Chapter 15: Panels and Doors

Installing the polycarbonate panels fully encloses the build chamber. This is essential for maintaining a stable, high ambient temperature, which is critical for successfully printing materials like ABS and ASA without warping or layer splitting.

Step 1: Apply Foam Tape

Vibration Dampening and Sealing

Applying foam tape to the frame where the panels will make contact is highly recommended. It prevents rattling vibrations and helps create a better seal to keep heat in.

1. Use 3mm thick foam tape on the vertical extrusions for the side panels. The extra thickness provides clearance for the gantry.
2. Use 1mm thick foam tape for the back and top panels.

The printer frame with strips of foam tape being applied along the edges where the panels will be mounted.

Step 2: Panel Installation

Mount the back, side, and top panels to the frame using M3x8 SHCS and M3 hammerhead nuts.

Quick-Release Panels

For easier access later, you can place a tiny drop of thread locker on the threads of the hammerhead nuts. Once it cures, the nut will grip the screw, effectively turning it into a quarter-turn fastener for quick panel removal.

A side panel being held in place while being secured with an M3 screw and a hammerhead nut inside the extrusion channel.

Step 3: Door Assembly and Installation

The front doors complete the enclosure.

1. Assemble Handles: Press the magnets into the printed door handles. Ensure you check the polarity of the magnets before gluing them in place, so they attract the magnets on the frame.
2. Attach Hinges: Screw the hinges to the doors and then mount the entire door assembly to the front frame extrusions.
3. Magnetic Catch: Apply VHB tape to the frame where the door handles will make contact to provide a soft-close surface for the magnetic catch.

The front doors being assembled with hinges and magnetic handles, and then mounted to the front of the frame.