OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"  

RE: OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"

In months of printing in LACK enclosures, not once has the temperature exceeded 36 degrees. I print PETG most of the time but have printed PLA, ABS, and PC as well, although admittedly ABS and PC only with prints less than 8 hours. From this experience I don't really see a need for a fan. 

RE: OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"

Posted by: @sierragolf

Hey Prusalovers,

i finaly finished my IKEA LACK enclosure and I'm very happy with it. The PSU, RPI 4B and LCD Control are mounted outside.

I was looking through some Octoprint Plug-ins and found the "Enclosure" Plugin which allows me to control a few interesting extras i can install into my eclosure.

i thought about a venting fan, temperature controlled. an 12V PC fan.

first i would like to know, if i need an cooling fan for my enclosure. i just started printing in PLA, later maybe some other materials. 

and second, if you guys recommend a cooling fan, how do i wire all the parts? i found several different Options in the internet. im totally lost with all the different ways.

i hope you can help me find the right way 😉

Not to discourage you, but much of this is not needed.  

RE: OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"

Posted by: @fuchsr

In months of printing in LACK enclosures, not once has the temperature exceeded 36 degrees. I print PETG most of the time but have printed PLA, ABS, and PC as well, although admittedly ABS and PC only with prints less than 8 hours. From this experience I don't really see a need for a fan. 

Whats usually the max enclosure temp before it starts affecting PLA prints? I am planning on setting up a lack enclosure but I am worried about the temp. Im still new to 3d printing and only print in PLA and PETG so far.

RE: OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"

@ekay

I have had PLA bend and wrap from gravity in a hot car in the 110s-130F.  That is 43-54C.    

RE: OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"

Printing PLA in enclosure is possible only with open door. If you close it, the filament will start cloging. You need enclosure only for ABS, ASA etc. So if you print PLA, it is useless or even harmful. Sure, not completely, you can close the printer after the print and save it from dust. Also the top side of the box is good for laying things on.

The principe of box for ABS/ASA is to keep the printed object saved from any air circulation in the room. Placing a fan inside to cool it down will most probably cause quite significant air circulation and therefor also warping of the object. So again, the box will not make it better, just worse.

Make a lack enclosure, put the light in, maybe thermometer or smoke detector. That should be enough. Print PLA with door fully open.

RE: OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"

Posted by: @milos-v

Make a lack enclosure, put the light in, maybe thermometer or smoke detector. That should be enough. Print PLA with door fully open.

Amen!

RE: OctoPi + LACK Enclosure + "Enclosure Plugin"

Posted by: @milos-v

Printing PLA in enclosure is possible only with open door. If you close it, the filament will start cloging. You need enclosure only for ABS, ASA etc. So if you print PLA, it is useless or even harmful. Sure, not completely, you can close the printer after the print and save it from dust. Also the top side of the box is good for laying things on.

No doubt about it.  

temp controlled 12v fan

Here is how i solved the challenge of printing with the LACK enclosure door closed.

https://forum.prusa3d.com/forum/original-prusa-i3-mk3s-mk3-user-mods-octoprint-enclosures-nozzles/printer-enclosure-challenges-and-how-i-tackled-them/#post-510715

I did not even have to move the PSU, the temp controlled 12 v fan never allows the temp to go above 30C