Prusa Enclosure

For users normally only working with standard 3D printing materials such as PLA, an open 3D printer may be the most adequate solution. With more advanced materials, however, such as ABS, PC CF, PP etc, only a closed 3D printer will guarantee a smooth and problemless 3D printing process. The good news for all the Prusa MK3S+ users is that an original modular and personalizable Prusa enclosure is now available.

Video 1: The original Prusa enclosure for the MK3S+ 3D printer. Source: Prusa.

There are numerous benefits offered by a closed 3D printing environment created by adding the original enclosure to the Prusa MK3S+ 3D printer. First of all, an enclosure creates a stable environment, without drafts, cold air and dust accumulation. If any of these elements is present, the quality of 3D prints with advanced high-temperature materials (PC CF, PA, PP, etc) will suffer due to warping. The heat in the enclosure is passive, which means it comes from the heatbed, but Prusa is working on an optional add-on for active heat control.

Image 1: Warping present (left) and absent (right) on a part 3D printed with a high temperature material without (left) and with (right) an enclosure. Source: Prusa.

Another advantage offered by the enclosure is that it helps keep the odors produced by some 3D printing materials contained inside of the enclosure, thus limiting the user’s exposure to toxic and harmful fumes. An enclosure also contributes to noise reduction during the 3D printing process by about 5 dB and protects the 3D printer from mechanical damage such as hits, scratches, spills, and protects the user from accidental burns or any other accidents that may occur in a 3D printing workspace.

A versatile and customizable enclosure

The enclosure is made of high quality sturdy metal profiles and PETg side panels. All the elements needed to assemble the enclosure come in the package, except for handles that can be used to move the enclosure.

This robust structure makes the Prusa enclosure durable, reliable and it also gives the user the option to build a 3D printer farm with multiple 3D printers stacked on top of each other, with the enclosures secured with screws. The maximum advisable number of stacked units is 5, and if more than 3 units are stacked, it is highly recommended to anchor the structure to the wall for stability and safety.

Image 2: A 3D printer farm built from the Prusa MK3S+ 3D printers. Source: Prusa.

One of the most attractive features of the original Prusa enclosure is that it allows the user to personalize the structure and features of the enclosure to best suit the needs and environment of the user. The enclosure has the perfect size to fit the Prusa MK3S+ 3D printer and many accessories above and on the enclosure, such as the official Prusa MMU2S (Multi Material Upgrade) kit. The filament spool can be placed inside of the enclosure and the filament will be fed to the extruder through a reverse-Bowden setup. This will ensure even rotation of the spool and smoother feed of the material into the extruder.

Image 3: The structure of the enclosure allows for multiple official and user-made upgrades. Source: Prusa.

The frame of the enclosure has various holes and mounting points, which allows the user to upgrade the enclosure with brackets, holders, shelves, etc, 3D printed at home or official. This feature also allows for a tidy organization of the cables for a clean and safe working environment. All this can significantly improve the workflow with the Prusa MK3S+ 3D printer. Prusa is also planning to keep expanding the enclosure with new add-ons in the future.

Image 4: A temperature and humidity sensor built into the Prusa enclosure. Source: Prusa.

The enclosure has a basic temperature and humidity sensor built into the frame, which allows the user to have a constant overview of the indoor environment.

The included add-ons

The enclosure comes with numerous add-ons that offer practical solutions to improve workflow and safety with the Prusa MK3S+ 3D printer. These add-ons have an additional cost, which is reflected in the price of this product.

The enclosure can be locked with a mechanical lock to prevent unauthorised access to the 3D printer. This security solution is very useful when the 3D printer is installed at an event, in a public space, in a classroom or at home with children around.

Image 5: Mechanical lock included in the pack. Source: Prusa.

La fuente de alimentación de la Prusa MK3S+ puede extraerse de la impresora 3D y colocarse en el exterior, en el bastidor de la carcasa. Para asegurar que la impresora 3D no pierda su rigidez una vez retirada la PSU, se incluye una abrazadera especial con la carcasa. Si se va a sacar la impresora de la carcasa con frecuencia, se puede usar un cable de liberación rápida de la fuente que viene con la carcasa, para facilitar la tarea de extracción de la impresora. Hay que tener en cuenta que este complemento sólo es compatible con la PSU negra de Delta. Si la impresora utiliza una PSU plateada, deberá actualizarse primero.

The power supply of the Prusa MK3S+ can be removed from the 3D printer and placed outside on the enclosure frame. To ensure that the 3D printer does not lose its rigidity once the PSU is removed, a special clamp is included with the enclosure. If the printer is to be removed from the enclosure frequently, a quick PSU release cable that comes with the enclosure can be used to ease the task of removing the printer. Note that this add-on is only compatible with Delta's black PSU. If the printer uses a silver PSU, it will need to be upgraded first.

Image 6: The power supply mounted on the enclosure frame, and the cable's quick release connector. Source: Prusa.

The advantages of placing the power supply outside include a reduced risk of the power supply overheating inside the enclosure and easier access to the power supply. The same can be done with the LCD (the user control display).

Figure 7: A HEPA filter included in the pack. Source: Prusa.

An advanced HEPA filtration system with an efficiency of 99.9 %, also compatible with the Smart Box, is another add-on that prevents the spread of UFPs released when working with materials such as PC CF. The HEPA filter requires the addition of a power supply (additional cost). The power supply will be automatically added to the and will increase the price of the package as well as, potentially, the delivery time.

Figure 8: A fire extinguishing system comes with the enclosure. Source: Prusa.

The fire suppression system (for EU customers only) is a clean, safe and effective, self-contained tube system designed and manufactured in Europe. This fire suppression system is independent of the power supply and works by detecting high temperatures inside the enclosure.

The original enclosure for the MK3S+ 3D printer is a truly revolutionary release by the Czech company Prusa. It not only makes the 3D printing environment safer and quieter, but also ensures top performance with advanced high temperature materials, and lets the user customize and organize the printing workspace with add-ons from the manufacturer or 3D printed at home. With an addition as simple as an enclosure the user gains more freedom in terms of the printing process and material choice. The Prusa MK3S+ enclosure is perfect for hobbyists 3D printing at home as well as for professional workshops, businesses, 3D printing farms or even educational institutions.