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Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60  

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 Nope
(@nope-2)
Active Member
Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

I wanted something that was not flammable (like MDF/Ikea tables), would have some ventilation, and look OK. I went with a server cabinet (9U height).

+Cabinet (any 9U would work) http://www.ebay.com/itm/Goplus-9U-Wall-Mount-Network-Server-Data-Cabinet-Enclosure-Rack-Glass-Door-Lock-/351191843901?hash=item51c4aa443d:g:rWYAAOSwBP9UYLzq
+Feet (needed to raise the printer up a touch) http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1707045
+LCD Mount(optional) Please note this could use improvement http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1692666
+Lamp mount (optional, janso, bought at Ikea) http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:1124099
+LED strip (optional, bought at Ikea)

I moved the power supply outside the cabinet because PLA/PET don't need a heated chamber. This is optional. My cabinet was about 1/2 inch too narrow and required me to cut/bend the back panel a little. Depending on the exact model you buy this may not be needed.

Closing the cabinet door cuts the noise of the cooling fan greatly. With the cabinet closed, and the closet door closed (my machine is in a closet), the whole thing is almost silent. I run in 'silent mode' as well.

Posted : 19/11/2016 4:43 pm
Nope
 Nope
(@nope-2)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

more photos.

Posted : 19/11/2016 4:44 pm
daniel.l9
(@daniel-l9)
Eminent Member
Re: Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

Looks very nice, how does it change your setting, do you reduce the temperature of the plate? Will consider that, since I do have kids and keeping it locker even when not printing might save me a lot of trouble.

Posted : 19/11/2016 11:51 pm
Nope
 Nope
(@nope-2)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

I have been printing PLA at 210/55 and PET at 240/75. I could probably reduce the bed temp by 5C on each one. Please note I made two to other changes to the thermal properties of the machine. First, I insulated the underside of the heater bed with a sheet of kapton film and then 1/4 inch cork. It fits perfectly between the PCB and the aluminum frame. Second, I added a silicon boot to the E3D heater block ("E3D sock"). I did both of these when building the machine for the first time so I do not have a before/after comparison.

Posted : 20/11/2016 2:48 am
daniel.l9
(@daniel-l9)
Eminent Member
Re: Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

One additional thing I'm considering is filtration, to seal the box and went it trough HEPA filters.

Posted : 20/11/2016 2:51 pm
Nope
 Nope
(@nope-2)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

Server cabinets have alot of ventilation and are not ideal for sealing. That said- it wouldn't be difficult to seal off the vents with tape or sheets of sticky-backed foam or something.

If smell is the issue- normal PLA and PETG have very little smell if any. PETG is basically odorless. Both of these materials actually tend to print better with a non-heated and non-sealed chamber.

Sealing and actively ventilating/filtering the chamber would be great for noise.

Posted : 20/11/2016 4:26 pm
david.b14
(@david-b14)
Honorable Member
Re: Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

Cool idea. Can you provide a link to the filament spool holder you are using?

Posted : 21/11/2016 2:31 pm
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 Nope
(@nope-2)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
Re: Enclosed in Server Cabinet for $60

here you go:
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:989957

requires 4 608 bearings but no nuts/bolts. Will fit virtually ANY spool. I put some foam on the bottom of mine to help it stay in place on the smooth metal top of the enslocure. that was $1 for a big sheet from Michael's craft store. It has adhesive on the back.

Posted : 24/11/2016 11:17 pm
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