9 Best Enclosed 3D Printers in 2024 (All Price Ranges)

Enclosed 3D printers prevent issues like warping, curling, and layer separation by maintaining a stable, as well as keeping noise levels down. In this guide, I’ve compared the best enclosed 3D printers all the important factors – like price, filament compatibility, build area, and everything else you’ll need to know to make the right choice.

12/05/2024 08:20 am GMT

If you want a balance between affordability and performance, the Flashforge Adventurer 4 is my top choice. Pairing ultra-consistent 3D printing with advanced features like remote control, it’s unmatched as a sub-$500 device.

For enthusiasts dealing with temperamental filaments like ABS or nylon, the Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 is a high-heat specialist you can’t overlook. With its superfast CoreXY mechanism and a robust 350°C acrylic enclosure, it ensures precision and stability in every print.

For those taking their initial steps into enclosed 3D printing, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 offers a seamless plug-and-print experience for budget newcomers.

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Best Enclosed 3D Printers Under $1,000

1. Flashforge Adventurer 4 – Best Overall

• Price: Check latest price at Flashforge Here / Available on Amazon here
• Build volume: 220 x 200 x 250 mm

The Adventurer 4 has easily become my favorite enclosed 3D printer, with every printing session seamless and easy.

The auto-leveling platform and quick heat-up nozzle have significantly reduced the time spent on setup, allowing for more focus on designing and creating.

In my filament tests, the Flashforge Adventurer 4 performs brilliantly across my most commonly used filaments like PLA, PETG, and ABS. The enclosed chamber and HEPA 13H filter have been perfect at maintaining a stable printing environment, even during super-long printing sessions.

It addresses the limitations of its predecessor by offering a larger build volume and advanced features, while still being more cost-effective than the higher-end Creator series.

With its blend of versatility, reliability, and high-quality results, the Adventurer 4 stands out as exactly what a well-rounded and value-for-money 3D printer should be.

Key points:

• Seamless printing with auto-leveling and quick heat-up.
• Larger build volume and more cost-effective compared to Creator series.
• Enclosed chamber with HEPA filter supports all common filaments.
• Balances versatility and reliability for enthusiasts and professionals.

2. Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 – Best Affordable Choice for High-Temperature Filaments

• Price: ACheck latest price at Amazon here
• Build volume: 280 x 280 x 270 mm

With its sturdy acrylic enclosure and ability to reach 350°C, the Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 is a top pick for enclosed 3D printing of temperamental materials like ABS and nylon.

I love the dual access points and the LED light; they make it so easy to keep an eye on my creations.

With auto bed leveling and a spring steel plate, it excels at stick-prone materials too.

I’ve managed to print some pretty sizable pieces with its 280 x 280 x 270 mm build volume.

Thanks to its CoreXY system, the Qidi Tech X-Plus 3 prints incredibly fast at speeds up to 600 mm/s. In my tests, it executed a flawless Benchy test print in a mere 17 minutes!

Sure, it can get a bit noisy when it’s going full throttle, and I’ve had a hiccup or two with the firmware, but overall, the X-Plus 3 delivers rapid, high-quality enclosed printing.

3. Flashforge Adventurer 3 – Best Budget Enclosed 3D Printer

• Price: Available at Flashforge Here / Available at Amazon here
• Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm

The Flashforge Adventurer 3 is a compact, quiet, and fully enclosed 3D printer that stands out as a beginner-friendly option, offering frictionless out-of-the-box printing.

The printer boasts a flexible, heated bed with a top temperature of 100°C and a max nozzle temperature of 240°C, allowing users to work with a variety of materials like ABS, PLA, and PETG.

With a build volume of 150 x 150 x 150 mm, the Adventurer 3 offers a decent print area, and while it may not accommodate extremely bulky parts, users can easily remedy this by printing in parts.

The printer also features a robust selection of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and remote print monitoring through the built-in camera and FlashForge’s 3D Cloud Print.

On the downside, you’re missing out on automatic bed leveling. It comes pre-calibrated, making it a hassle-free setup for first-timers – but it’s more finicky to reset if things become uneven over time.

It’s also equipped with a filament run-out detector to minimize the risk of print failures. However, I found that using this with third-party filaments required a little tweaking to be effective.

Key points:

• Pre-calibrated with a removable bed for easy use and maintenance.
• Detachable nozzle, multiple options, and compatibility with various materials.
• Built-in camera and filament run-out detector.

4. Monoprice Voxel – Cheapest Enclosed 3D Printer (That’s Still Worth Buying)

• Price: Available on Amazon here / Available on Matterhackers here
• Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm

The cheapest enclosed 3D printer we recommend, the Monoprice Voxel is one of the best 3D printers for beginners.

It’s super simple to set up (within 10 mins!), is easily operable via the touchscreen, can print via WiFi, and comes with 8GB onboard memory for storing 3D printer files.

The Voxel comes with a few 3D models on file as well as some filament to get you started, so you can really go from unboxing to printing in minutes.

If you’re brand new to 3D printing and not too technical, the assisted leveling reduces expertise to just a tap.

It can also connect to the Polar Cloud, allowing you to remotely control and monitor your printer, and even do so for multiple printers simultaneously.

Of course, at such a budget price, there are trade-offs. The Voxel’s small 150 x 150 x 150 mm build volume may be limiting for larger prints, and the print quality may not quite match pricier enclosed printers.

But its sheer affordability and great user experience for beginners still make it stand out as a great option if budget is your number one concern.

Key points:

• Cheap enclosed 3D printer
• Beginner friendly
• WiFi printing and touchscreen on an affordable machine
• Materials: ABS, PLA, PETG, Flexibles

5. Flashforge Creator Pro 2 – Best Affordable IDEX Printer

• Price: Available at Flashforge Official store here / Check price on Amazon here
• Build volume: 200 x 148 x 150 mm

A well-tooled refresh of the classic Creator Pro, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 offers all the balmy goodness of an enclosure with features you wouldn’t expect in the $600 to $700 range.

I see it as a perfect second printer for a maker that’s already tackled that initial learning curve on a budget FDM kit and is now looking for something more versatile and feature-rich.

While the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 features a sturdy, well-built enclosed print chamber suitable for both ABS and PLA thanks to the removable acrylic top cover, it’s the independent dual extruder system that sets it apart from the other best enclosed 3D printers out there.

An IDEX system is almost unheard of at this price, giving makers the possibility to spice things up with mirror prints, duplicate prints, soluble support structures, and even printing multiple materials or colors simultaneously.

It’s worth noting that Flashforge made the unfortunate choice of anchoring the Creator Pro 2 to its in-house FlashPrint slicer. In my view, it doesn’t have the versatility of an open-source software kit like Cura.

However, it’s easier for 3D printing newcomers who want straightforward software and pre-loaded settings specifically tuned to work with the Creator Pro 2 from the get-go.

Key points:

• Affordable independent dual extruder system
• Fully-enclosed print chamber
• Materials: PLA, Pearl PLA, ABS, ABS Pro, PVA, and HIPS

Best Prosumer Enclosed 3D Printers

6. Dremel 3D45 – Best Enclosed 3D Printed for Schools/Education

• Price: Available on Matterhackers / Available on Dynamism / Available on Amazon
• Build volume: 254 x 152 x 170 mm

Accurate, versatile, and perfect for teaching 3D printing in schools, the Dremel 3D45 builds on almost a century of Dremel manufacturing excellence.

Boasting up to 50-micron accuracy, connectable via WiFi as well as by USB or ethernet cable, and compatible with Mac or Windows computers as well as iPads, the Dremel Digilab 3D45 perfectly complements any school or business prototyping environment.

The heated plate means it can print Nylon and Eco-ABS, and the built-in HD camera makes for easy remote monitoring of print progress, which can be easily done via their cloud 3D printing software.

If you do run into any problems, Dremel’s USA-based support is on hand to help you. Overall, it’s a reliable and accurate enclosed 3D printer that offers good build volume and results for the price.

Key points:

• Effective auto-leveling system
• Highly-rated customer support
• Versatile
• Materials: PLA, PETG, Eco-ABS, Nylon

7. Raise3D E2 – Best for Business and Productivity

• Price: Available on Matterhackers / Available on Dynamism / Available on Amazon
• Build volume: 330 x 240 x 240 mm

Raise3D’s large, enclosed 3D printer brings IDEX dual extruder 3D printing to its already impressive 3D printing range. IDEX 3D printer extruders can move independently, greatly increasing print speeds and efficiency, especially for printing multiple similar or identical parts.

The E2 features two main modes:

• Mirror mode: 3D prints inverted mirror versions of your model, for example, a left and right-footed shoe sole, simultaneously.
• Duplication mode: uses both extruders in synchrony, printing two identical objects at the same time and doubling printing efficiency.

The E2’s 3D printer enclosure keeps the heat in, and everything else out. If the door is opened during printing, progress is immediately paused to ensure nobody is burned or harmed by the extruder or heated bed.

The E2 also has an effective air filtration system, removing melted plastic particles and aromas, as well as filament run-out sensors and power outage recovery features.

Key points:

• Build volume drops to 295 x 240 x 240 mm if using the dual extruder
• Useful Mirror & Duplication modes
• Built-in safety measures
• Materials: PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, TPU & TPE, PETG, Nylon, PP, ASA, PVA, Glass-infused, Metal-filled, Carbon fiber-filled, and wood-filled filaments

Best Premium 3D Printers with Enclosures

8. Raise3D Pro2 / Pro2 Plus – Industrial Level Precision

• Price: Available on Matterhackers here / Available on Dynamism here / Amazon Here
• Build volume: 305 x 305 x 300 (605) mm

A true workhorse 3D printer with full enclosure, the Raise3D Pro2 range offers incredible accuracy, material compatibility, great workflow, and a host of other key features.

The standard Pro2 already features a very large build area, with the Pro2 Plus expanding the z-axis range up to 605 mm tall parts. The extruders can reach 300C for even the toughest filaments like PC, and the dual extruders make for effective soluble support printing as well as 3D printing multiple colors.

With minimum layer heights of 0.01mm possible, the Pro2 enclosed 3D printers can print incredibly crisp and intricately detailed parts. Switch out the nozzle for a smaller nozzle, and zone in on small details for a fantastic finish.

The built-in camera makes monitoring prints easy, and the 7-inch touchscreen offers data and a simple-to-use overall workflow.

Key points:

• Dual extruder build volume: 280 x 305x 300 mm
• Complete printer: accurate, reliable, enclosed, versatile.
• Materials: PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, TPU, Nylon, ASA, PETG, PVA, Glass, Carbon fiber, Wood

9. Ultimaker S5 – Best Enclosed 3D Printer for Abrasive Materials

• Price: Available at Dynamism here / Available on Matterhackers here / 3DPrima Europe here / Amazon here
• Build volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm

Capable of 3D printing industrial-grade parts with up to 20-micron layer resolutions, it doesn’t get much better than the Ultimaker S5.

An enclosed 3D printer that becomes even more effective and safe with the S5 Pro Bundle, the S5 offers reliable and repeatable dual extrusion, at astonishing accuracy, even with abrasive filaments like glass and carbon fiber.

Though Ultimaker makes its own filaments, the S5 is open and can be used with any 2.85mm filaments. It prints via WiFi as well as a variety of other methods and can be monitored remotely via the built-in camera.

If you purchase the S5 Pro Bundle, you gain access to 24/7 automated material handling, air filtration, and heat control for up to 6 filaments, as well as the Air Manager which further encloses the 3D printer.

Key points:

• Excellent precision and print quality
• Reliable and effective with many materials
• Pro Bundle makes it an even more effective enclosed 3D printer
• Materials: PLA, CPE, NYLON, ABS, Glass, Carbon fiber, PC, PVA, PP, TPU

How To Pick An Enclosed Printer

Fully or Partially-Enclosed Chamber?

Partially-enclosed printers are somewhat of an oddity as they don’t offer the ideal environment for printing either of the two main filament types, ABS and PLA. However, they provide an extra layer of safety, useful for education or makers with children.

If you plan to print mostly with ABS, a fully-enclosed printer like the FlashForge Adventurer 4 is ideal, as it maintains a stable internal temperature.

For mainly PLA printing, an open-frame printer suffices. If you want the flexibility to occasionally use ABS, a model like the FlashForge Creator Pro 2 with a removable cover grants you that versatility.

Material Compatibility

By design, an enclosed 3D printer offers compatibility with a broader range of material types due to the capacity to maintain a higher temperature around prints and keep cool air out.

ABS is by far the most common filament type for enclosed chambers, but you’ll also find printers that can tackle nylon, PC, and other heat-sensitive materials.

If printing with temperamental filaments like ABS or nylon is a priority, choose a printer like the Qidi Tech X-Plus 3, which can reach 350°C within its acrylic enclosure.

PLA is also a possibility as long as the printer’s covers are removable as the material requires cooler ambient temperatures for the best results.

Build Volume

Build volume represents the printable area available to you on an enclosed printer. In other words, it’s a measure of the size and type of prints you can make.

If you plan on making large prints or multiple copies, you can’t beat the Raise3D Pro2 Plus, which offers up to a huge 605 x 305 x 305 mm.

Of course, generally speaking, larger 3D printers cost more.

If you’re just looking to produce smaller parts and prototypes, consider a more compact build volume like the 150 x 150 x 150 mm on the Monoprice Voxel to avoid overspending.

Heated Bed

Given that the whole point of an enclosed chamber is to provide a stable thermal environment to print trickier filament like ABS, a heated bed is a must-have.

It helps provide an additional heat source directly below the print, which helps with layer adhesion and slows the cooling rate, avoiding issues like warping.

All of the recommended enclosed printers in this guide come equipped with heated beds to maintain ideal print temperatures.

Connectivity

Connectivity determines how you interact with the printer, whether sending sliced prints or fine-tuning settings. An SD card reader is more or less standard, as is USB in many cases.

But for ease of use, nothing beats Wi-Fi connectivity and, by extension, cloud-based printing and monitoring found on models like the Flashforge Adventurer 4, Monoprice Voxel, and Ultimaker S5.

This allows you to manage your printer remotely via desktop or mobile device.

Layer Resolution

Layer resolution indicates the lowest layer height a print can produce. Opt for a printer with a lower layer resolution for parts with more detail.

On most enclosed FDM printers, 100-micron is standard and allows a good range of applications.

The Ultimaker S5 can achieve ultra-fine 20-micron resolution for intricately detailed prints.

Filters

If you’re buying an enclosed chamber, chances are ABS is part of your printing plans. ABS produces potentially harmful fumes.

Having a printer equipped with filters, either carbon or HEPA, helps extract the most toxic elements from the fumes.

The FlashForge Adventurer 4 features a powerful HEPA filter that minimizes all traces of odor in my experience.

Touchscreen

For convenience, I recommend an enclosed 3D printer with a touchscreen, which most mid-range enclosed 3D printers offer

FlashForge 3D printers like the Adventurer 4 and Creator Pro 2 in particular come with an intuitive interface for seamless operation.

Price

Enclosed printers tend to bump up the price as you pay for the extra manufacturing and design involved.

But competition has made them more affordable than ever before. You can easily buy a reliable enclosed 3D printer for under $400. But for industrial capabilities, expect to pay thousands.

Enclosed 3D printers span a wide range of price points:

• Budget – Under $500: These affordable enclosed printers like the Monoprice Voxel are great for beginners. They offer basic functionality and decent print quality in an enclosed chamber. But lack more advanced features.
• Mid-Range – $500-$1,000: Stepping up in price brings better build quality, reliability, print precision, and feature sets. Models like the FlashForge Adventurer 4 provide excellent value, with auto-leveling, onboard cameras, and large build volumes.
• Prosumer – $1,000-$5,000: Enthusiast-grade enclosed printers boast professional-level performance for small businesses and education. Dual extruders for the Raise3D E2 enable efficient batch printing. While the Dremel 3D45 is made for easy classroom use.
• Industrial – $5,000+: Commercial printers like the Ultimaker S5 and Raise3D Pro2 Plus offer maximum precision, huge build volumes, and industrial reliability. But they carry premium price tags of several thousand dollars.

Advantages of Enclosed 3D Printers

Enhanced Print Quality and Reliability

Enclosed 3D printers offer major benefits to print quality and reliability. The tightly controlled chamber maintains a constant, elevated temperature around prints, with minimal fluctuations. This provides ideal conditions for printing with filaments like ABS and nylon that require high, steady heat to flow and adhere properly.

The stable ambient temperature prevents common defects like layer separation, cracking, and warping that stem from temperature changes. Prints cure evenly, and cooling occurs gradually rather than rapidly once exposed to open air.

This thermal stability also enables printing with more flexible materials like TPU that require consistent temps. The enclosed chamber allows the print area to reach ideal temperatures faster compared to exposed printers.

By slowing the cooling process and keeping the entire print at an optimized hot temperature, enclosures significantly reduce print failures and quality issues. You get smoother prints, stronger layer adhesion, and the ability to use a broader range of heat-sensitive filaments with ease.

Much safer

3D printer enclosures keep hot parts like the nozzle and heated bed away from kids if you have family at home, or if 3D printing at schools.

Quieter

The enclosed area keeps noise in, making them ideal quiet 3D printers. Enclosures contain the whirring and buzzing of the printing process, a genuine boon if you’re printing at home or in a confined space with bad acoustics likely to amplify noise levels.

Sturdier Design

Enclosed 3D printers are typically built with a sturdy cuboid structure, with four walls that prevent vibrations and other factors from worsening print quality.

Noise Reduction

Enclosures help keep noise levels down by containing the whirring and buzzing of the printing process, a genuine boon if you’re printing at home or in a confined space with bad acoustics likely to amplify noise levels.

Disadvantages of Enclosed 3D Printers

More expensive

3D printers with enclosures cost more than open FDM printers. The logic is evident here; manufacturers have to spend more on raw materials and the assembly process, costs that invariably trickle down to consumers.

Difficult maintenance and troubleshooting

Due to the enclosed design, maintenance is much harder on an enclosed 3D printer. Cleaning, replacing, troubleshooting, or upgrading parts is far more troublesome than an open-design 3D printer.

Restricted Airflow and Cooling

While beneficial for high-temperature materials, the tightly confined space of an enclosure can limit airflow and cooling. This can be problematic for filaments like PLA which print best with more significant ventilation and air circulation.

The lack of cooling airflow can cause PLA prints to warp or layers to weaken without proper curing. Removing heat is critical for optimal PLA printing results.

To use lower-temperature materials like PLA on an enclosed printer, the model needs to have adjustable vents or removable panels. Opening up the enclosure provides the required airflow.

Size/footprint

Enclosures add bulk and size to the overall printer footprint, making it less appropriate as a desktop solution for home hobbyists.

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