Cocoon Create Model Maker (Wanhao Duplicator i3 Mini) mount with part-cooling fan

thingiverse

The Cocoon Create Model Maker, also known as the Wanhao i3 Duplicator Mini, recently hit Australian stores through retailer Aldi for $299 AUD. Prints from this model showed potential but were plagued by the usual issues of drooping and stringing due to a lack of dedicated part-cooling fan. Curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to open up the CCMM to inspect its internal components. Upon closer inspection, I discovered an unused port for a fan on the board, as well as a power supply that was designed with fans in mind. The existing fan, which doubled as both a heatsink cooler and a makeshift part-cooling fan, was connected to a constant 24-volt port. This explained why it turned on every time the printer was powered up. To address this issue, I installed a spare 5015 radial fan into the "fan" port. Next, I used Octoprint to send the command M106 S255 and confirmed that the fan responded promptly to my g-code instructions. Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out how to modulate the fan speed regardless of the speed value I sent it. Despite this limitation, having any control over the fan is still a significant improvement. Fan duct used: Spriya for E3D https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2305596 Heatsink fan used: E3D v6 Hotend - 40mm Fan Duct https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:354723