Scared about my Anet a8 order Hello, I recently ordered the Anet a8 from Amazon. I know I could have gotten it cheaper, but this seller had great reviews and the service is worth it. I have one problem. I have heard many complaints about the anet a8 heating up too much and melting and/or catching on fire. I'm going to install a MOSFET for my heated bed to reduce the risk, but I am still worried. I've also heard that the risk of melting and overheating is determined slightly by the main board and I want to know if the printer I ordered comes with the newer or older main board. Here is the link to the one I ordered. Anet A8 - Prusa i3 DIY 3D Printer - Prints ABS, PLA, and Lots More [www.amazon.com] https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760655#msg-760655 Sun, 17 May 2026 02:40:47 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768627#msg-768627 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768627#msg-768627 PDBeal General Wed, 17 May 2017 19:28:53 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768622#msg-768622 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768622#msg-768622
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Dancer
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newbob
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Yes, by all means, you have to use forced air cooling if you stuff it in any type of enclosure.

And if you do this, you are delivering fresh Oxygen to the fire and spreading it out of the Box again.
Never heard anything more stupid like your Suggestion.
Sorry.

The whole point of forced air cooling is that it will *prevent* a fire by preventing things from overheating. So not stupid at all.
Putting your controller board and/or PSU in an enclosure without adequate cooling *would* be stupid. And, probably, "adequate" cooling would require it to be active cooling of some kind, and, probably, forced air would be the easiest and cheapest way to do that.

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Buy reliable parts, do a clean setup, install a smoke detector, place a fire extinguisher where you can grab it.
If you are really worried - do not leave it allone.

And if you even can't trust it this way: Just don't buy a 3D-Printer.
I do agree with this part.]]> frankvdh General Wed, 17 May 2017 18:46:51 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768574#msg-768574 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768574#msg-768574 Origamib General Wed, 17 May 2017 13:45:29 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768553#msg-768553 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768553#msg-768553
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Dancer
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newbob
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Yes, by all means, you have to use forced air cooling if you stuff it in any type of enclosure.

And if you do this, you are delivering fresh Oxygen to the fire and spreading it out of the Box again.
Never heard anything more stupid like your Suggestion.
Sorry.

Buy reliable parts, do a clean setup, install a smoke detector, place a fire extinguisher where you can grab it.
If you are really worried - do not leave it allone.

And if you even can't trust it this way: Just don't buy a 3D-Printer.

People new to 3d printing should know that all 3d printer kits do not follow safety standards that one would normally expect from a home appliance or even a boiler.

Fused controller boards, thermal fuses, enclosed power supplies should be a standard but it are normally not included. "Don't leave printer unattended" for a device expected to be running for hours at a time is unrealistic and only a way to shift a liability from sellers to customers. Obviously OP wants to print lipo battery boxes so he probably knows about thermal runaway and which wires not to touch but many do not.

[youtu.be]

PS.: Some also do not realize how many 3d printer parts are flammable or toxic when heated:

[youtu.be]]]> newbob General Wed, 17 May 2017 11:37:30 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768504#msg-768504 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768504#msg-768504
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Dancer
Buy reliable parts, do a clean setup, install a smoke detector, place a fire extinguisher where you can grab it.
If you are really worried - do not leave it allone.

And if you even can't trust it this way: Just don't buy a 3D-Printer.

Good advice - I used a generous-sized power supply (not from a PC), used the correct gauge wire for the high-current parts, and kept it as neat as possible. I don't have a smoke detector specifically for the printer, but there is one nearby (the normal house one). I do have a fire extinguisher nearby, but again that's for domestic use - but of course can be used on the printer if required.

But the best piece of advice is "don't leave the machine unattended". Although I don't always sit next to the printer while it's working, I am always nearby and can keep an eye on it. I might be doing something else in another room, but I often check in to make sure it's OK. Also, my wife knows how to turn off both of my machines if she spots a problem before I do.

To reassure the original poster - there is an inherent risk with a 3D printer, but you just have to manage that risk. Assemble everything according to the instructions, make sure all connectors are tight, especially on the high-current leads, and keep a close eye on it during the first few prints. Make sure that any wires and connectors aren't getting too hot. After you've used it a while go round and check that the connections are still tight (they can work loose).

Don't panic about it - take your time, take good care, and you'll end up with a useful and interesting hobby.]]> David J General Wed, 17 May 2017 05:42:35 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768482#msg-768482 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768482#msg-768482
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newbob
...
Yes, by all means, you have to use forced air cooling if you stuff it in any type of enclosure.

And if you do this, you are delivering fresh Oxygen to the fire and spreading it out of the Box again.
Never heard anything more stupid like your Suggestion.
Sorry.

Buy reliable parts, do a clean setup, install a smoke detector, place a fire extinguisher where you can grab it.
If you are really worried - do not leave it allone.

And if you even can't trust it this way: Just don't buy a 3D-Printer.]]> Dancer General Wed, 17 May 2017 04:07:47 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768394#msg-768394 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768394#msg-768394
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David J
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newbob
Consider stuffing power supply and board into a metal enclosure to stop potential fire from spreading:

Not sure if you're serious or not - but unless you let lots of air into the enclosure it's going to overheat and burn anyway!

Yes, by all means, you have to use forced air cooling if you stuff it in any type of enclosure.]]> newbob General Tue, 16 May 2017 13:51:55 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768387#msg-768387 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768387#msg-768387
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newbob
Consider stuffing power supply and board into a metal enclosure to stop potential fire from spreading:

Not sure if you're serious or not - but unless you let lots of air into the enclosure it's going to overheat and burn anyway!]]> David J General Tue, 16 May 2017 13:08:52 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768329#msg-768329 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768329#msg-768329

]]> newbob General Tue, 16 May 2017 09:09:03 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768288#msg-768288 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768288#msg-768288 DjDemonD General Tue, 16 May 2017 06:05:57 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768253#msg-768253 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,768253#msg-768253 Danielmaslia General Mon, 15 May 2017 20:53:09 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760682#msg-760682 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760682#msg-760682 I have a A8 with the newer mainboard.
I did print quite alot without any mods. It worked well for me. But there are many reports regarding burnes connectors on both mainboard. And connectors to the bed.
Have don the mosfet mod. Feels better going to upgrade Wires to the bed. And solder them to the bed.
DJdemond is absolutly right in his comments.

Oh. I dont leave it in attended for long periods.
Linked smokealarm is on my list to fix. Bit I do have a webcam that i can monitor the print rwmotley.]]> SatorCodex General Wed, 05 Apr 2017 19:15:00 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760680#msg-760680 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760680#msg-760680
Do your research though, there are alot of safety features you can add]]> Origamib General Wed, 05 Apr 2017 19:07:36 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760673#msg-760673 Re: Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760673#msg-760673
Offloading the high current for the bed heater from your controller is a good idea via an external mosfet/relay, ensure bed heater wires are thick and securely terminated, make sure the thermistor and heater cartridge are secure.]]> DjDemonD General Wed, 05 Apr 2017 18:25:11 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760655#msg-760655 Scared about my Anet a8 order https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?1,760655,760655#msg-760655 www.amazon.com]]]> Danielmaslia General Wed, 05 Apr 2017 16:55:50 -0400