3D Printer Filament Fan

thingiverse

I've been struggling with subpar 3D prints. After conducting some research, I discovered that utilizing a fan to cool the filament during printing significantly enhances print quality. This solution was tailored specifically for my DIY Prusa printer but can be adapted to fit any printer. About This Project This project showcases how everyday items can be repurposed to solve problems. From this project, one can learn how to analyze a problem and devise an effective and straightforward solution. This project is suitable for anyone of any age with access to a printer lacking a built-in filament cooling fan. Additionally, it serves as an excellent educational tool for older students who want to explore the behavior of air and how to manipulate it using Bernoulli's equations. The design of the filament fan is remarkably simple, utilizing basic shapes such as squares and circles that are easily accessible with most 3D design software. How I Designed This I realized that no matter how much I calibrated my 3D printer, the quality of my prints fell short of expectations. When I discovered that a fan was essential, I encountered a new challenge: How do I securely attach a fan to my printer designed for direct airflow? My initial design consisted of cardboard, tape, and a small 3D printed tip. However, this setup suffered from poor air flow. Considering the behavior of air flow, Bernoulli's equations came to mind. Although one could delve into intricate calculations for optimal air flow, such precision is unnecessary in practical applications. I focused on manipulating air pressure, speed, and height instead. The fan is positioned higher than the tip, and the pipe's radius decreases as it approaches the tip, which effectively manipulates air flow. The original design, created using cardboard and tape, can be seen below. At the start of the print, the fan was off. Once activated, the difference between having a fan and not having one is strikingly evident.