
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
@james-watriss
Louder than a can of air, but quieter than my small 120v vacuum. What is impressive is the amount of air it moves, and a charge lasts weeks with several uses a day. The fact the blower is in your hand - less than a meter from your ears - it is loud enough. The thing has some settings I think the manual mentions like a way to switch in on then switch it off by quick double presses of the trigger. So it will blow continuously if needed.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
@james-watriss
Contamination. You don't want unknowns on the print surface and it seems to me wiping the bed after some time of non-use only drives dust, collected aerosols, and anything else like dander into the surface. Clean is a mantra that saves time.
As for canned air - I bought one of these and can't say enough about how much I like it. Wasn't cheap, but it has already paid for itself in canned air I have not had to buy.
I also bought one of these under a different name brand. This one has better reviews. I use my cordless handheld duster weekly and a Dyson vacuum. I have not decided if it is better than canned air.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
@james-watriss
Contamination. You don't want unknowns on the print surface and it seems to me wiping the bed after some time of non-use only drives dust, collected aerosols, and anything else like dander into the surface. Clean is a mantra that saves time.
As for canned air - I bought one of these and can't say enough about how much I like it. Wasn't cheap, but it has already paid for itself in canned air I have not had to buy.
Just ordered one! It will arrive tomorrow.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
@james-watriss
Contamination. You don't want unknowns on the print surface and it seems to me wiping the bed after some time of non-use only drives dust, collected aerosols, and anything else like dander into the surface. Clean is a mantra that saves time.
As for canned air - I bought one of these and can't say enough about how much I like it. Wasn't cheap, but it has already paid for itself in canned air I have not had to buy.
Just ordered one! It will arrive tomorrow.
Please post your review of it. I personally cannot decide if it is any better than canned air, but then again, it might save me money on air and might be better for the environment.
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Chuck H
3D Printer Review Blog
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
@charles-h13
Good idea. My only concern is that I won't easily know if it works well until I use it for a long time.
Let me use it for a bit and then I can come back and give an update.
I also plan on using it on my keyboard, my car and other places, so that might speed up the review.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
And if you don't like the air gun, Amazon has a great return policy... so please do not shoot the messenger... lol. My only gripe with the thing is the delay between pulling the trigger and the motor spinning up ... but after a few days I was accustomed to it. I guess the cpu is waiting for that double press command to stay on.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
Same thoughts line previous comments but unfortunately i could not find any product at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07T87K8Q3 which is shared in the previous comment but anyways to prevent contamination, it's important to keep the print surface clean. Simply wiping the bed after a period of non-use may push dust, aerosols, and other debris into the surface. Therefore, it's important to prioritize cleanliness to save time in the long run.
In regards to using canned air, I highly recommend it. While it may be a bit costly upfront, it has saved me money in the long run by eliminating the need to purchase additional air production with any tool.
RE: Should we use a cover for the printer to avoid dust when not in use?
I have another product that I have used for years. https://metrovac.com/products/datavac-electric-duster This is a portable duster that has a basic filter on the fan input. The link is an upgraded version of what I have used both at work and home. Nice to use instead of canned air and less chance of spraying propellant.
FWIW, I have my printer in a workshop and bought an enclosure to help keep sawdust and other particles out of the printer as well as wanting to print tougher materials. I do know from work that enclosures are a necessary item for decent prints.