Notifications
Clear all

Enclosure walls scratched by a brush  

  RSS
UjinDesign
(@ujindesign)
Trusted Member
Enclosure walls scratched by a brush

I read on the forums that the enclosure walls were soft and that we should be careful not to scratch it. So, I decided to clean my enclosure for the first time with a brush (that's attached to the vacuum cleaner). But I guess a literal brush wasn't soft enough because now my enclosure walls and doors are all scratched up. Not quite sure what to say. If I reverse-engineer, I suppose Prusa might have gone with this soft of a material to make it easier for users to cut the walls (e.g. to attach handles). I think they kind of over-did it with the softness. 

See attached picture. 

PS: This enclosure costs 370 Euros. Several times more expensive than other enclosures. Overall I think there are many design faults with the enclosure that leaves me very unsatisfied with my purchase but lets focus on one thing in this thread. 

Posted : 22/01/2024 8:23 pm
EastMemphis
(@eastmemphis)
Estimable Member
RE: Enclosure walls scratched by a brush

The clear panels are made of an acrylic or polycarbonate which is subject to easily being scratched. My best advice is to use only a mild non-ammonia window cleaner, and a microfiber cloth to clean acrylic.

I suspect the reason why your vacuum scratched the surface is because the brush has grit, dirt, or other contamination that's quite a bit harder than the clear material.

The best way I know to remove scratches in such material is by polishing.

Printables: https://www.printables.com/@EastMemphis_905139/models

Posted : 22/01/2024 8:37 pm
KC
 KC
(@kc)
Active Member
RE: Enclosure walls scratched by a brush

I have used NOVUS Plastic Polish for years and it works good. However, some deep scratches might not be cleared up. I learned about from FormLabs.

Always use a microfiber cloth.

Posted : 22/01/2024 8:52 pm
UjinDesign
(@ujindesign)
Trusted Member
Topic starter answered:
RE: Enclosure walls scratched by a brush

Thanks for the tips! I'll probably just end up laser cutting a few panels from a more scratch resistant material instead so I don't have to be so careful around it. Very good that Prusa provides drawings and step files for all parts for this reason. I might give plastic polish a try first though! 

PS: The step files for the enclosure is found here if anyone is interested. 

Posted : 23/01/2024 7:53 pm
Share: