140mm USB-powered desk fan

myminifactory

Now this is AWESOME! I was searching for a desk fan and everything I found exceeded $15, had mediocre reviews, didn't last long, and ran on a brushed motor. My personal experience is that such fans are lucky to last two years and aren't very repairable. I figured I could do better. I bought the following supplies on eBay: A 140mm brushless computer fan for just $3.60 A USB DC 5V to 12V step-up module with a 2.1x5.5mm plug for only $1.65 A male/female 2.1x5.5 jack/plug connector for $0.75 At my local hardware store, I bought a 6-pack of #6-32 x 1.5" coarse threaded Philips head screws and nuts for just over $1. I only needed four of the six. Total cost: less than $8 in materials. I then designed the frame and stand that would hold the fan and allow it to tilt some. I made it simple, easy to assemble/disassemble, and easy to print. It's possible to print everything without supports, but the corner brackets print a bit better if you let your slicer add supports. I won't give assembly instructions here - I'm guessing it should be pretty clear how it all goes together. No glue needed! The corner brackets comfortably hold the side panels in place with minimal wiggle. Clearances are loose to allow for a wide variety of printers to print, even without calibration. Please note that I included two sizes of nuts - one scaled to 106% of the thread size, one to 107%. Depending on your tolerances, you may need to choose one, the other, or perhaps scale it a bit yourself. The end product moves some air but perhaps not as much as commercial units. However, I love the idea that I can plug this into any USB socket (even a portable power supply!) and replace the fan for very little money if it ever burns out. (I've used mine in the office for a few years and it's still going strong.) Like what I do and want to support me? Please consider leaving a tip. Want to support me and get great filament at the same time? Please consider using my Proto-pasta affiliate link! DISCLAIMER No, there isn't a fan guard. I work with mature adults who know better than to stick their fingers in a fan. While I doubt you will chop off any appendages that do manage to make their way into the blades, it would hurt a decent amount and perhaps cause some damage to said appendages and the owner's ego. IF YOU HAVE CHILDREN PLEASE KEEP THIS OUT OF THEIR REACH OR AT THE VERY LEAST PRINT A FAN GUARD. MyMiniFactory has many to choose from. However, I've used this one in the past from Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:128718 I am NOT RESPONSIBLE for injuries should you chose to make this fan and someone sticks something in it they shouldn't. Please exercise common sense. Should you choose to make this: Happy printing! Let me know if you have questions in the comments and I'll do my best to answer promptly.