Printing with ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) offers several key benefits: superior heat resistance, mechanical strength, and better machinability compared to materials like PLA.
However, ABS is notoriously tricky to print without the right equipment. It is highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations and prone to warping, cracking, and poor layer adhesion when printed in open environments.
To achieve strong, high-quality ABS prints, a fully enclosed 3D printer is almost essential.
In this complete guide, we examine the best enclosed 3D printers for ABS printing, including their strengths, limitations, and which one might suit your needs best.
Why an Enclosed Printer is Essential for ABS
ABS requires specific environmental conditions to print successfully:
- Consistent ambient temperature: Prevents layer cracking and warping.
- Reduced airflow and drafts: Avoids rapid cooling that causes internal stresses.
- Higher bed and chamber temperatures: Supports adhesion and prevents shrinkage.
An enclosure maintains these ideal conditions, often allowing ABS to be printed as easily as PLA when done properly.
Key Features to Look for in an ABS-Ready 3D Printer
Before reviewing specific models, it is important to understand the must-have features:
| Feature | Importance |
|---|---|
| Full Enclosure | Traps heat, blocks drafts, stabilizes environment |
| Heated Bed | Essential to prevent first layer warping |
| High Max Nozzle Temperature | At least 260°C recommended |
| Stable Frame Construction | Reduces vibration for better prints |
| Heated Chamber (optional) | Greatly improves large ABS prints |
| Air Filtration | Useful to reduce ABS fumes (carbon and HEPA filters) |
| Reliable Bed Adhesion Surface | PEI, textured plates, or special ABS adhesives |
Printers with these features offer the best chances of success with ABS and other engineering-grade materials.
Best Enclosed 3D Printers for ABS Printing (2025)
Here are the top choices across different price points and needs.
1. Bambu Lab X1C (with AMS)
Best Overall High-Speed Enclosed Printer for ABS
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 256 x 256 x 256 mm |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 110°C |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed, actively monitored |
| Features | Lidar-assisted first layer calibration, carbon air filters, AMS multicolor support |
Why it is great for ABS:
The X1C offers a semi-heated chamber through its naturally insulated body, combined with precise environmental monitoring.
Its speed, automation, and reliability make it the best enclosed printer for users who want top-tier ABS performance without manual tuning.
Considerations:
At a premium price, but offers unmatched quality and features.
2. Raise3D E2
Best Professional-Grade Enclosed Printer for ABS
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 330 x 240 x 240 mm |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 110°C |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed, with optional air filters |
| Features | IDEX system, resume printing, auto bed leveling |
Why it is great for ABS:
The Raise3D E2’s rigid frame, actively heated build chamber, and industrial design allow it to handle large ABS prints without warping.
Considerations:
Aimed at businesses and professionals; higher initial investment but worth it for production environments.
3. FlashForge Creator 4
Best for Flexible Materials and ABS Production
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 400 x 350 x 500 mm |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 320°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 135°C |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed with advanced heating system |
| Features | Swappable extruders for different material types |
Why it is great for ABS:
Creator 4 includes actively heated chambers, specialized extruders, and superior print temperature stability for challenging engineering plastics, including ABS, ASA, and PC.
Considerations:
This is a production machine, better suited to professionals or institutions.
4. Creality K1 Max (with Optional Enclosure)
Best Budget Enclosed Printer for ABS Enthusiasts
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 300 x 300 x 300 mm |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 300°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 110°C |
| Enclosure | Optional enclosure upgrade recommended |
| Features | CoreXY motion system, auto calibration, AI camera monitoring |
Why it is great for ABS:
With an aftermarket enclosure, the K1 Max becomes a highly capable, affordable solution for high-speed ABS printing. It has high-temperature capabilities out of the box.
Considerations:
Not designed as fully enclosed initially; upgrading with an enclosure kit is recommended for serious ABS projects.
5. QIDI Tech X-Plus 3
Best Mid-Range Enclosed Printer for Hobbyists
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Build Volume | 280 x 280 x 270 mm |
| Max Nozzle Temp | 350°C |
| Max Bed Temp | 120°C |
| Enclosure | Fully enclosed |
| Features | Flexible removable print beds, dual extruder options |
Why it is great for ABS:
Offers tremendous value for its price, making it ideal for serious hobbyists wanting to print ABS without industrial-scale investment.
Considerations:
Slightly less refined firmware compared to higher-end brands but improving rapidly with updates.
Additional Good Options
- Prusa MK4 with Enclosure:
Not a fully enclosed printer by default, but with the Prusa enclosure kit, it becomes a reliable ABS printing machine. - Anycubic Vyper 2 with DIY Enclosure:
Affordable, but requires modifications to reach consistent ABS printing quality. - Snapmaker Artisan:
More than just a 3D printer, this hybrid machine also CNC mills and laser engraves, with a fully enclosed 3D printing module.
Tips for Printing ABS Successfully
Even with an enclosed printer, best practices are essential.
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Preheat the chamber | Ensures even temperatures and reduces internal stresses. |
| Use ABS-specific adhesives | Magigoo, ABS juice, or PEI sheets help first-layer bonding. |
| Print slowly for first few layers | Improves first layer adhesion significantly. |
| Maintain steady ambient room temperature | Drafts or air conditioning can still affect prints. |
| Ventilate safely | ABS fumes are not toxic at typical levels, but ventilation is advisable for health. |
Attention to these details results in stronger, smoother ABS parts.
Why Print with ABS at All?
Despite newer alternatives like PETG and ASA, ABS still holds advantages:
- Superior mechanical toughness for enclosures, fixtures, and tools.
- Good temperature resistance up to 100°C or higher.
- Excellent machinability for drilling, sanding, painting, or bonding.
- Material familiarity in industries from automotive to consumer goods.
When ultimate durability and post-processing flexibility matter, ABS remains a material of choice.
Conclusion
Printing ABS successfully hinges on using the right printer with a fully enclosed design and appropriate thermal management.
From the high-end capabilities of the Bambu Lab X1C and Raise3D E2, to the budget-friendly performance of the QIDI Tech X-Plus 3, there are now excellent enclosed options at nearly every price point.
Choosing the best enclosed 3D printer for ABS depends on:
- Your budget
- Print size needs
- Desired print speed
- Level of automation or manual control you prefer
For users serious about achieving reliable, warp-free ABS prints, investing in a true enclosed printer is not optional—it is essential.
With the right setup and attention to detail, professional-quality ABS parts are now fully achievable at home or in small workshops.