Replacement Backplate for Wanhao Duplicator i3 with dual 50mm fans

thingiverse

EDIT 01/06/2016: Oh dear, it looks like I uploaded the wrong file initially! That explains why people said things weren't fitting quite right! Luckily, this new screenshot shows exactly what I intended to upload, so now that the correct file has been uploaded, all should be well again. I've also finally taken some photos and hope they display in order as expected - these were meant to illustrate just how this piece should come together. I included a photo of the case fan screws used for good measure, by the way. Simply use only the bottom two screws on each fan first. After that, gently flex the plate back so it's easy to slide the "ears" of the case into the grooves on the fan standoffs - this should sort of snap into place once everything is in its right spot, at which point you can add all remaining screws for the case. Enjoy! Just a week after getting my Wanhao Di3, I discovered that the small 40mm fan on the controller box was making an incredible amount of noise. To minimize the racket and move even more air around, I decided to create a backplate that could accommodate two 50mm fans. These will be placed at the top and are sure to push lots of cool air across the control board and over towards the power supply intake - the only remaining source of loudness on my printer! Now the loudest part left to address is the PSU fan, but I'll tackle that problem soon. Here's how to put this all together: Since I used computer case fan screws with fat threads that can cut their own, you may very well use longer screws and nuts - although it will indeed be more complicated. Begin by attaching the fans first using ONLY THE LOWER 2 SCREWS on each fan. Then securely attach the backplate to the controller box using its bottom three case screws. The last step requires some patience: carefully slide the tabs on the top part of the controller box into place between the fans and the plate once you have attached them with their respective grooves in the standoffs - then you can go ahead and add all the remaining screws for both the controller box itself as well as those upper corner fan screws. Print Settings Wanhao Duplicator i3 Printer Rafts: Doesn't Matter at All Supports: You Don't Have to Bother With These Either! Resolution: 300 Microns is Perfectly Fine, in Fact! Infill: Anything That Works Is Good Enough! Notes: This has been successfully printed without the need for either brim or raft using ABS on a Wanhao Di3 - use your own favorite settings as I tend to apply glue stick for better bed adhesion!