3D Printer Enclosure and Standing Desk
Introduction: 3D Printer Enclosure and Standing Desk
This classy, cat-proof 3D printer enclosure doubles as a standing desk! It has plenty of room for my Prusa i3 MK3S (with the spool holder), as well as a generous storage compartment. Featuring a 25"x24" desktop, integrated LED lighting, full extension drawer slides and plenty of room to add a dehumidifier or other accessories!
The print area is fully enclosed with clear acrylic, providing a stable, draft-free print environment that reduces noise output. This project is easy to build with 2x4s and plywood, and simple details such as a dyed frame make it look good enough to put in your apartment or living room.
Check out the full build video here!
I designed this project in Fusion 360, and you can view/download the 3D model at the following link:
https://a360.co/39zFGzk
However, all of the relevant dimensions are included in this Instructable.
Let's get started!
Supplies
Here's what you will need (in order of steps):
Four (4) x 8-foot 2x4s
Three (3) x 8-foot 1x1s or other small dimensional lumber for making stops
One (1) x 2'x4' sheet of 3/4" plywood (This will form the desktop and printer shelf. If you're going to leave these edges exposed, I would recommend splurging on some baltic birch or other premium plywood!)
One (1) x 2'x4' sheet of 1/2" plywood (This will form the top shelf. 858
Same note as above)
One (1) x 2'x4' sheet of 1/4" plywood (This will form the back, and the edges will be hidden. I used luan plywood for this.)
Circular saw
Speed square - https://amzn.to/35OK9xc
Masking tape (to reduce tear out on plywood)
Jigsaw or keyhole saw, for cutting a hole to run the power cord - https://amzn.to/2NfkGX9
Handheld drill/driver - https://amzn.to/38OWVNZ
Pocket hole jig - https://amzn.to/2OhBES0
India Ink - https://amzn.to/32enRE5
Rags/old brush for applying India Ink
120-grit sandpaper
220-grit sandpaper
Finish (I used Varathane Diamond Wood Finish - Crystal Clear Semigloss)
Foam brush
2-1/2" pan-head screws or Kreg screws - https://amzn.to/3smoOEZ
1-1/4" pan-head screws or Kreg screws - https://amzn.to/2LxI55D
Clamps
Two (2) pairs of 20-inch full extension drawer slides - https://amzn.to/2Ojv1OQ
Double sided tape (for installing drawer slides and attaching power strip)
Level
Two (2) x 12-1/4" x 10" pieces of 2mm clear acrylic (upper doors)
Two (2) x 30-1/2" x 10" pieces of 2mm clear acrylic (lower doors)
Two (2) x 40-3/8" x 16-5/8" pieces of 2mm clear acrylic (sides)
** I would recommend building the enclosure and measuring its actual dimensions BEFORE ordering the acrylic. Small variations in construction and materials may cause the above acrylic dimensions to not fit your enclosure. These were just the dimensions that worked for my enclosure. **
Short black framing screws (I used 7/16" #6 screws) for attaching acrylic sides and hinges - https://amzn.to/3bPaVcy
1-1/2" drywall screws, other black screws or woodscrews
Countersink drill bits - https://amzn.to/2LFKyek
One (1) six-foot length of black continuous hinge or 8-10 individual hinges
Tin snips (for cutting continuous hinge) - https://amzn.to/38X2w53
Small nuts and bolts for attaching hinges to acrylic doors
Eight (8) x 8x3mm magnets (for closures) - https://amzn.to/3bGZRhh
3/4" or shorter woodscrews for magnetic closure
5-minute epoxy - https://amzn.to/38TJLiG
Remote-controlled LED strip lights - https://amzn. 401