5 Best Enclosed 3D Printers – Compatible With Almost Any Material Out There!

This article will help you choose an enclosed 3D printer that will be a perfect fit for any design you have in mind.
By
William McCollum
William McCollum
Research Writer
William is a talented journalist who’s been working in the industry for more than 10 years. He writes for our site on a freelance basis, putting all the expert findings to read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Rogelio Coulter
Rogelio Coulter
Expert Consultant
Rogelio is a tech genius. It seems like he knows everything when it comes to “How does it work?”. He is also an incredible IT specialist and a beginning graphic designer read more
Last updated: September 06, 2023
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Whether you are a teacher, engineer, or simply someone who likes to fabricate their own items, getting the best enclosed 3D printer is absolutely essential. These devices allow you to make pretty much anything you can come up with, no matter what it might be!

When looking for a great enclosed 3D printer, there are lots of important factors to keep in mind. When we were finding the models for our list, we first looked into printing technology and software since these two pieces of information are key to finding the right printer for your needs. We also looked at the build volume and the different supporting materials, as these show the speed and quality of the materials at the end of the print job. Finally, we also looked at the layer resolution, as this lets you know how good the finished product is going to be when all is said and done.

Quick Summary

  • Editor’s Choice: ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0
    "This model is perfect for small to medium projects. It has a high-quality layer resolution and a wide speed range."
  • "This model is great for small to large projects. It has a great layer resolution and connects over Wi-Fi."
  • "This machine can be used with an enormous array of materials. Its build volume works well for small to medium projects."
  • Best Entry Level Printer: Monoprice Voxel
    "This machine is easy to use right out of the box, making it ideal for beginners who want to do smaller projects."
  • "This budget-friendly printer works well for smaller-sized projects. It can be used with a USB cable or through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi."

Top 5 Enclosed 3D Printers Reviewed 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2428 people in the past 30 days
9.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.5
9.9
1
Editor’s Choice

ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0

Features
  • Printing technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
  • Build volume: 270 mm (L) x 210 (W) x 190 mm (H)
  • Layer resolution: 0.05-0.3 mm
  • Print speed: 20~150mm/s (suggested 50mm/s)
  • Supported materials: ABS, TPU, PLA, HIPS, etc
  • Software: Cura, Simplify3D, Repetier-HOST
  • Connectivity: SD Card; USB cable(expert users only)

This FDM printer has a large build volume, making it a good option for larger products. It also features a layer resolution of 0.05-0.3 mm and a print speed of 20-150mm/s. It can be used with a variety of materials and software options and can be used with an SD card or USB cable for connections.

This 3D printer is a great option for anyone that is looking for a large build volume and a high level of resolution control. It can also be used with a variety of software systems, making it a versatile machine.

    What do we love it for?
  • Plain and simple, there is a lot to like about this machine. Perhaps its best quality, however, is its extremely high-quality layer resolution. With this printer, you can create layers of only 50 microns, which is perfect for highly detailed projects. It also has a quick print speed that can go all the way up to 150 mm/s, making it one of the fastest 3D printers out there. Finally, it has a nice-sized build volume that would work well for medium to larger-sized projects.
    What were we disappointed with?
  • There are not a lot of drawbacks to this machine. One possible issue, however, is the connectivity options that it provides the user with. You can either load up your designs onto an SD card and put them into the printer, or you can use a USB cable. The USB cable is somewhat limiting, as it requires you to be in the same room as the printer while you work on your design to get the printing process started.
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8911 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.4
9.8
Features
  • Printing technology: FDM
  • Build volume: 300 x 250 x 300 mm
  • Layer resolution: 0.05-0.4 mm
  • Print speed: 50mm/s
  • Supported materials: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, Acrylic, Thermoplastic Polyurethane, Polylactic Acid
  • Software: Qidi Tech latest generation slicer software
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi

This FDM printer has an enormous build volume space of 300 x 250 x 300 mm. It also has a wide range of layer resolutions between 0.05-0.4 mm, which is great for detailed projects. It supports a multitude of materials. It can only be used with Qidi Tech’s latest generation slicer software. This machine can be connected through Wi-Fi.

If you are someone that needs a very large build volume in your 3D printer, then this machine is a great option. This printer can also be used with a wide array of materials, all while connecting over Wi-Fi for convenient operation.

    What makes it stand out?
  • The thing that really stands out with this printer is the build volume. It can accommodate larger than average projects due to this volume, all while offering superior layer resolution. This machine can also use a wide array of materials so that there is pretty much no limit on the types of projects that you can complete. The Wi-Fi connectivity is also a nice touch, as it adds a new level of convenience when using the printer.
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • The biggest issue that we found with this otherwise wonderful model is that it has a relatively slow print speed. While many printers on the market can churn out 150mm/s or faster, this machine’s fastest rating is only 50mm/s. While this isn’t too big of a deal if you are not in a hurry, it could be a big problem if you are working under a time crunch.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3740 people in the past 30 days
9.5
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.4
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.0
9.5
Features
  • Printing technology: FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)
  • Build volume: 8.9 X 5.8 X 5.9 inches
  • Layer resolution: 100~500 microns; 0.0039~0.019 in.
  • Print speed: not specified
  • Supported materials: PLA, ABS, PLA Color Change, Pearl, ABS Pro, Elastic, PVA, HIPS, PETG, TPE, TPU, Conductive Filament, Flexible Filament, Metal Filled Filament, Wood Filled Filament, and PP
  • Software: ReplicatorG, FlashPrint, and Simplify3D
  • Connectivity: USB

This machine uses FFF technology and has a smaller build volume compared to other models. Despite this, it has a good layer resolution range and can support a wide variety of materials. This machine also can be used with three different software options and offers a USB for connectivity.

If you are someone that wants to use a lot of different materials, then this is a great option. This machine can also support a wide array of software technologies, making for a versatile machine. This printer is also a great choice if you only need a medium level of build volume.

    Why is it special?
  • The thing that stands out the most with this particular 3D printer is the wide variety of materials that can be utilized. All told, you can use 16 different materials to craft whatever your heart desires. Not only that, but this model can use several different software technologies, which only adds to its versatility. The build volume, while not the largest, is still big enough to satisfy small or medium-sized projects, all while offering a good layer resolution of 100-500 microns.
    What are the flaws?
  • One of the biggest advantages of getting an enclosed 3D printer is the noise reduction that you can achieve. That is, unfortunately, not the case with this model. Even though it has a door to keep most of the noise at bay, this is still a very loud printer when compared to others on the market. As such, it would be best to keep this printer in a different room from where you are working so that you don’t drive yourself crazy with the noise it produces.
Also Product Ranking:
See more...
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3971 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
4
Best Entry Level Printer

Monoprice Voxel

Features
  • Printing technology: not specified
  • Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
  • Layer resolution: 100-400 microns
  • Print speed: 60 mm/sec
  • Supported materials: not specified
  • Software: not specified
  • Connectivity: not specified

This enclosed 3D printer has a very small build volume thanks to its compact design. It still can print in a variety of layer resolutions that are small enough for detailed projects. The Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer can print up to 60 millimeters a second.

This machine has one of the smallest build volumes on our list but is also one of the easiest to use. This makes it a good machine for the at-home hobbyist who doesn’t mind connecting through a USB.

    What makes it special?
  • Breaking into the world of 3D printing can seem overwhelming. There are so many new things to learn, including tons of terms and different software packages. If you are looking for an entry-level 3D printer, then this just might be the right option for you. It has a slower than average print speed when compared to other machines, but this can work in a newbie’s favor. With a slower speed, you are less likely to waste materials when you are first getting started, and you can also take the time to really see how a machine works as well.
    What cons did we find?
  • While this is an exceptional option for a beginner, it does have some limitations. One of the biggest problems that we found with this particular printer was that it could only hold 0.5 kilograms of filament at a time. This makes it necessary to change out the spools a lot more often than with other printers. The other big issue with this model is that it has a limited amount of build volume to offer you. This is not a machine that you could use to do larger projects, as it simply cannot handle larger objects.
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 8480 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.0
Features
  • Printing technology: FDM
  • Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
  • Layer resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
  • Print speed: not specified
  • Supported materials: ABS, Metal, Wood, Pearl, PA
  • Software: FlashPrint
  • Connectivity: cable, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

The FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite FDM 3D Printer uses FDM technology and has a small build volume. It has a wide layer resolution range of 0.1-0.4mm (100-400 microns) and can use several different materials. This machine can also be connected by a USB cable, through Wi-Fi, or with a Bluetooth-ready device.

This 3D printer is a good choice for anyone that wants a 3D printer but doesn’t want to break the bank. It is on the smaller side and can only use a limited amount of material, which might limit its effectiveness. This machine is very easy to connect to, however, making it a convenient option.

    What are its best features?
  • The best thing about this machine has got to be its budget-friendly price. This exceptional value is perfect for anyone that wants a capable machine but doesn’t want to break the bank. Though this model is priced fairly, it can still use a wide array of materials. It also offers a litany of options for connecting it to your computer, which is a huge plus. This printer can be connected with a USB cable, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth.
    What could be improved?
  • The biggest drawback for this printer is its build volume. While it will work well for smaller projects, it cannot handle anything that is too large. Another issue with this printer is that it can only handle brand name filament. You cannot substitute a cheaper 3rd party brand, as it will clog up the works and jam the printer.
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

In this section, we will take you through everything that you need to know to find the right enclosed 3D printer for your needs. We have also taken the time to answer several frequently asked questions, so be sure to read through those if you need any further information.

Advantages of Enclosed 3D Printers

5 Best Enclosed 3D Printers - Compatible With Almost Any Material Out There!
Enclosed printers have a different design and look.

You might be wondering what the exact advantages of an enclosed 3D printer Trusted Source 3D printing: 'You can make any product in any location' 3D printing in metal has been happening for years. But now a company in the US is pioneering techniques to mass-produce essential parts for machines more quickly and cheaply. www.bbc.com are over an open concept model. There are lots of advantages, which include the following:

  • Safer – There are no two ways about it. These machines can be quite dangerous if you are not careful with them. The heating element, extruder, and heat plate can all get quite hot. If you are not careful, you could easily burn yourself on these different components. Thankfully, you cannot get to any of them with an enclosed printer. This is especially helpful if you are going to be using your printer around children in an educational setting. After all, nothing would ruin a lesson faster than a student getting a burn on their hand or arm.
  • A wider range of materials – Thanks to the fact that an enclosed printer provides a more stable printing environment, you can pretty much print any material that you have in mind. Of course, you need to pay special attention to what the model you buy says it can handle. Don’t be surprised, however, at the number of materials you can use with an enclosed printer. With the best models, like the ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0, for instance, you can print with ABS, TPU, PLA, HIPS, and many others besides.
  • Better print quality – Using an enclosed 3D printer has a profound effect on the quality of the things you are printing. Since the printer is enclosed, the layers have a better chance of cooling evenly. This, in turn, will help to keep different aspects of your projects from becoming warped or sunken. The enclosure also helps to keep out dust and debris from the environment, which can also cause malformations in a project.
  • Noise reduction – If you are going to be using your printer at home, then you are definitely going to want to utilize an enclosed model. Open frame 3D printers are exceedingly loud when in operation. Considering that each project can take multiple hours to print to completion, the noise reduction you receive from an enclosed printer is quite helpful and can, in fact, cut noise down by more than half.
  • Less heat loss – Another huge advantage of this style of printer is the fact that you don’t lose any heat during the process. Since the airflow is restricted around the heating and printing elements, everything is allowed to heat and cool at the same time. This allows for much better-quality prints and should save you on material costs since you should only have to print each component once rather than a few times.

Important Features

As you can imagine, there are tons of different features to take into consideration when looking for a new 3D printer. In this section, we will guide you through this information in meticulous detail so that you can find the perfect printer for your projects.

Printing technology

5 Best Enclosed 3D Printers - Compatible With Almost Any Material Out There!
Details of 3D printers can look rather delicate and complicated.

There are several different printing technologies to choose from in the world of enclosed 3D printers. The ones that are represented by the models on our list are as follows:

  • FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) – This method of 3D printing is by far the most common. In this technology, a thermoplastic filament is heated until its melting point. From there, it is forced through an extruder or tube to create a series of layers. These layers will add up to the item that is being printed once the process is complete. The ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 is an example of an enclosed 3D printer that uses FDM technology.
  • FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) – This technology is very similar to an FDM system. The only real difference between the two is that FDM technology has been trademarked, while FFF technology has not. Both of these machines work by forcing a heated thermoplastic through an extruder to build one layer of what is being printed at a time. Machines that use FFF, such as the FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, are generally favored by home users, while FDM machines can be found in places of business.

Build volume

In its most basic form, the build volume is how much space a device can utilize to make something. The higher the build volume, the larger the item that can be crafted using one of these machines.

Of course, each machine might have a different amount of height, width, and depth, so be sure to study up on your printer of choice to find the proper amount of volume for the jobs you have in mind.

If you are in the market for a 3D printer with a large build volume, then the R QIDI TECHNOLOGY Large Size Intelligent Industrial Grade 3D Printer is a good choice. Of course, this amount of printing space is going to add a bit to the price as well. If you are looking for a minimal amount of build space to save some money, then the FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite FDM 3D Printer is a great option.

Layer resolution

5 Best Enclosed 3D Printers - Compatible With Almost Any Material Out There!
Different stages of layering.

Layer resolution is how tall each of the different layers is going to be in your printed piece. The smaller the layers, the more precise the machine can be. These values are generally labeled in mm or in microns. These two terms are somewhat interchangeable, as 100 microns is equal to 0.1 mm.

If you are someone that is only going to be using your 3D printer for rough scale models of larger pieces, then something like the Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer would probably work well for you. This machine is capable of printing in layers of 100-400 microns (0.1mm-0.4mm) which should be precise enough for rough drafts. If you are looking for an extremely precise printout, then the ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 is a good bet. This printer is capable of printing layers down to 50-300 microns (0.05mm-0.3mm), which is perfect for precise work.

Print speed

Another key component for any 3D printer is the print speed. Depending on the type of work you are trying to complete with your printers, you might need a much faster model. Of course, faster speeds will usually add to the purchase price, so bear that in mind as well.

The speeds for a 3D printer are usually measured in millimeters per second. The higher the number, the faster the printer will go.

This speed will, obviously, depend on the layer resolution that you are using at the time of the printing as well. The better the resolution, the slower the speed. If time is absolute of the essence when you are printing, then the ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 should be your first choice. This model can print between 20 and 150 mm/s, putting it as the fastest machine on our list.

Supported materials

There are lots of different materials that you can choose from when it comes to 3D printing. Some of the more popular materials are as follows, but not limited to:

  • ABS – This style of plastic, which is also called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, is the same that is used in Legos. It is extremely tough, won’t lose its color, and is nontoxic.
  • TPU – This material, which is really thermoplastic polyurethane, is flexible and abrasion-resistant. This material is extremely durable.
  • PLA – Polylactic Acid is a polymer that is derived from cornstarch or sugar cane. It is tough and resilient but not quite as adaptive as ABS.
  • Metal Filaments – this material is made by mixing PLA and extremely small metal particles. As such, they print very much like PLA but can be polished to look like metal once they have cooled.
  • Wood Filament – Despite what the name might make you think, this material is not made from wood. Instead, it is a mixture of tiny wood particles that are combined with PLA and polymer glue.

Software

5 Best Enclosed 3D Printers - Compatible With Almost Any Material Out There!
Most models are rather versatile and are compatible with many programs.

When choosing a 3D printer, it is usually best to stick with one that utilizes a printing software that you are familiar with. After all, the last thing that you want to do is have to learn a whole new system once you get your printer set up.

There are lots of different software options in the world of 3D printing, however, so it might be a good idea to look for a printer that can be used with a variety.

The ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 and FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro are both great choices in this regard, as they can be operated with a wide variety of software options.

Connectivity

One final key component to keep in mind when looking for a new enclosed 3D printer is the type of connectivity that is supported by the device. These printers work in a similar fashion to a standard printer. Some of them can connect through Wi-Fi, while others will require a USB cable to connect to your computer. Some models will also use Bluetooth connectivity.

Regardless of the method for connection, they will all work just as well as the others. Of course, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi printers, such as the FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite FDM 3D Printer and R QIDI TECHNOLOGY Large Size Intelligent Industrial Grade 3D Printer, are going to offer more flexibility, as you won’t need to be right near them to use them.

FAQ

What are safety rules when using an enclosed printer?

There are several different rules that you need to keep in mind when you are using a 3D printer, whether it is enclosed or not. These include:
  1. Be sure to use the correct temperature for the material that you are printing. If you overheat the elements, you could create noxious odors in your workspace.
  2. You need to make sure not to touch the heated bed or extruder nozzle during operation or afterward, as these can become quite hot.
  3. Make sure that the room that you are going to be using your 3D printer in has good ventilation to cut down on bad smells and any fumes that might occur.
  4. Keep your hands clean of any moving parts of the machine.
  5. Make sure to keep any loose articles of clothing, hair, or jewelry away from the moving parts so that you don’t get caught in them.

How to maintain an enclosed 3D printer?

Since a 3D printer is a machine that has lots of moving parts and elements that get quite hot, there are some different things that you need to do to keep it working correctly. These include lubricating your printer, which will keep the parts moving smoothly. You also need to take the time to clean the build plate and extruder after every use to keep materials from building up. You should also check any and all screws to keep the parts working correctly. Finally, when you are using a 3D printer, make sure that you take the time to keep your software up to date so that it will work correctly.

Our verdict

Finding the right enclosed 3D printer can take some time, but it is truly worth it in the end. Just be sure to carefully consider the speed, volume, and resolution that you desire, as well as the technology that you are comfortable with, and we are sure you will find the model to fit your needs!

Of all the different printers that we looked at, the ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 was by far our favorite. This machine has a nice-sized build volume, excellent layer resolution, and a great speed range. We highly recommend that you check this model out!

The R QIDI TECHNOLOGY Large Size Intelligent Industrial Grade 3D Printer is a great printer if you are looking for something with a larger build volume. This machine can also handle lots of different materials, making it an exceptional option.

Finding the best enclosed 3D printer doesn’t mean that you need to break the bank. The FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite FDM 3D Printer is a budget-friendly printer that will still provide you with great results on smaller projects.

References

1.
3D printing:
3D printing in metal has been happening for years. But now a company in the US is pioneering techniques to mass-produce essential parts for machines more quickly and cheaply.
9,9
Total Score
ANYCUBIC 4Max Pro 2.0 - Editor’s Choice
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