Prusa I3 MK3S Air Cleaner filter frame box

thingiverse

This thing is a custom air filter for the Prusa I3 MK3S printer. When using an IKEA Lack cabinet, normally the PSU is removed and replaced with a plastic brace to reinforce the frame. However, I've designed this air filter to serve as that replacement, positioning it closest to the extruder integrated into the printer body. This filter box is designed for a high-voltage 230V fan, specifically a 120x120x40 mm unit rated at 20Watts. A powerful fan is essential to achieve sufficient airflow; a standard 12V computer case fan cannot drive air through a useful filter material. The design employs two filters: a 5mm thin open cell coarse foam for the input side, with a 120mm diameter and a diameter of 120mm, to prevent large particles from entering. The actual filter is located on the output (back) side, using a 15mm thick dense pressed cotton wool, also with a diameter of 120mm. These materials can be sourced from an aquaristic store; however, it's crucial to select the density based on the fan's power rating, as this requires trial and error. The box is assembled using 4x M4x80 screws and 4x M4 nuts. The grid is positioned between the front part and the main body part. Do not consider using a real HEPA filter without high-power blowers; it would be inefficient, and you'd end up with significant heat in the printer cabinet. You need at least 100Watts to make it work effectively. Warning: Use high-voltage fans only if you're experienced with electrical cabling and insulation work. If not, consult a certified electrician or engineer for assistance. I deliberately omit detailed electrical installation instructions; trust someone who knows what they're doing if you need help. To my knowledge, this is the first air filter designed to replace the Prusa printer's brace. Placing a shroud pointing upwards on the output side could induce circular airflow in the cabinet, utilizing hot air stuck at the top and potentially benefiting printing with materials like ABS. Feel free to remix or design better solutions based on this idea; I've uploaded the STEP file for the model.