Silencing A 3D Printer With Acoustic Foam Isn’t That Easy

3D printers can be extremely useful, but their constant whining or droning is distracting and tiring. [Handy Bear] The results were mixed when they tried to quieten their printer with acoustic sponge.

The video begins by exploring two different acoustic materials; one black and one white. The white foam was found to be flammable when ignited and therefore not suitable for 3D printers with many hot components. The black foam, which was advertised for automotive installations, did not burn and made a safer option.

The UP Mini 3 is then disassembled for its soundproofing treatment. The printer’s various panels all got a healthy lashing of thick sticky insulating foam. It took some time to cut around the screw bosses and ribs on the panels. After cutting the foam, the printed could be reassembled in a neat manner.

Unfortunately, the work didn’t have a great effect on the printer’s sound output. That’s perhaps unsurprising, given it still has uninsulated panels like the front window which are still free to radiate sound. The foam did help cut down on fan noise and high-pitch sounds from the printer, but the annoying medium and low pitched noises from the printer’s motors were still very audible.

Use an enclosure or a stepper driver that is quieter to quiet down a noisy printer. Share your own ideas with us in the comments. After the break, you can watch a video.