Quiet 40mm Fan Grille

thingiverse

I was using a fan grille I found online, which I had printed to give my printer a cooler look. Unfortunately, it made my hot end fan extremely noisy. I soon realized that the fan blade was chopping the air in much the same way an air raid siren works. It also caused the fan to speed up, resulting in significantly less airflow. To demonstrate this effect, simply cover the intake of your hair dryer - you'll notice it speeds up and airflow stops completely. It's like spinning in a vacuum; the motor is working harder but achieving less. The base plate is slightly larger than the fan itself, but the mounting holes should match the fan housing closely. The holes are designed for easy installation and feature slots to ensure a secure fit. The grille is minimalist and raised above the fan, allowing plenty of airflow while minimizing turbulence. When I installed this grille, I was surprised by how quiet it made my printer - almost like switching from an extremely loud fan to one that's virtually silent. Unfortunately, I don't have decibel readings to share, but I can tell you that it made a significant difference in the noise level. Despite requiring supports, printing with this design is relatively quick. However, keep in mind that you'll need to use supports for successful prints. UPDATE: I've since printed another version of this grille, designed for tighter spaces. While it was more challenging to print and slightly weaker than the original, it lacks the wide flange around its perimeter, making it perfect for smaller areas. I'm thrilled to see how well-received my design has been in this community - thank you all for your kind words! It's an honor to be a part of such a supportive group.