Better Blower Mk2

thingiverse

Better Blower Mk2 *Under Construction... getting closer to being ready - just doing some testing...* One of my first projects after getting a 3D printer was to design and make an upgraded blower fan, as the one that came with my printer was a bit puny. I had already created a Better Blower thing. I'm still running that upgrade, and it's doing a sterling job - indeed I'd go so far as to say the Anycubic Kossel Linear Plus is a great printer for the money, and its blower is really the only glaringly weak point. Still, I wondered if I could do better: *More Power!* *Using more readily available parts* *Easy to print and build* *Suitable for most printers that rock a 40mm blower as standard.* ...Hence the Mk2. There are three versions of this blower: a simple version where space really is at a premium, a version using Venturi principles for added efficiency, and an actively blown Venturi version to get every last cfm. The three differ only with regard to their face plates and fans: *The build process is the same for all three* *If you change your mind, just need to print another face plate with associated fan* To an extent, the parts can also be mixed and matched: *The Simple fan will also work with the Venturi face plate* *The Active fan will work with its face plate or the simple one* *The Venturi fan should only be used with its own face plate* Parts: *Print the required .stl files (The shell, a face plate, and associated fan)* *A 60mm case fan, probably 12v (Other sizes may do)* Build: *Take your case fan and snap the fan mechanism out of it's housing, taking care not to break the wires.* *Snap off the fan blades close to the plastic hub (don't remove!)* *Remove most of the remaining plastic from the fan motor PCB. Best to do a bit at a time, being careful not to break the PCB or remove the wires. Don't remove the final part that attaches the PCB to the fan spindle - important!* *Take your printed fan and carefully press the motor's fan hub in to the recess. It should be a snug fit, but don't force it if too tight - trim more of the fan blade remains from the hub until they do fit.* *Pull apart again.* *Now try to press-fit the fan motor's PCB in to the hole in the printed blower shell. Again, it should be a snug fit, but minimal trimming of the shell may be required.* *You should find all lines up nicely and the wires from the PCB will run down the gutter on the back of the printed shell.* *Press the fan back on to the motor's hub, it's time for a bit of eye-balling:* *You want to make sure the fan is free-running, and exactly square to its new housing, with the motor PCB snug in its hole...* *When you are sure all is lined-up, apply super glue to the join between the motor PCB and the shell.* The motor is now installed. All that's left to do is attach the face plate which should just clip in place, (glue if you wish) and it's done. You may need to change the plug on the wires of your new blower, but assuming you are replacing a 40mm blower, the lower screw holes should line up for a straight swap. ^The two lower screws should be enough for security, but if not, there are two options: *A bit of double-sided tape between the blower and its mount should do* *The blower shell does have the upper screw holes. Using them requires fitting the blower shell in place prior to fitting the fan and cover plate.* The good news is you should now have plenty of extra 'fuff' without much hassle. Note: Chances are you have a bunch of unloved 60mm fans laying about to serve as donors. Some 5v, some 12v, of varying quality and power. Do pick the one most suitable for your application...