Integrated enclosure
Hi everyone,
I juste released the first version of an integrated enclosure for the mk3 series.
No modification on the machine or firmware is needed. only start Gcode is slightly different.
Feel free to leave a comment or improvement suggestion because this is the first version 🙃
RE: Integrated enclosure
I must admit that this is a novel design, since it encloses the print bed but not the power supply nor the Z elevator hardware.
RE: Integrated enclosure
I have updated the post on Printables with a more in depth montage instruction. I have created this enclosure to keep the footprint of my printer as low as possible, and I can attest that the warping with PC-Blend is reduced.
I got a message saying that keeping the electronics out of the enclosure is a non-problem (with argumentation and personal experience).
Does anyone has a different point of view?
RE: Integrated enclosure
Cool idea... thanks for sharing!
I have a Lack enclosure with supplemental heating. I have the power supply outside the enclosure, but have the RAMBo inside the enclosure (in the original location.)
I've done a few 13 hour prints with the temperature over 50C and the printer still seems to working 🙂
I have noticed an increased amount of Y axis crashes, so that may or may not be related to the increased temperature, and maybe due to the RAMBo board getting hot, IDK. I suspect the RAMBo is probably fine and the increased Y crashes are due to the belt or stepper motor getting to hot.
With the latest firmware upgrade and it's temperature safety feature, I believe you'll want the RAMBo board inside the enclosure as there is a temperature measurement on the board that's used.
Posted by: @bm-3
I have updated the post on Printables with a more in depth montage instruction. I have created this enclosure to keep the footprint of my printer as low as possible, and I can attest that the warping with PC-Blend is reduced.
I got a message saying that keeping the electronics out of the enclosure is a non-problem (with argumentation and personal experience).
Does anyone has a different point of view?
RE: Integrated enclosure
check your smooth rod lubrication, it may be drying out
regards Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE:
Concerning the measurement on the rambo, I will have to dig in to see how I can adapt for sûre. if it is needed.
I will move to mk3.5 soon, so I will have to modify the design already.
RE: Integrated enclosure
Thanks for the tip... I did put a bunch more grease on them.... as I recall it didn't seem to help (I've been printing some PLA parts lately so I haven't tried doing the high temperature stuff for a bit).
The last time it was happening I noticed it seemed to do it around a specific spot on the Y axis (which leads me to believe that area might be a little dry, or something else is scratch/blocked/something at that point).
check your smooth rod lubrication, it may be drying out
regards Joan
RE: Integrated enclosure
The MK3.5 version is released. some changes to the front and the right side.
https://www.printables.com/model/869989-i3-mk35-enclosure-heat-chamber
RE: Integrated enclosure
Compliments. Nice work, and looks well too!.
Some thoughts ( I have an old MK2.5 running in a Ikea cupboard box):
- The electronics should easily be able to run up to 100 degrees or so (have a look at the temperature in your PC or laptop and you will see numbers up to 100 when it is working hard). That is far more then your enclosure will be.
- My machine is with psu + electronics in the box. Without ventilation (open door), regular PLA printing pushes the temp up to about 40 degrees giving issues with no grip on filament in the extruder, stringing a bit more. So the door is always a bit open. And the heat of the printer keeps it nicely on about 30 degrees.
NB: It is easier to place a temp controlled ventilator in the enclosure in my opinion. If I need to do repair/maintenance I get the printer out of the enclosure in one move.
- For very cold weather times I have a little PTC heater in the enclosure set on 20 degrees (to avoid MINTEMP error). with 3 thermostats in series (one to shut off above 70, one to shut off half of the PTC on 65, and a regular adjustable one to set it on 20), just to be sure I will not set the enclosure and my house in fire).
- Question about the enclosure. Did you consider placing hinges at the top, so you could open it, turning up?
Regards, Eef
We will do what we have always done. We will find hope in the impossible.
RE: Integrated enclosure
Hi, thanks for sharing your experience. I think a lot of printers are used fully inside of an enclosure, and work well. I simply think it's a question of lifetime. I do not have the data to prove it but usually hardware breakdown rate is related to temperature.
on this enclosure there is a top section which can be removed to prevent to the temperature to go too high during long prints, but usually I remove the front housing for PLA and PETG. I only use it fully closed for ASA and PC.
for the hinges I am also tented to implement something, but the structure is not sturdy enough to support the weight of so much 3mm plexiglass... and the complexity would be too high for my taste 😋