The Sensors Explained
Dec 12, 2025 – By Fabrizio
Understanding Your Enclosure's Sensors
The Clura enclosure isn't just a physical barrier—it's an intelligent monitoring system. We've integrated five different types of sensors to give you complete visibility into your printing environment.
Each sensor serves a specific purpose, and together they create a comprehensive safety and monitoring network. Let's dive into what each sensor does and why it matters.
BME680
Environmental Sensor
What It Measures
🌡️ Temperature
Monitors enclosure temperature with ±0.5°C accuracy
💧 Humidity
Tracks relative humidity levels (±3% accuracy)
📊 Pressure
Barometric pressure sensing
🌬️ Gas/VOC
Detects volatile organic compounds and indoor air quality
Why It Matters
The BME680 is your all-in-one environmental monitor. Temperature and humidity control are crucial for print quality—too cold and your layers won't bond properly, too humid and filament can absorb moisture leading to print defects.
MQ-2
Gas Detection Sensor
What It Detects
- •LPG, Propane, Butane: Detectable gas leaks
- •Methane and Hydrogen: Combustible gas detection
- •Smoke and Alcohol: General air quality indicators
Why It Matters
While 3D printers don't typically produce these gases, the MQ-2 provides an additional safety layer. If electrical components overheat or if there's unusual combustion, this sensor will detect it early.
It's particularly useful in detecting the byproducts of overheating electronics or motor drivers, which can produce hydrogen gas before visible smoke appears.
MEMS Smoke Sensor
Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems Detector
How It Works
MEMS sensors use microscopic mechanical structures to detect smoke particles. When smoke enters the sensor chamber, it changes the thermal conductivity of the air, which the sensor detects with high precision.
Advantages
- • Ultra-fast response time (<0.5 seconds)
- • Very low power consumption
- • Minimal false alarms
- • Long lifespan (10+ years)
Applications
- • Early fire detection
- • Thermal runaway detection
- • Overheating component alerts
- • Abnormal smoke from prints
Why It Matters
3D printer fires, while rare, do happen. Thermal runaway, faulty wiring, or even a failed part can cause catastrophic damage. The MEMS sensor provides the fastest possible detection, giving you precious seconds to respond.
Optical Smoke Sensor
Photoelectric Detection System
How It Works
The optical sensor uses a light source (typically an infrared LED) and a photodetector positioned at an angle. In clean air, the light doesn't reach the detector. When smoke particles enter the chamber, they scatter the light, causing it to hit the photodetector and trigger an alarm.
Best for detecting:
- • Smoldering fires (slow, smoky burns)
- • Larger smoke particles
- • Visible smoke clouds
- • Burning plastic or insulation
Why We Include Both
By combining MEMS and optical sensors, we get the best of both worlds. The MEMS sensor catches fires early with its fast response, while the optical sensor excels at detecting smoldering situations that might not produce heat signatures immediately.
PMS5003
Particulate Matter Sensor
What It Measures
The PMS5003 is a laser-based particle counter that measures the concentration of suspended particles in the air. It can detect and count particles in three size ranges:
PM1.0
Particles ≤ 1.0 μm
Ultrafine particles
PM2.5
Particles ≤ 2.5 μm
Fine particles
PM10
Particles ≤ 10 μm
Coarse particles
Why It Matters
This is arguably the most important sensor for 3D printing safety. The UFPs (ultrafine particles) generated during printing fall primarily into the PM1.0 and PM2.5 categories—exactly what the PMS5003 excels at detecting.
Real-Time Feedback
The PMS5003 gives you instant feedback on your filtration effectiveness. You can see particle counts drop when your filters are working properly, or spike when they need replacement. This data-driven approach takes the guesswork out of maintenance.
Understanding the Numbers
0-12 μg/m³: Good air quality
12-35 μg/m³: Moderate (acceptable for short periods)
35-55 μg/m³: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
>55 μg/m³: Unhealthy (filtration required)
How They Work Together
The power of our sensor array isn't just in individual sensors—it's in how they work together:
Comprehensive Monitoring
BME680 + PMS5003 give you complete air quality visibility—both chemical (VOCs) and physical (particles)
Multi-Layer Safety
MQ-2, MEMS, and Optical sensors create redundant fire detection with different detection methods
Smart Automation
Sensor data can trigger automatic responses like increasing fan speed or sending alerts
Ready for smarter printing?
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Knowledge is Safety
Understanding your sensors transforms them from mysterious black boxes into powerful tools for safe making. Each sensor has a specific job, and together they create a comprehensive monitoring system.
With real-time data from all five sensors, you can print with confidence, knowing that you're protected from both the invisible dangers (particles and VOCs) and the visible ones (smoke and fire).