Prusa i3 MK3 - Cooling with a view

thingiverse

The Skelestruder cooler offers a superior solution over the original setup. I strongly advise opting for this path. --- UPDATE 11/02/18: A STEP file is now available for those who wish to experiment with it. --- UPDATE 9/08/18: This design is not compatible with the new R3 cage from Prusa, and due to my transition to Skelestruder, I will not be addressing this issue. However, I will leave this up for others to adapt. --- UPDATE 6/30/18: It has been brought to my attention that the newer MK3 beds are shipping with screw terminals, which is a more favorable setup in many ways. Nevertheless, these new screws are significantly taller than the previous solder connections, and as such, the low-profile cover will not fit over them. Shrikestorm kindly confirmed that replacing the socket head screws with button-head screws will resolve this issue. Furthermore, it appears that trimming the plastic on the terminals is also necessary. Therefore, users who receive this newer bed will need to replace these two screws until Prusa releases an updated part design. In the meantime, some minor modifications are required. --- I have discovered a way to enhance cooling performance while simplifying nozzle changes and improving the view of the nozzle during printing! This solution not only addresses the shortcomings of the original setup but also introduces a convenient garter screw feature. The garter screw is used to secure the upper lip of the E3D sock, ensuring a snug fit. --- One long-standing issue with Prusa printers has always been the way part cooling obstructs the view of the nozzle during printing. This obstruction has prevented me from diagnosing print failures on multiple occasions. Additionally, I have found it inconvenient to partially disassemble the printer for nozzle changes. To address these issues, I set out to design a 360-degree cooling system that would provide unobstructed views of the nozzle while also simplifying nozzle replacements. --- 2/05/18 update: Significant improvements have been made to airflow, printing performance, fit, and strength. There have been reports of the factory shroud sagging due to high-temperature printing. However, this design is less susceptible to such issues thanks to its larger surface area and multiple contact points. To further enhance durability, I have reinforced the design and added an optional clip for the back corner. Built-in supports are now included, eliminating the need for slicer additions. The brace is now optional and compatible with my laser mod. --- 3/20/18 update: Based on user feedback, I have made adjustments to improve fit for the bed cover, increased the PINDA hole size, and optimized airflow performance.