Why Every 3D Printer Needs a Clear View Enclosure

Explore complete guide of 3D Printer Enclosure

3D Printing, also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM), is a technology that constructs three-dimensional objects by layer-by-layer deposition of materials. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing (e.g., cutting, drilling), 3D printing follows a “from nothing to something” approach, directly fabricating physical objects based on digital models (such as CAD files).

With technological advancements and the support for multi-material printing, 3D printers have become increasingly popular in recent years, finding large-scale applications in medical, automotive, and various consumer fields.

You’ll notice that the vast majority of 3D printers on the market come equipped with transparent or semi-transparent protective enclosures. If your printer frequently handles ABS, nylon, or other high-temperature materials, or requires a quiet, dust-free environment, a transparent enclosure is almost essential. These enclosures are typically made of polycarbonate (PC) sheet or acrylic (PMMA) sheet, offering excellent optical properties, superior transparency, and impact resistance.

So why use a 3D clear view enclosure? The answer is obvious—transparency provides excellent visibility, allowing users to monitor the printing process at any time. Based on this feature, polycarbonate and acrylic are ideal choices. Beyond fully transparent materials, Excelite also offers stylish yet functional options, including tinted translucent enclosures, making your printer stand out. For more color options, view our website_

Although the material of the transparent cover of 3D printers is usually polycarbonate (PC) or acrylic (PMMA), both have their own advantages and are suitable for different scenarios.

Polycarbonate 3D printer enclosure

Industrial printers that usually print high-temperature materials (ABS, PC, nylon) and harsh environments that require explosion-proof and drop-proof use polycarbonate sheet materials due to below features:

1) Ultra-high impact resistance
Resistant to falling and cracking: The impact strength of PC is more than 10 times that of acrylic, and it can withstand flying debris from accidental collisions or printing failures.
Industrial-grade protection: Suitable for environments that are frequently opened and closed or require high durability (such as schools and shared studios).

(2) High temperature resistance
Temperature resistance range: -40°C ~ 120°C (short-term resistance to 130°C), close to the hot bed temperature of 3D printers (about 100°C when printing ABS). It can still maintain its shape after long-term exposure to high temperature.
(3) Light transmittance and fogging problem
Light transmittance: about 88%~90% (slightly lower than acrylic), but long-term use may cause slight fogging due to surface scratches.

As a solution, Excelite anti-scratch coated/hard coating PC sheet is a good option, especially involve printing some metal material phototype.

Acrylic 3D printer enclosure

Acrylic 3D printer enclosure Due to the low cost factor, general acrylic 3D printing covers are often used for home PLA/PETG printers. In addition, if you need to provide a high transparency and no violent collision environment, it is also very suitable for acrylic protective covers. (1) High transparency and aesthetics Light transmittance: 92%~93%, close to the clarity of glass, suitable for printing tasks that require fine observation (such as SLA light curing). Surface gloss: easy to polish, can be made into a mirror effect, improving the appearance grade. (2) Lightweight and easy to process Light weight: density is 15% lower than PC, suitable for desktop printers. Easy to cut: can be laser cut or drilled manually, DIY modification threshold is low. (3) Cost-effectiveness Low price: cost is only 1/3~1/2 of PC, suitable for consumer market.

Because PMMA is easy to break under impact, not suitable for scenes with frequent movement. Also PMMA sheet upper limit of long-term temperature is 80°C, when it involve printing ABS, need to be careful, it may deform at high temperature.

EXCELITE is committed to manufacturing different types and functioning 3D printer enclosures( anti-scratch enclosure, laser protective enclosure, timted 3D priner enclosure etc), our professional team definitely can provide you useful foresight on your projects, contact us for more details.

Another point to note is that if using acrylic, you need to reinforce the joints with aluminum framing (to prevent warping).

What EXCELITE can provide for your 3D printer enclosure:

Material Selection: Multi-material options( like ESD sheet, abrasion sheet, laser protective sheet, tinted sheet etc.)
Structural Design: Design removable panels for maintenance (Include magnetic or hinged doors for easy bed access)
Internal Lighting: Support LED strips options to monitor prints without glare.
Customization & Aesthetics: Laser-cut logos or add colored translucent panels or silk screen printing your logo on the enclosure

Now, contact us, discover endless possibilities for your 3D printer enclosure with EXCELITE!