Main site nadinmacht.deDeutsch

Glossary · Function

3D printing

Heated chamber

The closed interior of a printer. When it is warm, sensitive materials warp less during printing.

Explained in more detail

An enclosure keeps the heat of the print bed in the build volume. Passive chambers often reach 35 to 50 °C this way, actively heated chambers 55 to 90 °C. A warm, draught-free environment clearly reduces warping and layer cracks with ABS, ASA, PC and PA. For PLA a warm chamber is rather harmful (heat creep, clogged nozzle), so open the door or lid. Activated carbon or HEPA filters reduce odours and particles.

Where does the term come from?

From the English chamber, which goes back to Latin camera, "vault, room". In 3D printing, chamber means the enclosed build volume, and heated chamber means a chamber with its own heating.

In practice

  • A thermometer in the build volume shows whether the chamber is warm enough for ABS or already too warm for PLA.
  • For PLA, according to the Prusa Knowledge Base, it becomes critical from around 35 °C room temperature, and with some filaments from 30 °C.
  • With ABS and ASA, let the bed and chamber warm up for a few minutes before starting so that the first layer lies in warm air.
  • After printing, wait a few minutes before opening: filters keep working and the part cools more evenly.
  • Electronics and power supplies do not always tolerate chamber heat. In retrofitted enclosures they are therefore often moved outside.

Not to be confused

An enclosed enclosure is not yet a heated chamber: it only retains the heat of the bed. An actively heated chamber has its own heater and reaches higher, more even temperatures.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a heated chamber for ABS?

For small parts, an enclosure without its own heating is often enough. For large ABS or ASA parts, and for PC and PA, a warmer chamber considerably reduces warping and layer cracks.

Can you print PLA in an enclosed printer?

Yes, but with the door open or the lid removed. If the build volume gets too warm, PLA softens above the nozzle and clogs the extruder.