iHeater: Compact Heating Solution for 3D Printer Enclosures

Project Summary

iHeater is a compact and affordable solution for 3D printers without an active heated chamber or with limited motherboard connectivity. It’s especially useful for printers with proprietary boards that don’t have extra ports for fans, heaters, or thermistors. iHeater solves this problem in a simple and universal way.

There are currently two versions available:

• 100W for small and medium printers
• 200W for larger enclosures

iHeater can operate as a standalone device with its own firmware or be integrated into Klipper as a secondary MCU over USB.

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Key Features

• Heats the printer chamber up to 60–70°C depending on the version
• Powered directly from 220V — doesn’t overload the printer’s PSU
• Works with Klipper as an independent MCU (e.g., STM32F042)
• Optional standalone firmware with physical button control
• Compact, safe, and easily integrated into any enclosure

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Use Cases

With Klipper

iHeater runs as a standalone MCU managed by Klipper. It controls the heater and fan independently, offloading this task from the mainboard and PSU. Perfect for printers that need extra thermal control without firmware hacks or PSU upgrades.

Standalone Mode

With custom firmware, iHeater functions as a self-contained controller. The target temperature is set by pressing the MODE button, with the value indicated via three LEDs. Step size and behavior can be customized in the firmware.

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Why It Matters

Maintaining a heated chamber improves print quality and makes it easier to print materials like ABS, PC, or Nylon. Many printers don’t include active chamber heating — iHeater makes it possible to add this feature with minimal effort.

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What You Need to Build It

• 3D-printable case or integration into your enclosure
• Basic tools for wiring and assembly
• All parts listed below are easy to source and simple to work with

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Component List

Name	Quantity
Controller Board	1
7530 Fan 220V	1
Heater 220V/100 or 200W	1
KSD9700 130°C (normally closed)	1
Thermistor 100K 5% 3950	2
Silicone Wire 200mm	1
C8 Cable (Euro-style power cord)	1
XH2.5 2P Connector (white)	2
Crimp Terminals (metal)	2
Ferrules (0.5-8)	6
Heat shrink tubing (white/black)	2
Screws M3x6 (countersunk)	6

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Advantages

• Affordable: Board cost is comparable or lower than DIY solutions with SSRs and MCUs
• Universal: Works with any 3D printer setup
• Easy to Assemble: All components are large and beginner-friendly
• Open Hardware: Full documentation and firmware available

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Resources and Links

• 📄 Documentation: https://docs.idryer.org/iHeater/
• 💬 Discord: our development and chat
• 🎥 YouTube: Watch setup and usage videos
• 📣 Telegram: Connect with s and developers
• 📘 Facebook: Follow us for updates and tips

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Start building your iHeater today and upgrade your printing experience!

To ensure safe and reliable operation, the iHeater enclosure or mounting components should be printed from heat-resistant filaments only — such as ABS, or other materials capable of withstanding elevated temperatures inside the heated chamber.PLA is not recommended, as it may deform under prolonged heat exposure.