Inexpensive 3D Printer Fume Purification Enclosure

Not everyone knows that when 3D printing the melted plastic gives off some toxic fumes, especially ABS. In this build we will be making an enclosure with a filtration system to help get rid of the fumes and keep us safe. Enclosures like this do exist to buy pre made, but are way more expensive and you don't get to build it your self, wheres the fun in that? I made this so people have an inexpensive way to make and have a system that gets rid of toxic fumes. I hope you enjoy what I made, and maybe make one for your self!

Step 1: What You Need

1: 1 full sheet of half inch ply wood

2: 1 12volt computer fan

3: 1 Slide or toggle switch and some extra wire

4: 1 sheet of carbon air filter

5: One 1/8th thick sheet of plexiglass, Size depends on how large you want the window to be for access to the printer, but 24 by 24" should be okay

6: Velcro straps

7: Wood glue

8: 9v batter clip

Links to the fan, filter, switch and batter clip are on step 8

Step 2: Tools

1: Soldering iron

2: Table saw

3: Electric or non electric saw

4: Jig saw

5: Drill

6: Hot glue gun

7: Pneumatic staple gun

Step 3: Cutting the Frame

So depending if your printer is larger than mine you will have to scale up but if it is smaller you don't have to. The dimensions of my printer is 12.6" x 18.4" x 15" (320 x 467 x 381 mm). I own the flash forge creator in wood.

For the build you will need to cut out the left and right sides, the top and the front and back. The front will need a window but the size is up to you on how big or what shape you want it. You will also want four 1 x 2s, 23 inches long so you can attach the frame together.

Step 4: Laying Out the Pieces

After you have cut everything out it should look similar to this. Like I said earlier the front piece needs a window cut out and the shape and size is up to you.

Step 5: Puting the Frame Together

Start by taking the front or back and attaching the strip pieces with wood glue and staples, or wood screws if you don't have a pneumatic staple gun. After you have attached 2 of the 1 x2 strip pieces to the front, repeat this step with the back panel. Then attach the front panel and then flip it over and attach the back panel. Look at the photos for reference.

Step 6: Frame Part 2

So now this step is optional but it is recommended for strength There is be space at the top where you can add horizontal strips of wood between the vertical ones. So measure more stripes to fit the space and glue and staple or screw. Use the photos to help understand. Than when you are finished with this step go ahead and fasten the top on with glue and staples or screws.

Step 7: Drilling the Hole for the Fan and Wires

So first locate a place relatively in the center on the right or left side and mark it with pencil. Then get a Hole saw bit the similar diameter of the fan blades but not bigger than the fan frame because we still need to attach it. Then drill the hole out. Get a paddle bit the size you want for wires to feed out of the enclosure and drill it down low for wire access.

Step 8: The Fan

Link to the fan

https://www.amazon.com/90mm-25mm-Terminals-Cooling...

Link to the slide switch

https://www.amazon.com/Cylewet-Vertical-Switch-Ard...

Link to the 9v battery clip

https://www.amazon.com/IDS-Leather-Housing-Connect...

Link to the filter

https://www.amazon.com/All-Filters-Cut-Fit-Carbon-...

Step 9: Installing the Fan

All you have to do is hot glue the fan in the enclosure in the position where its pulling the air and fumes out. Make sure to make a hot glue seal around the fan inside the enclosure. Then hot glue Velcro to the 9 volt and hot glue another piece inside so the 9v can be removed. Also hot glue the switch inside where it can be accessed easily.

Step 10: The Window

Now all you have to do is put hinges on the enclosure and plexiglass and Velcro to make sure the door stays closed. I put foam on the edge of the plexiglass because I didn't have a large enough piece. Just hot glue the Velcro to the door and enclosure and add a handle and your just about done.

Step 11: The Filter

Lastly you need the carbon air filter. Cut a square piece out and either tape it in front of the fan or screw it into place with small wood screws like I did.