Gripen - QIDI X-Plus X-Max Fan Duct

thingiverse

<b>Update April 5, 2021</b> Gripen version 1.4 released. It's just a minor fix as some have reported it hitting the motor, 1.4 is a bit thinner so it should clear. I've also added a pre-sliced version with my recommended settings for ABS. I've set the temp to 240 C and the bed to 100 C with some cooling. You can adjust these settings while the models is printing if you like. You can print this on both the X-Plus and X-Max. Gripen is coming for the new and inexpensive <a href="https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AlXn2Q" target="_parent">QIDI I-Mate ($399)</a> series soon. It's the same size as the X-Plus. I have ordered one for this and my other designs. <b>About</b> Gripen is a high flow fan duct for the QIDI Tech X-Max and X-Plus. In order for you to use it, you need the new extruder carriage. I have attached a picture so you can tell if you have the new carriage or not. If you don't have it installed in your printer already, you can contact QIDI support and they will send one to you and you can switch it yourself. The new carriage has a fan duct attached by two screws. Once you have installed the new extruder carriage, dismount the fan duct that comes with it and mount the Gripen fan duct, it's a drop-in replacement. The Gripen fan duct is easy to print and improves part cooling in most situations compared to stock. The stock duct blasts air from just one direction while this is a dual side fan duct which cools from the front, sides and rear. While the duct is designed to blow air just below the nozzle, some air will still hit the nozzle and heat block so it's a good idea to use a silicone sock to keep the temperatures stable. When the nozzle is close to the bed and it's going from 0% to 100% fan speed the you will see a temp drop on the nozzle for a few seconds before it adjusts. I have previously released the Draken fan duct. It was designed, redesigned and tested extensively before it was released with the main focus on high flow directional cooling. For maximum cooling with tough overhangs and bridges (ie. PLA prints) I recommend the Draken but the Gripen is also very capable doing this, the latest versions of both do an excellent job. You'll find the Draken here: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4606987 The Gripen fan duct is a new design that takes a different approach to the air flow. The air ducts move around the mounting screws and to two channels on each side for optimal flow. The airflow is higher than stock and the Draken due to its duct design but it has more channels. The main point of developing the Gripen next to the Draken is for printing models that need less but more controlled cooling, meaning it cools from all directions but with less pressure from each outlet. <b>Donations</b> All my designs are free, they're developed and tested in my spare time and most have source files available for easy editing. If you enjoy this or any of my other designs, a small donation is not needed but welcome. Thanks! :) <a href="https://paypal.me/humebeamengineering"><img src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/webstatic/mktg/logo/pp_cc_mark_111x69.jpg" border="0" alt="PayPal Me"></img></a>