MOAFB (Mother of All Fan Blades) Parametric Spare (Repair) Fan Blades Creator (FreeCAD) 40mm, 50mm and above

thingiverse

=== INTRODUCTION === I have 12 fans in my printer, and I frequently break their blades. To save time and money, I need to print new blades regularly. === SIMILAR STAFF === My search on Thingiverse led me to this page: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3025985 As a difference from olavl's design, I sketched one blade and rotated it around the center. This approach looks more elegant to me. Additionally, sketches are not attached directly to surfaces but are instead applied to datum planes first. For those who want to learn and exercise in FreeCAD, you'll find detailed parameter explanations in the Spreadsheet within the FreeCAD file. === WHAT WE'VE GOT HERE === This project includes two main components: 1/ A 50mm fan blade model (.stl file) that should fit most standard 50mm fans. 2/ The original FreeCAD file where you can input your desired parameters to produce blades of specific size, number, slope angle, curvature, interblade distance, thickness, motor shaft diameter, and more. === SLICING === When slicing the model, please pay attention to the layer width. For optimal results, set it to half of the blade thickness. This will ensure an uninterrupted line connecting the blades and the body, as seen in the last picture. It's a good idea to set jitter to 360 degrees so that each new layer starts at a random point (if your slicer supports this feature). This will help eliminate seams and reduce vibration. Although it may not be crucial at the speeds we use for these fans. === FAN REPAIR SEQUENCE === Follow these steps: 1/ Remove the small teflon C-shaped washer from the back of the shaft using 1-2 small screwdrivers. Be careful, as it can jump away and you'll need to make a new one. 2/ Remove the small rubber ring from the motor shaft. You will need it later. 3/ Pull the shaft out of the blades body with pliers. Don't worry; you don't need the old broken blade part. 4/ Use a flat screwdriver to remove the magnet ring from the blades. 5/ Check if the shaft fits tightly into its new place in the new blades. If the hole is too small, drill it with an appropriate drill. If it's too big, change the radius and reprint it. Also, check if the magnet ring fits into the blades body. 6/ Apply cyanoacrylate glue (superglue) quickly. Put a tiny drop of glue in the hole, then push the shaft in. Use a paper towel to wipe away excess glue that will be squeezed out of the hole (otherwise it will glue the shaft to its sleeve). Place the motor on the shaft, ensuring it remains perpendicular to the blades body. Push the shaft gently for several seconds. 7/ Put the rubber ring on the shaft. 8/ Insert the magnet ring into the blades body. 9/ Assemble the fan. 10/ Attach the C-shaped washer to the back of the shaft. 11/ Apply a drop of oil to the back of the shaft. 12/ Cover the back of the shaft with a sticker. 13/ Celebrate! 14/ Optionally, tip the designer.