Rep 2 Enclosure Ideas?

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makerbotman

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Jan 19, 2018, 10:19:52 AM1/19/18
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For the top, I was thinking of trying to find a tote that would sit on top of the Rep2. There are so many to choose from in the 20 - 25 quart sizes, but wanted to know if someone else has found something they like?

My idea is to use a box that is deeper on the Y, overhand it on the back so the extruder harness doesn't need a hole.


The sides and front would just be acrylic flat panels, printed hinges

dnewman

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Jan 19, 2018, 10:38:40 AM1/19/18
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Question: why do you want an enclosure for the Rep 2?  Put differently, which plastics are you printing with that necessitate enclosing it.  Or is this an air quality issue?

makerbotman

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Jan 19, 2018, 1:28:59 PM1/19/18
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I notice that printing in the winter yields more print failures than summer. My printers are in the garage and it gets quite cold this time of year and pretty hot in the summertime. The recently added HBP is helping, but I’m wondering how much electricity use I have due to the added heater. I figured keeping the chamber warm would help.

I’m mostly printing PLA, some PETG for now, but I have 2 spools of ABS I want to test with for functional parts. PLA is ok for mockups, but I’m worried about durability in use. I’ve been using ABS FDM for years at work, so I’m very comfortable on its use and performance. PLA I don’t trust.

I also have interest in polycarbonate. Would like to try the PC-ABS filament as well. Anything I can do in the garage to eliminate/reduce getting a machine shop to cut from aluminum, I’m happy to try.

Troy McLucas

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Jan 20, 2018, 3:04:52 PM1/20/18
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I noticed the same thing.  The prints were warping as it got colder in the garage.  I had seen recommendations for enclosing the sides to prevent drafts, which is on the short list of projects.  I hadn't tackled the top yet, but I like the tote idea.

makerbotman

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Jan 21, 2018, 1:32:44 PM1/21/18
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Found this at my local Container Store for $15.99, the large one 10071179. 


Appears to be made by "Design Ideas" and its called a "looker", but not seeing this model on their website.

Its a clear vinyl flexible sheet, with ultrasonic welded seams. Stretched over a steel frame. Really lightweight, compared to an acrylic box. 

The had a bigger one with a lid that might work also, but its $24.99 10071181
        bin2.PNG
        bin1.PNG

        Rich Webb

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        Jan 21, 2018, 8:24:34 PM1/21/18
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        Nice!

        chrono144

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        Feb 28, 2018, 1:56:42 PM2/28/18
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        Wow, that's the nicest enclosure option I've seen other than the mbi rep 2x one!
        Good find!

        Nels Dupree

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        Dec 7, 2018, 2:24:20 PM12/7/18
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        I use a big moving box that cover the hole unit leave a opening for the filament. It actually work will and keeps the temp nice and warm
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