Best Enclosed 3D Printers in 2020

Updated Aug 25, 2020 5930

Hi everyone! Today, we have another informative addition on the ever-evolving world of additive manufacturing.

The current 3D printing market is as competitive as never before. Different manufacturers offer hundreds of different kits and pre-assembled devices that vary by functionality, appearance, price, and printing technology itself. Some feature a fully enclosed design, while others offer an open-style frame.

What is the reason behind enclosing, and are enclosed machines actually better than open-framed ones? Why would one need a fully enclosed 3D printer anyway?

In this article, we are going to guide you through our top picks of best enclosed 3D printers in Summer 2020, including both FFF/FDM and LCD/DLP/SLA machines. This article will definitely help you choose the best enclosed 3D printer for your needs.

To Enclose, or not to Enclose?

Source: 3dprintingindustry.com

So what are the main reasons behind enclosing a 3D printer?

First and foremost, a fully enclosed device is a lot safer than an open-framed one. A 3D printer is a complex mechanism that comprises moving and hot parts that are dangerous and mustn’t be touched, and the enclosure helps to keep fingers at bay. The safety rule is of the greatest significance when there are children around, be it in educational institutions or in-home premises. In addition, an enclosed print chamber contributes to fighting off any potentially toxic fumes.

Secondly, enclosures greatly increase overall printing performance by preventing any unwanted parts from entering the 3D printing zone. Moreover, it helps keep heat inside the chamber while keeping cold air outside, providing even heating and preventing temperature fluctuations. If a model is made in such conditions, its degree of interlayer adhesion will greatly improve, hence improving the durability and overall quality of a product. Additionally, an enclosure is a must when printing with high-temperature materials.

Thirdly, there’s always the matter of appearance. As a rule, enclosed 3D printers look much more stylish and aesthetically pleasing than open-framed ones. It also gives off a kind of professional vibe.

Source: amrc.co.uk

Therefore, our answer is — yes, enclosure is very important. In case you don’t want to buy a new 3D printer, there’s always an option to upgrade your device with a self-designed or a 3rd party enclosure. Buying enclosure for your 3D printer is always possible, and with the vast resources provided by the Internet, it won’t take you much time to install it. If you decide to make an enclosure yourself, be sure to make it out of inflammable materials, such as metal or glass. Installing a smoke detector and a ventilation system inside of it is yet another bright idea.

The following list contains the best 3D printers that come stock with a fully-enclosed design. Being factory and professionally enclosed, such devices won’t have any play that otherwise could have been caused by incorrect installation of such.

Best Enclosed 3D Printers under $200

Creality CR-100

CR-100 is a compact FDM 3D printer developed to make additive technologies available for children. Featuring an authentic design, easy-to-use features, automatic bed leveling, fireproof frame, and a touchpad, this lightweight device comes for a reasonable price. It has, however, a smaller build volume compared to other machines, but it is understandable considering that it is an educational, children-oriented device. The CR-100 is available in red, yellow, green, and blue colors.

Specifications

Build volume: 100 x 100 x 80 mm
Min layer height: 100 microns
Technology: FDM
Price: $159.99

Pros

Kid-friendly
Incredible design
LCD touch screen
Fully assembled

Cons

Small build volume

Use Cases

The Creality CR-100 allows children to create and make toys by themselves, no matter how wild their imagination is. Take a look at some of the print ideas below.

Of course, this device can also be used by more grown-up makers. For example, it was used to print a uniquely-designed house for a little cactus to live in.

Source: instagram.com

Best Enclosed 3D Printers Under $300

Flashforge Finder 2.0

The Finder 2.0 is a value-engineered desktop FDM 3D printer. It is an entry-level device that provides reliable and quiet operation. It is equipped with a detachable print bed, filament run-out sensor, and features cloud integration, making it accessible via WiFi. In addition, the Finder 2.0 has a stylish outlook and is as safe as a 3D printer gets. The device is ideal for kids, hobbyists, educational institutions, and can even be successfully used in some small businesses.

Specifications

Build volume: 140 x 140 x 140 mm
Min layer height: 100 microns
Technology: FDM
Price: $286.35

Pros

Beginner-friendly
Reliable and quiet operation
Understandable UI and a touchscreen
Overhead light

Cons

Small build volume
Build plate not heated

Use Cases

One cosplayer made this cool accessory for the Nordic Cosplay Championship. Printed on the Finder 2.0, it shows decent quality and surface finish.

Source: instagram.com

These two models are another example of the output quality achievable.

QIDI Tech X-Maker

The QIDI Tech X-Maker is a desktop FDM 3D printer that offers a number of truly important features and comes at a really affordable price. It is equipped with an aluminum frame that guarantees ultimate stability. In addition, it features WiFi connectivity and is equipped with a built-in camera, allowing you to always stay on top of the printing process. Moreover, the X-Maker is equipped with a touchscreen display and automatically recovers after a sudden power outage. It adopts a Direct Drive extruder packed with a 4-sided turbofan for effective cooling. The hotend heats up to 250°C being compatible with most of the consumer-grade filaments commercially available, including PLA, ABS, TPU, and others.

Specifications

Build volume: 170 x 150 x 160 mm
Min layer height: 50 Microns
Technology: FDM
Price: $299.00

Pros

Extremely easy to use
Reliable performance
Factory-assembled and calibrated
Built-in camera
WiFi connectivity

Cons

Small build area
Relatively small online community

Use Cases

Take a look at the models demonstrated in the image below. As you can see, they turned out pretty good and neatly-looking right out of the printer.

Best Enclosed 3D Printers Under $500

QIDI Tech X-Smart

The QIDI X-Smart is a multifunctional beginner-friendly FDM 3D printing machine. It features a robust all-metal frame for ultimate stability, detachable heated bed, responsive touch screen display, WiFi connectivity, and a powerful cooling system. It is a safe value-engineered device perfect for prototyping, printing various creatively designed household items, tabletop miniatures, props, and much more.

Specifications

Build volume: 160 x 150 x 150 mm
Min layer height: 50 Microns
Technology: FFF/FDM
Price: $399.00

Pros

Ultimate accessibility
Easy to use
Powerful cooling system

Cons

Relatively small build area
Some prints are hard to remove

Use Cases

The printer can be used to self-print some useful upgrades for a smoother 3D printing experience. This external spool holder is just an example.

Source: instagram.com

This well-defined model is an example of the printing quality achievable.

Source: instagram.com

QIDI Tech X-Pro

The X-Tech Pro is yet another budget-friendly desktop FDM 3D printer. Equipped with a sturdy aluminum frame, the machine delivers above-average outputs in a fast and consistent manner. The device offers WiFi connectivity, resume printing function, and an LCD touch screen for convenient hands-on experience. Its dual extrusion system allows for printing with different colors and materials. The X-Tech Pro would be a perfect choice for both hobbyists and more experienced makers. It can be successfully used in education, design, engineering, and other professional applications.

Specifications

Build volume: 230 x 150 x 150 mm
Layer height: 50 Microns
Technology: FFF/FDM
Price: $499.00

Pros

Dual extrusion system
Reliable performance
Removable print platform

Cons

Manual bed leveling
Limited filament options

Use Cases

A 3D printing enthusiast printed a sine cube vase using a black PLA. It is extremely rich in detail and really accurate. The printer ran smoothly from the whole.

Source: instagram.com

What if your crush doesn’t like blossoms because they die? Then, 3D print some never-dying flowers just like the ones in the pic. Look how awesome, smooth, and accurate they are.

Source: instagram.com

Best Enclosed 3D Printers under $1000

Flashforge Creator Pro

The Creator Pro is a multipurpose FDM 3D printer manufactured by Flashforge, a Chinese-based company renowned for making quality and value-engineered 3D printing machines. This 3D printer offers a lot of useful features, such as dual extrusion system, sturdy metal frame, and aluminum-based heated bed. It comes factory-assembled, and is widely used by hobbyists, educational institutions, and small businesses.

Specifications

Large build volume: 225 x 145 x 150 mm
Min layer height: 100 microns
Technology: FDM
Price: $544.00

Pros

Dual extrusion system
Exceptionally reliable
Affordable price
Fully assembled

Cons

Requires manual leveling
Noisy

Use Cases

A maker involved in gun customization used Flashforge Creator Pro to print a plastic revolver. Not only does it look great on its own, but it can also be used as a stylish pen stand.

Source: instagram.com

Tiertime UP Mini 2

The Tiertime UP Mini 2 is a novice-friendly desktop FDM 3D printer. It features an automatic bed leveling, resume printing after a power outage, automatic nozzle height detection, WiFi connectivity, and a number of other truly useful functions. It is equipped with a detachable build plate and a HEPA filter that drastically reduces the amount of fumes and toxic particles. In addition, it offers a convenient touch screen and has a stylish black and white design. The UP Mini 2 is a perfect machine for entry-level 3D printing enthusiasts.

Specifications

Build volume: 120 x 120 x 120 mm
Layer height: 150 - 350 Microns
Technology: FFF/FDM
Price: $599.00

Pros

Affordable, quiet, and novice-friendly
Sleek design
Automatic bed leveling
Resume printing function

Cons

Rather small build volume
Average print quality
Entry-level slicer options

Use Cases

An enthusiast 3D printed this Titan robot. Composed of multiple parts, it shows accurate geometries and clean edges.

Source: instagram.com

Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus (D6 Plus)

The D6 Plus is a reliable desktop FDM 3D printing workhorse manufactured by Wanhao, a Chinese-based company. It is equipped with an all-metal hotend, powder-coated steel frame, double-track gantry system, and a heated bed with magnetic mat. It offers automatic bed leveling, resume printing after a power outage, and a number of other useful functions. The device is supplied factory-assembled and is a perfect 3D printer for both hobbyists and professionals.

Specifications

Build volume: 200 x 200 x 180 mm
Min layer height: 20 microns
Technology: FFF/FDM
Price: $695.00

Pros

Large build volume
Precise outputs
Easy to use
All-metal hotend
Automatic bed leveling

Cons

Bed leveling sensor works incorrectly in some cases

Use Cases

The D6 Plus is able to make dazzlingly detailed and neatly looking print jobs, just like the castle below.

It is also widely used to make uniquely-designed accessories and household items, just like the neatly-looking trio of vases shown below.

Best enclosed 3D printers under $5000

Tiertime UP300

The Tiertime UP300 is a professional FDM 3D printer that is able to build astonishingly precise-looking models at a rapid pace. It is supplied factory-assembled and is ready to print right out of the box. The UP300 is a multifunctional machine with a robust frame. Moreover, it features a powerful dual filtration system and interchangeable print heads for a wide choice of compatible materials. In addition, it features two double-sided glass heated beds, a filament runout detector, restore and print queue functions. This 3D printer is used by

Specifications

Build volume: 205 × 255 × 225mm
Layer height: 50 - 400 microns
Technology: FFF/FDM
Price: $2,199.00

Pros

Remarkable print quality
Reliable and fast performance
Powerful air filtration system
Compatible with a broad range of materials

Cons

The logic behind UI options feels a bit clunky

Use Cases

This screw and bolt set has been made as a test print using wood filament. Look how accurate and smooth it is.

Source: twitter.com

This heart 3D model shows smooth surfaces and fine details.

Source: twitter.com

Raise3D Pro2

The Raise3D Pro2 is an industrial-grade FDM 3D printer that offers exceptional print quality in a consistent manner. It is compatible with each and every kind of 3D printing filament. In addition, it is equipped with a magnetic heated bed that provides top-level adhesion, reliable and powerful air filtration system, and features every option you need like filament runout sensor, resume printing function, built-in camera, and a lot of connectivity options. The Raise3D Pro2 is mostly used by professionals, but is in fact really easy to use.

Specifications

Build volume: 305 x 305 x 300 mm
Min layer height: 10 Microns
Technology: FFF/FDM
Price: $3,999.00

Pros

Astonishing print quality
Dual extrusion system
Accessible
A variety of materials to choose from

Cons

Money-wise, it’s out of reach of most makers

Use Cases

Syther Gaming is a company committed to tabletop gaming development. It has been using Raise3D printers to produce reliable, near production quality parts for their board games. The picture below shows one of their complex mechanisms.

The following violin tailpiece designed by Vanessa has been printed with ABS. It took three hours and turned out incredibly good.

Best enclosed 3D printer over $5000

Raise3D Pro2 Plus

Last but not the least, the Raise3D Pro2 Plus. This is another professional and industrial-grade FDM 3D printer with a robust all-metal that is able to consistently print extra-tall objects as large as 305 x 305 x 605 mm. The printer’s got everything you need: a built-in camera, dual extrusion system, solid all-metal frame, powerful air filtration system, automatic bed leveling, resume printing function, and a filament runout sensor. Everything about this machine is professional — even its appearance.

We decided to include this machine because it shows great performance in both professional and industrial sectors, while priced just under $6000. We won’t be looking into more expensive models, since in this article, we want to focus on professional-grade 3D printers.