This project offers a comprehensive solution for both hobbyists and advanced 3D printing enthusiasts who are looking for an efficient and practical way to organize their workspace while utilizing excess heat from the printer for passive filament drying.

The enclosure is designed for printers the size of an Ender 3 or Prusa i3 (with additional mods like PSU relocation) and is built using 3 IKEA Lack tables (55 cm), 3 IKEA Sunnersta hanging rails, and 4 plexiglass sheets (100 × 50 × 2 mm). For thicker plexiglass, bracket adjustments are required.

The box provides space for the printer, storage for 3–5 filament spools (1 kg), and filament leftovers, ensuring everything is dry, neatly organized and easily accessible.

When printing PETG, the enclosure reaches 38–40 °C in the upper section and maintains a relative humidity of 10–20%. Excess heat generated by the printer is effectively reused for passive drying of stored filaments and improving layer adhesion.

While it’s not a dedicated filament dryer, it’s an eco-friendly and practical way to maximize the use of generated heat. The box resists ambient temperature and humidity changes and can be further insulated with silicone if desired.

For added stability and vibration damping, a rubber mat and a concrete slab (40 × 40 cm) can be placed in the bottom section. This enhances the enclosure’s sturdiness and minimizes noise and vibration during printing. Additionally, the Sunnersta rails serve as a mounting point for various accessories and provide structural reinforcement to the enclosure’s midsection.

Printing and Assembly Recommendations:

Printing Material: PETG filament (approx. 1.5 kg) for its durability (PLA not recommended).

Print Settings: nozzle: 0.4 mm / layer height: 0.2 mm

Corners and Leg Extensions: 5 walls (including top and bottom), 10% adaptive cubic infill

Other Parts: 4 walls (including top and bottom), 5% adaptive cubic infill

Bed and Nozzle Temperatures: Follow the filament manufacturer's recommendations.

Assembly: 150–200 wood screws (3,5 × 25 mm) depending on the number of brackets used.

Other materials: Plexiglass (4 pcs, 100 × 50 × 2 mm).

List of STL Files and Print Requirements:

lack-box-corners.stl

Print 8×, or 7× lack-box-corners and 1× lack-box-corner-usb (depending on USB pass-through need).

lack-box-leg-extension.stl

Print 4×.

lack-box-spool-rest-place.stl

Print 3×.

lack-box-spool-top-hanger.stl

Print 2×.

lack-box-filament-samples-holder.stl

Print 1–4× (depending on need and available space).

All other STL files are printed only once:

lack-box-door-frame.stl

lack-box-door-hinges.stl

lack-box-door-locks.stl

lack-box-power-cable-cover.stl

lack-box-glass-holders.stl

lack-box-thermometer-holder.stl

lack-box-spool-holder.stl

lack-box-spool-holder-pin.stl

This enclosure is designed with simplicity, practical heat use, and workspace organization in mind for 3D printing enthusiasts.

3D Printer Box with Passive Filament Drying from IKEA Lack