April 7, 2020
Description
I created a simple cover for my Ender 3 that keeps the printer's footprint about the same. It should work for any other printer with the same frame style and of similar size.
To print are the four arms (copper coloured in the pictures). Then any bag can be used for the actual cover. Please consider that the bag will touch the build plate and should be safe at that temperature. And also keep the fans of the power supply unobstructed. I simply cut a hole in the bag for the fans.
The provides the benefits of a cover to some degree without requiring extra space (probably not as effective as the box cover designs out there however):
*Higher build plate temperatures - I tried up to 115 C
*Limits issues from drafts - I can now open a window while printing ABS
*Less warping issues - at least anecdotally, this is true for me
*Less hygroscopic issues - it increases the temperature around the spool limiting moisture absorption or even drying out the spool on very long prints and high bed temperatures.
I used the straight arm for three sides. The back left uses the the arm slightly bend to the left to avoid the threaded z-axis rod. You can use different configurations and mirror the bend arm in your slicer if needed.
License:
Creative Commons - Attribution