Lack Enclosure Built in Vent and Filter Fan

thingiverse

I was building a ventilation system and needed something to control airflow during times when I didn't need warm temperatures (PLA & PETG). I also wanted to manage fumes from materials like ABS. The system had to be clean, with minimal wires and obstructions. Furthermore, recent articles about 3D printing "nano particles" suggested that this might help mitigate those issues. My primary goal was to achieve a slight negative pressure within the case, sufficient to draw in fumes and particles but low enough to prevent temperature fluctuations. The attached files include the sleeve and bottom flange, the cartridge for the pads, and the top fan with its mounting piece. Print Instructions: I printed my enclosure using PLA at 0.2 layer height, with 20% infill, since it doesn't require high stress levels. Parts List: - Fan: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009OWVUJ0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Fan Speed Control: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00809BQZG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Carbon Filter Pad: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074MKZNFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - Generic Filter Pad: https://www.amazon.com/WEB-WVENT-Vent-Register-Filters/dp/B000BWKMI2 - Molex power connectors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07CVZPTN4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Install Instructions: Cut a hole in the lack table, matching its size to that of the sleeve. This piece goes into the underside and will be flush with the top. I used hot glue on the flange, which was more than enough to secure it to the table. Make sure you place the notch in the sleeve in the same direction as the wire running to the leg. That notch is for the cable and plug that goes into the fan, since that plug sticks out slightly. To run the wire to the fan, drill a hole through the top of the leg, the printed corner piece, and the underside of the table. The inside of the table is made of paper, so it's easy to push through. See the attached picture for how I completed this. I had to cut the wire to run it and added a Molex connector to it so that I could also disconnect the fan later if needed. Note the notch in the top of the lack table; this is to help the cartridge pass by the wire. The wire runs down the leg, with an additional Molex connector for when you need to remove the top of the enclosure. Cut the carbon pads to size and place them inside the cartridge. Make sure the grid is pointing up to keep them from getting into the fan blades. Mount the fan to the top piece using the screws and wire guard that came with it. It also includes rubber bushings to help reduce noise; they are between the printed part and the fan on the inside. Note: I had to cut down the screws by roughly 3/4" with a hacksaw, since the circular notches in the corner of the cartridge were for clearance of the nuts on the fan mount. General notes: - With the fan on full, the airflow is low when using four pads. It takes care of most ABS fumes without affecting internal temperature much. - The fan is super quiet (even on full) if you're concerned about noise levels. - There are higher-speed versions of this fan, but I chose the quieter one. Wishing now that I had gone with a higher CFM. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask! EDIT - 12/21/18 I added an STL for the cartridge that is 12mm thinner to work with the following fan: https://www.amazon.com/AC-Infinity-Cooling-Ventilation-Projects/dp/B009OWRMZ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1545249205&sr=8-1&keywords=AC+Infinity+AXIAL+1238&tag=tv-auto-20 While it is double the CFM, it cuts the amount of room for filter material by about half.