Is it a terrible idea to use a server rack as a 3d printer enclosure? This is for bambu p2s + ams.
It would require: 1. Heavy duty sliding shelf at the bottom (50kg rated) 2. Antivibration pads + garden slab 2. Soundproofing with butyl and foam 3. Ventilation fans and air filters
I do have the rack already, so tempted to repurpose. Just never had 3d printer before - do i miss something?
Server racking in a climate controlled comms room has been working well for me for the best part of a year!
https://preview.redd.it/usmqnzf8z66g1.jpeg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a4c9a3df984e95b2d05eeb90703e37d50982c20
that looks like a perfect set up. do you often need to access the back of the printer? Just not sure about that.
Only really for routine maintenance, this rack has rear access if needed though, the top printer is on a sliding shelf, the rack is bolted to the ground and it can support the full weight of the printer fully extended
it seems the sliding shelf is the way, I'll likely go for it as well and anchor the rack.
I think there are full extension drawers available for server racks, so you could pull the whole printer forward. But those racks get expensive quickly
Mount a (lockable) platform on rails and that detail is no longer an issue.
It will be annoying when you need to get to the back/sides of the printer. And if it’s an enclosed printer, you’ll probably want its door off.
I’d just put the printer on top, and use the rack for dry filament storage.
The plan is to put it on a sliding shelf, that I can just pull out when required, but I have the same concern, as it might be wobbly.
Any heavy duty drawer slides should work fine. I've kept my printer in a garage cabinet for a few years now and haven't had any problems.
I usually keep the drawer "closed" during printing and pull everything out when loading the AMS or changing the tool head.
If you can get the sliding rails for the server rack that would be stable enough, U2 servers can be around 60lbs which should be more than enough for the printer weight. If you're still worried about the weight you could get U4 rails which can usually support up to 100lbs.
https://preview.redd.it/nh8nek3tk96g1.jpeg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=be52f7a4127d50d5117fcc451399a868e5e2c2f1
I decided to future-proof it and went with 110lbs one. Should be more than enough even if I put a slab on it.
For a second I thought that it’s a 1U blade that you decides to dual-purpose as a sliding shelf. Hats off to you regardless!
I would like to do that to my Prusa XL, I’m going to have to remove the rack mounts, rails and other stuff in the rack to make it open enough and if there are any holes, 3D print covers for them and use the built in fans to vent out the toxic stuff from ABS/ASA/PVC out a window
I think thats a pretty bad ass repurposing. I'd go for it!
Been done for more then 10 years, since it was more rigid then classic DIY 2x Ikea Lack tables screwed together.
But more expensive.
For printers with low accelerations Ikea was fine, rack provides higher rigidity and hence stability. Just now is one guy selling Prusa inside rack enclosure, printer standing on granite slab about halfway to the top.
Soundproofing should be made out of fire retardant material
Ventilation only through HEPA and activated carbon filters, so you don't inhale the particles and VOC's that are released during printing
Thanks, these are all the valid points, that I'm thinking about. I'm going to use butyl mats and acoustic foam to soundproof, that both should be fire retardant. As for filters, i plan to use my room air purifier connected to the rack exhaust.
thats a surprisingly nice looking server cabinet
Indeed, the table top makes the difference.
If it fits it's doable. Might not be the best for PLA unless you have good ventilation, which being a server rack I'd think that would be a thing but you'd be surprised. Could also add some nice insulation/sound proofing to it I bet if you do high temp stuff.
You mean keeping low temp for PLA? Yes, i plan to add a couple of temp-sensor fans to keep temp stable. And definitely soundproofing, otherwise it will work as a metal drum.
r/overengineered
Some people using literal cardboard boxes.
Yes, it does look like too much, but it's going to be in the living room, so I need it to be as invisible and silent as possible. Smell and fumes is also a concern.
lately printers grow in strange shapes
Do you mind sharing what brand of server rack that is?
It's Zpas SJB 19: https://zpasgroup.co.uk/floor-standing-cabinets-and-open-racks/4-sjb-19-network-cabinet.html
Can I ask what the benefit of an enclosure for a P2S is? I have an open-air bed slinger, so I get why my enclosure helps me, but isn't a P2S already enclosed?
3 reasons for me - soundproofing, fumes control and also hiding all the tech and wiring. These are all valid reasons for me because it has to be in the living room.
Sounds like a great idea. Just make sure to setup proper ventilation for it. Extract the heat from the top and put an air inlet down low with a dust filter. This will keep the enclosure temp within spec, vent your fumes, and won’t disturb the printers chamber air. If there’s enough of a gap between the glass door and the casing that may allow enough air to enter to where you won’t need to make a new air inlet. Stick a hygrometer/thermometer in there to monitor the enclosure temp. Aim to keep it close to your rooms ambient temp by adjusting the extraction fan.
Thanks — that’s the plan. I’ll have 2–3 sensor-controlled fans on top for extraction, and there’s already an inlet. Still need to sort out the filters. I’ve got a room air purifier next to the rack (shown in the photo) that I might be able to hook into the exhaust with an adapter. Just need to figure out how to make it all work.
Sounds like a great plan. This is basically how I have some of my printers setup, except I used an old audio cabinet with the glass front door. Then hooked up an Xtool AP2 purifier to extract the chamber air and filter it.
Wow, that's a beast purifier, but it costs here in uk more than the whole project including the printer!
Yea it’s definitely not cheap. I took the lazy way out and I definitely paid for it haha. I did have a $300 off coupon code though so that helped.
Fortunately though we have 3D printers and building a good filtration system is doable.
This is for bambu p2s + ams.
I would have said yes its terrible if you said a different printer. not every printer has internal cooling and that can be a fire hazard at times. bambu are quality printers though.
Thanks, I do plan to control the temperature in enclosure anyway
if you have any way to implement a temperature sensitive master power shutoff that might be good too - in case you get a hot end or hot bed runaway, if it can detect an excess temperature and just kill the entire rack that might be extremely helpful.
Well that should be fairly simple with smart plug and temp sensor
make sure the relay in the plug can handle enough wattage. it probably can, be sure of it. and also ensure that it will function without an internet connection (again, totally doable).