Both Bambu Lab A1 and A1 Mini are one of the industry-leading 3D printers. However, even the most popular printers can have their pros and cons. However, according to the manufacturer behind A1 and A1 Mini, you don’t need any enclosure for it to work. But despite their claim, thousands of people are still suffering from poor print quality including bad layer adhesion, warping, and curling.
A 3D printer enclosure saves you from all of these issues but there are some downsides to using one as well. So, in this guide today, we’re looking at the reasons to use and not to use the Bambu Lab A1 enclosure.
What Exactly is a 3D Printer Enclosure?
A 3D printer enclosure is a protective accessory made of materials like acrylic, plastic, or metal. It creates a controlled environment for the 3D printer to reside in so you can have benefits like complete temperature control, better cooling, and eliminated smell.
A model like A1 has many enclosures made online, but Bambu Lab itself doesn’t provide any. However, manufacturers like Chitu System offer one of the most innovative enclosures for Bambu Lab A1. Their enclosure has a stable structure, large size, transparent windows, and is dustproof and waterproof.
With most of these benefits coming into play, there’s a lot more than just the tip of the iceberg. So, why do you need to use the Bambu Lab A1 enclosure?
Reasons to Use Bambu Lab A1 Enclosure
1. Complete Temperature Control and Regulation
Many filament-based 3D printers with materials like ABS, ASA, and Nylon require a very stable temperature to print the highest and best quality 3D prints. In that case, if your temperature is not optimal, you will most likely get a print that is either deformed or has other issues that will make it look so different from your actual goal. That’s where the Bambu Lab A1 enclosure comes in.
With this product, you can maintain a consistent temperature throughout your 3D printing journey around the print area. This gives birth to better layer adhesion and a print quality that will be unmatched. So, if you’re using temperature-sensitive filaments with Bambu Lab A1, then an enclosure is highly recommended.
2. Better Print Quality and Layer Adhesion
Airflow disturbance is one of the prime reasons why many 3D prints fail. After inconsistent cooling or heating for a long time, your 3D prints can have poor adhesion, and the prints can fall off. These sudden temperature changes are almost never good for your goals, especially for 3D prints that are on a larger scale.
Hence, by keeping the overall environment stable, a 3D printer enclosure provides better layer adhesion and improves your print quality. From smooth and reliable to tough prints, everything is possible once you start using the Bambu Lab A1 printer.
3. Dust Protection
Not everyone lives in an environment that is clean and clear of all the debris in this world. When you 3D print, even the smallest airborne particles can accumulate on your 3D printer, ultimately messing up your 3D printer’s printing capabilities.
So, an enclosure is a protective barrier for your 3D printer against all of these particles, ensuring you won’t have any issues like dust settling down in places like the extruder, fan (if you’re using it), or the rails. All in all, your 3D printer’s longevity increases, so you can start your printing journey with power and grit.
4. Elimination of Warping
Warping is one of the most common issues with 3D printers. This phenomenon occurs when the print cools down too quickly, ultimately shrinking the results. Oftentimes, warping also causes the 3D printer to pull away from the printer bed, which is something no one wants.
This issue is relatively common with ABS and ASA. So, a 3D printer enclosure here helps with temperature regulation, especially the cooling process, so you don’t have any issues like warping and more.
Reasons to NOT Use Bambu Lab A1 Enclosure
1. If You’re Using PLA Material
One of the main reasons not to use a 3D printer enclosure is if you’re using a PLA filament for your 3D printer. At room temperature, where the temperature is around 25 °C – 30 °C, PLA filaments perform well. Moreover, putting it in an enclosure where there’s a lot of heat can actually cause poor results.
That’s because PLA actually benefits from proper airflow and prints the best possible results. It is one of the main reasons why it’s so popular in the 3D printing industry.
2. Space Requirements and Cost
While enclosures like Chitu System’s Bambu Lab A1 are cost-effective, other brands might have more cost that might not be viable for everyone. Another thing to consider with the Bambu Lab A1 enclosure is the space.
High-quality enclosures can take up some space and require an extra filtration process, which can take away your desk space. In small spaces, an enclosure might not be the most ideal choice but so is 3D printing.
Final Verdict
With a 3D printer enclosure, things certainly get easier. However, there are some reasons you also might want to pass or use the Bambu Lab A1 enclosure. But if you’re looking for a credible Bamb Lab A1 enclosure, then you should check out Chitu System’s enclosure as they offer an amazing enclosure at a relatively affordable price tag.
